2025 Toyota Highlander

Inside, the Highlander and Grand Highlander’s relationship is more apparent, thanks largely to Toyota’s clever storage solutions, like a tiered dashboard with a shelf for smartphones. The Grand version goes a few steps further, with an open bridge console, a deep cubby in the center console that can be accessed even if the driver is using the armrest, and a compact electronic gear shifter. 

Both models get attractive bronze highlights on the console and dash, though the Grand Highlander has a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen that is optional in the Highlander. The screen is better integrated in the Grand Highlander as it rises symmetrically from the dash, while the Highlander version sits in an asymmetrical flourish of odd forked design. However, the Highlander’s wireless charging pad is better located under the touchscreen and vents, while in the Grand version it’s shoved in where the stack and console meet.

The systems are different according to the model. Base gas-only versions have a basic on-demand system, while the Limited and Platinum gas-only versions are enabled by a rear motor and feature torque vectoring for better traction and handling. 

How fast is the Toyota Highlander?

Not particularly quick, except for the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. Both Highlander models feature a 2.4-liter turbo-4 in base form, which also powers the Toyota Tacoma. Here, it pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is rated for 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s loud and the shifts are sometimes coarse, particularly when Sport mode is selected and especially compared to the hybrid powertrains, though the torque is arguably worth it. In the heavier Grand Highlander, this engine is good for a 7.5-second run from 0-60 mph.

The Hybrid is on the sluggish side because it prioritizes efficiency. The Hybrid’s powertrain combines a 2.5-liter inline-4 with two motors on the front axle, one at the rear, and a battery pack. That’s good for a combined EPA rating of 35 mpg, and it’s capable of all-electric driving at steady low speeds of around 15 mph in Normal, Eco, and Sport modes. 

Gas AWD and Grand Highlander Hybrid Max versions are capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, and gain Rock & Dirt, Mud & Sand, and Snow modes.

Grand Highlander Hybrid Max impressions

The Hybrid Max option is available only with the Grand Highlander. It supplements the turbo-4 with a pair of motors, one on each axle, and uses a 6-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain, rated for 362 hp and 400 lb-ft, is shared with the Toyota Crown, and the hybrid system has been adapted for the Lexus RX 500h and the Toyota Tundra.

Thanks to this system, the Toyota Grand Highlander has oomph that sets it apart not only from the rest of the Highlander lineup, but from most of its rivals. It can zip from 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds, while Sport mode lends extra personality. The full-time AWD system can shift torque from a 70:30 front-to-rear to a 20:80 split, for an interesting shift in the driving dynamics, while the engine provides V-6-like notes.

An independent suspension smooths out bumpy and bounding roads, and though the Grand Highlander’s size makes it a bit ponderous, body lean is well managed. Skip the optional 20-inch wheels if the usually smooth ride quality is a concern. While the steering initially feels loose, it responds well in turns.

The Highlander offers easy ingress and egress thanks to wide doors and a step about four inches below the seat bottoms. Between the two models, there’s just a 1.5-inch difference in second-row legroom, but the Grand Highlander’s extra space shines in the third row. Even though those seats sit on a raised floor, there’s still plenty of space, with an above-average 33.5 inches of legroom and plenty of headroom. By comparison, the base Highlander’s 27.7 inches of rear-row legroom is quite restrictive. 

The Grand Highlander’s cargo space is another notable advantage. The larger model offers a 20.6-cubic-foot cargo area behind the third row compared to the Highlander’s 16.0 cubes. A pull strap easily collapses the third row, opening up 57.9 and 48.4 cubic feet for the Grand Highlander and Highlander, respectively. That extends to a very useful 84.3 and 97.5 cubes, respectively, with the rear two rows folded down.

The Highlander comes standard with automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and a driver-alert monitor.

The XLE trim and above add blind-spot monitors. Other options include a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and parking sensors. The Grand Highlander is available with a subscription-based traffic jam assist feature that enables limited hands-free operation at speeds of less than 25 mph. For the 2024 model, the subscription price is $15 per month.

The base Highlander L and base Hybrid, at about $38,000 and $42,000, respectively, include an infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver seat, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Budget another $1,600 for all-wheel drive.

Which Toyota Highlander should I buy?

Budget about $50,000 for a Grand Highlander Hybrid in XLE trim. It offers great space and great fuel economy, plus such standard features as a power tailgate, synthetic leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wireless phone charging.

How much is a fully loaded Toyota Highlander?

The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum trim should also cost about $60,000. That brings leather and synthetic suede upholstery, a head-up display, 11-speaker JBL audio, a rear camera mirror, heated and cooled second-row outboard seats, a panoramic sunroof, a surround-view camera system, traffic jam assist, and 20-inch wheels.

The 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid was rated as high as 37/34/36 mpg with front-drive. That fell to 36/32/34 mpg with all-wheel drive. The Max was rated as 26/27/27 mpg, while the standard turbo-4 was rated as high as 21/28/24 mpg with front-wheel drive and 21/27/23 mpg with all-wheel drive.