The Toyota Grand Highlander is undeniably practical, offering a large interior with three rows, crisp modern styling, and a strong value. Plus, it offers a gas-only and an (efficiency-focused) hybrid powertrain. This is what we’ve come to expect from the brand.
However, there is also a second hybrid on the menu called Hybrid Max, which combines the sustained power of a turbocharged engine and the instantaneous response of a large drive motor, for a notable performance boost. This was something not expected.
Filling the bill as Toyota’s large three-row crossover, the Grand Highlander measures 201 inches and 78.3 inches wide, placing it alongside the segment’s most popular models. For those counting, the body-on-frame Sequoia is still about a half-foot longer.
The Grand Highlander’s front fascia features Toyota’s current (but outgoing) crossover/ SUV design theme, making the Grand Highlander instantly recognizable despite being a new model (2024 debut). The body’s crisp angles and blocky shapes, as well as the molded-in black fender and lower bumper trim, impress a sense of ruggedness and informality; a notable distinction from its platform mate, the Lexus TX.
Adding a dash of exclusivity, the models featuring the Hybrid Max also receive a silver-painted front bumper splitter, 20-inch machine-finished wheels, and dual exhaust outlets, which together achieve an “enhanced performance” look and quietly state that this is the one with 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
The Grand Highlander’s large footprint translates into a large interior; however, headroom is surprisingly limited in the rear seats, while legroom can be OK in the third row, depending on the generosity of the second-row sliding seat occupant.
In a surprising win against waste (aka muda), the third-row seats operate manually via a two-step motion, with an easy, far faster action sequence than any power-operated system on the market.
The cargo room is impressively spacious, even with the third row seats back up. The flat shelf floor is vast and ideal for bulk items, but is less designed for securing groceries. Toyota does offer a cargo tote for $60.
One (of the many) delightful designs where Toyota demonstrates its understanding and appreciation for everyday tasks is seen in the cargo area’s lighting. Bright lights were neatly integrated into the tailgate garnishes (and other more typical locations) that help to light up the cargo area (and find spilled groceries).
Hopping into the driver’s seat immediately eases concerns about the big Toyota being intimidating to drive. The good outward visibility afforded by a shallow, low dash, thin A-pillars, door-mounted mirrors, and a digital rearview mirror, helps provide good spatial awareness. And despite the large touchscreen, the Grand Highlander also includes plenty of physical knobs and buttons helping one to quickly adjust any one of the three climate-control zones with just a quick glance away from the road.
The Hybrid Max is offered in the top two trim levels, and this top-tier Platinum trim checks out at just over $60k and incorporates essentially every feature that’s offered in the segment, including massaging front seats (although activating them requires five accurate finger presses on the touchscreen), heated and ventilated rear seats, and a head-up display. There are also unique styling features, such as the dark gold-colored trim highlights, that deliver an upscale contrast against the black trim, and carbon-fiber-look panels on the doors.
All of that creature comfort is in addition to the interior’s straightforward and practical layout that allows the driver and passengers to quickly get situated, with a number of large and small cubbies and oulets for charging.
Once underway, the Hybrid Max powertrain shows its true nature – one where the motors and the engine are nearly always used in combination, serving up both of their best attributes, resulting in swift acceleration up to extra highway speeds (and beyond) without even requiring much intention.
Despite its impressive power, the Hybrid Max is also eager to demonstrate that it’s more than just an “engine” upgrade. By using the rear axle motor to control both positive and negative torque, it can achieve unexpectedly good turn-in agility and a strong power-on push, helping the Grand Highlander feel far lighter than its 4,900-pound curb weight suggests.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is what the brand needed, no question. But adopting a hybrid powertrain focused on performance was a bit riskier. For those who are shopping for a three-row crossover with a confidence-inspiring hybrid powertrain (no plug required), look no further – this one has the goods, both what you might expect and not.
