If you loved the Highlander, there’s little doubt you will consider the new Highlander (it debuted in 2024) pretty grand.
At its core, the Grand Highlander is basically a larger version of the popular SUV that’s been around for more than two decades. They are both mid-size crossover SUVs and each have a hybrid version.
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander hybrid reviewed here has more upside than its gas-powered counterpart. The hybrid offers far better fuel economy, has more powertrain options, and the towing capacity is higher.
While the two Grand Highlanders have some differences, they are practically identical inside and out. However, one difference is the hybrid has horizontal accent bars on its front grille, while the gas engine has a mesh pattern.
Designed for family hauling and seating seven or eight passengers, the larger Grand Highlander keeps gaining in popularity. In 2023 sales were 39,373 and nearly doubled one year later. In 2025, Grand Highlander sales rose to 136,800, far exceeding regular Highlander sales of 56,208.
As one might expect, the Grand Highlander hybrid costs more than the gas-powered model. However, there’s not a huge cost difference. The hybrid starts at around $45,300, while the regular Grand Highlander goes for roughly $41,900.
When describing the merits of a hybrid the talk almost always focuses on fuel economy. And the Grand Highlander hybrid is no different. The spacious three-row SUV delivers 34-37 mpg. That far exceeds the gas-powered model (21-27 mpg).
The Grand Highlander hybrid has two engine variations. The standard model has two electric motors that combine with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder to generate a combined 245 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds. It has 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity and all-wheel drive is standard on most trim models.
The more powerful engine is the Hybrid Max version that featurestwo electric motors that combine with a turbocharged 2.4-liter, four-cylinder to produce 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. It’s much faster than the standard hybrid model, going 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is quicker than most V6-equipped three-row SUVs.
But the fuel economy is much less than the standard engine at 26-27 mpg.The Hybrid Maxhas a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity and all-wheel drive is standard.
The hybrid offers a solid ride around town and provides some maneuverability on challenging twisty roads, although not as nimble as the Highlander. The Grand Highlander loses some steam in freeway situations with a full load of passengers.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 TOYOTA GRAND HIGHLANDER HYBRID
- Performance: two electric motors, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 245 horsepower; two electric motors, turbocharged 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, 362 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 34-37 mpg; 26-27 mpg
- Price estimate: $45,300 to $59,900
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; roadside assistance: 7 years/100,000 miles; corrosion: 5 years/unlimited
Standard driver safety features for the hybrid include pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; lane departure alert with steering assist; lane tracing assist; road sign alert; automatic high beams; proactive driving assist; and radar cruise control.
Every version of the Grand Highlander hybrid has a smallish standard 8-inch touchscreen, but a 12.3-inch one is optional. The climate controls are easy to use, and the tri-zone system provides ample heating and cooling capacity.
Kids will love the optional rear-seat entertainment system that lets passengers watch movies or play video games on two 11-inch screens located behind the front seats. Toyota says the Grand Highlander’s leg room in the third row nearly matches its full-size Sequoia SUV.
The hybrid has 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space (the Highlander has 16) behind the third row that extends to 57.9 cubes with the third row folded to the floor. The space stretches to 97.5 cubic feet with both rows down.
Fuel economy is the most significant reason to purchase the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander hybrid. But it also delivers solid performance, comfort and is one very spacious midsize SUV.
Jeffrey Weidel is an award-winning journalist from the Sacramento region who has written automotive reviews for nearly three decades and now appear in Folsom Times. Weidel. Follow him on BlueSky at jeffweidel.bsky.social.
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