The Toyota Grand Highlander isn’t named ‘Grand’ because it’s a more luxurious version of Toyota’s staple mid-size crossover. It’s because it’s 6.5 inches longer and can carry people more comfortably as well as fit in extra cargo. The main benefit is a third row that will actually fit a couple of adults and doesn’t need to be filed under “occasional use only.” We think a minivan would be an even more useful family vehicle (and cost less, too), but the US market has favored crossovers and SUVs for some time. Reports suggest this may be changing.
The Grand Highlander packs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder for gas models or a choice of two hybrid powertrains, with the most powerful boasting 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. No minivan offers such a capable powertrain or the clean, confident look of the Grand Highlander.
Along with styling, confident powertrains, and a useful third row, the Grand Highlander Hybrid starts with the XLE trim, which comes standard with a long list of family- and safety-friendly features that include tri-zone climate control, power-adjustable heated front seats, wireless device charging, and a hands-free power tailgate.
Exterior: Rugged Looks
Our Grand Highlander Hybrid tester arrived in Platinum trim, which swaps the XLE’s 18-inch wheels for a set of 20-inch multi-spoke wheels and includes luxuries like LED daytime running lights and a power tilt-and-slide panoramic roof with power sunshade. Its wheelbase is 116.1 inches versus the 112.2 inches of the regular Highlander range. It measures 78.3 inches wide, which is nearly two and a half inches wider than the standard Highlander, so it’s not a dramatically bigger vehicle from the outside although it’s longer.
Our tester, a Platinum Hybrid Max, shows off the silver-finished lower bumpers, rear spoiler, and twin exhaust outlets of the higher trims. In terms of looks, the Grand Highlander would be easy to mistake for a heavily facelifted version of the standard Highlander. We can understand comments about it looking bland, but if you’re not out to make a statement with what you drive, we think the Grand Highlander is a handsome crossover rather than a pretty one.
Interior: A Few Inches Makes All The Difference
Inside the Grand Highlander, there are choices to be made with regard to the second row. It can be configured with a bench seat to hold eight people in total or with a pair of captain’s chairs, reducing capacity by one but increasing second-row comfort dramatically. The Platinum Hybrid Max comes only with the captain’s chairs, which combined with the sunroof, gives a feeling of space that’s backed up with plenty of legroom and elbow space.
In the third row, there’s 33.5 inches of legroom – 5.5 inches more than the regular Highlander offers. While that’s plenty, and a rarity in a crossover, taller adults will find headroom isn’t ideal for longer journeys. Still, the Grand Highlander beats the regular version on that front, too, by more than an inch.
It’s worth noting that Grand Highlander models get 0.8 inches more second-row legroom than the shorter Highlanders, but it’s the latter that gets the most font-passenger legroom, albeit just 0.3 inches more.
In terms of quality, it’s Toyota build quality at its best with the materials and colors an upgrade over the regular Highlander’s offerings. In Platinum trim, this means leather and Ultrasuede in black, light gray, or Portobello brown. Thought has also gone into how a family will use the Grand Highlander, so there are plenty of cupholders (13 in total), cubbies, and generous door pockets to use.
Cargo space is useful and there’s room for four carry-on cases for airport runs behind the third row; the Grand Highlander has a minimum of 20.6 cubes and maxes out at 97.5 cubes with all the seats stowed – 4.6 cubes and 13.2 cubes more than the normal-length Highlander, respectively, making it much more practical.
Infotainment: Nothing Missing
Infotainment is based around a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard features alongside SiriusXM. There are seven USB ports in total to keep devices charged, and one wireless charger. Sound is delivered through a six-speaker system as standard while an 11-speaker JBL audio system is optional on the XSE trim and standard on the other trims. We wouldn’t bother optioning it on the XSE, although it’s one of the better implementations of the JBL system Toyota has done. All in all, it’s a well-integrated and intuitive system, and wireless CarPlay and AndroidAuto are welcome in a world where some automakers are making the mistake of trying to avoid implementing the features.
A 12.3-inch gauge cluster is included for the driver in upper trims, but only the Platinum Hybrid Max gets a ten-inch color head-up display.
Powertrain: Get Up And Go Available
Standard, the Grand Highlander comes with a four-cylinder 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that develops 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid XLE and Limited versions lose the turbocharger but add electric motors for 245 hp combined; the Hybrid XLE is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the Hybrid Limited is AWD only. The Hybrid Max powertrain is also AWD only, but powered by the turbocharged engine which is augmented with electric assistance to make its 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
Different versions use different transmissions, but the Hybrid Max powertrains use a six-speed automatic transmission over the eCVT of lesser hybrid models. It’ll hit 60 mph in just over six seconds (although some independent tests suggest it’s even quicker than this) and can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is more impressive than the regular Hybrid’s 7.8 seconds and 3,500-lb towing capacity.
On The Road: Light And Easy
Toyota knows its demographic, and the Grand Highlander is as smooth and easy to drive as it should be with its light steering, great visibility, and fuss-free transmission. Despite the weight of the hybrid system, our tester’s suspension was unruffled over rough pavement and made little fuss over a couple of freeway runs. There’s nothing to fault the hybrid system on, but don’t expect fireworks from the relatively high horsepower and torque figures. However, the 0-60 mph time is more than respectable in a vehicle of its size and weight, and getting up to freeway speed is effortless, as is overtaking dawdling traffic.
While there are plenty of safety and driver-aid systems working away, Toyota continues to do a fantastic job of not letting them get in the way of driving and making sure they only cut in or give notifications when absolutely necessary. Despite the extra weight of the hybrid system, the Grand Highlander doesn’t feel heavy to maneuver around town and is as easy to park as its smaller sibling.
Conclusion: Well Thought Out And Executed
While the Grand Highlander is a little more expensive than its main rivals, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, it’s equipped in such a way that the features match the price point – and it offers the benefits of hybridization, which neither of the aforementioned competitors currently do. For what it costs, the Grand Highlander feels like nothing is missing and everything is laid out logically and with utility in mind. It’s nothing special to pilot, but it’s designed to be easy to drive and can comfortably be used daily. It’s also more efficient than competitors, even without hybrid assistance, which is naturally the most economical powertrain in the lineup. The Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at an MSRP of $44,670 and asks $58,125 for the Hybrid Max Platinum.
The Grand Highlander is an example of a vehicle produced to meet market demands where something else already fits the bill. The Toyota Sienna exists and ticks most of the same boxes the Grand Highlander does, up to and including all-wheel drive and hybrid efficiency; admittedly, it’s not nearly as powerful or handsome. The vast majority of people who will buy the Grand Highlander would be just as well served by the Sienna, but they will want the styling of an SUV. As a beefed-up and better-dressed minivan, the Grand Highlander is one of the best examples out there now. You’ll want one of the hybrid versions, though.