Anthony FongaroLast year, Toyota expanded its SUV lineup with the introduction of the Grand Highlander, a larger sibling to the standard Highlander and a step below the rugged, truck-based Sequoia. Positioned as the brand’s largest unibody SUV, the Grand Highlander makes a strong case as a family-focused, road-trip-ready hauler. And while its styling may not turn heads, the combination of interior space, hybrid performance, and premium features makes it one of the most well-rounded offerings in Toyota’s lineup.
For 2025, Toyota introduces a few updates, including a new base Hybrid LE and a stylish Nightshade Edition, which slots in below the more powerful Hybrid MAX trims. We spent a week with the top-tier Hybrid MAX Platinum, a tech-packed, comfort-focused version of this three-row SUV, and while the full MAX powertrain isn’t essential for everyone, it certainly highlights just how versatile the Grand Highlander can be.
Grand Highlander: Clean Styling, Subtle Refinement
The 2025 Grand Highlander presents a clean, conservative look with subtle chrome accents and LED lighting. The front fascia features a tiered grille design, surrounded by chrome trim and flanked by sharp LED headlamps. Finished in Cement Gray, our test vehicle sat on 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, which gave it a solid, planted stance.
Optional features like illuminated door sills, puddle lamps, and running boards add a touch of upscale charm without venturing into ostentatious territory. At the rear, the hands-free power liftgate integrates wide LED taillights and prominently displays Hybrid MAX and Platinum badging. It’s a refined and purpose-driven design, nothing flashy, but it’s all about function.
Premium Comfort Meets Family-Friendly Tech
Inside, the Grand Highlander’s cabin strikes a pleasant balance between premium comfort and everyday usability. Our tester featured Portobello leather-trimmed seats with Ultrasuede accents, providing a surprisingly upscale feel for a mainstream SUV. While there are still some hard plastics in the mix, the overall fit and finish is excellent.
Front seats are power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, with a commanding view of the road. The driver gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a head-up display, while a second 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system handles navigation, audio, and connectivity. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect wirelessly, and the layout of shortcut buttons makes the system intuitive to use.
Toyota still includes physical climate controls, which are easy to use on the move. There’s a wireless charging pad, though it’s a bit slippery during spirited cornering, and plenty of USB-C ports throughout the cabin. Storage is abundant, with numerous cupholders and cubbies.
The second row on our Platinum tester came with heated captain’s chairs, while the third row offered surprisingly adult-friendly legroom. A panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with natural light, and the 11-speaker JBL premium sound system delivers crisp highs and solid bass. Whether you’re driving across town or across state lines, this SUV is built to keep passengers happy.
Turbocharged Hybrid Performance
The Hybrid MAX powertrain pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors, producing a combined 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, this Grand Highlander accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, a remarkable feat for a three-row SUV.
Drivers can select from Eco, Normal, or Sport modes. While Eco mode dulls the throttle for efficiency and Sport unlocks full acceleration, we found Normal mode to be the best everyday balance. Fuel economy is rated at 24-25 MPG combined, which is respectable given the vehicle’s size and power.
Advanced Safety, Smart Pricing
Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard and includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and pre-collision braking. The 360-degree camera system makes parking this large SUV much easier in tight urban settings.
Pricing for the hybrid lineup starts at $44,210 for the Hybrid LE and goes up to $58,775 for the Hybrid MAX Platinum. While the Platinum offers impressive power and features, we suggest the Hybrid Limited at $51,710, which uses the more efficient standard hybrid powertrain and offers a second-row bench for maximum passenger capacity.
Grand Highlander: A Thoughtful Family SUV
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid might not be a head-turner, but it’s one of the most well-thought-out three-row SUVs on the market today. It combines Toyota’s legendary reliability with modern technology, a refined hybrid powertrain, and enough space to keep your whole crew happy.
Whether you’re commuting, road-tripping, or just trying to keep up with the chaos of family life, the Grand Highlander is built to make it easier, with fewer fuel stops along the way.
Photos Courtesy of Toyota
