The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is pretty much what you'd expect by the name. It has the same roomy interior, comfortable ride and features as its non-hybrid counterpart and then adds great mpg to the mix. We think the Grand Highlander Hybrid is a great pick for a three-row SUV.Read full review
Not long ago, the Toyota Highlander was one of the best three-row SUVs on the market, ideal for active, growing families with its roomy interior and impressive fuel economy. But size creep is a thing, and today's Highlander is no longer the spacious hauler it once seemed. Enter the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. Introduced two years ago, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is longer and has more third-row legroom and cargo space than the less-grand model. Impressively, the hybrid also gets up to an EPA-estimated 36 mpg. That's great for a three-row SUV and a big improvement on the regular Grand Highlander's 24 mpg.
We drove the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Driving experience
8.3/10
How does the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid drive? The Grand Highlander Hybrid comes with one of two available powertrains. We tested the more powerful (and more expensive) Hybrid Max version. With 362 horsepower on tap, the Max is appreciably more powerful than a regular Grand Highlander. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, a full 2 seconds quicker than the base-engine Grand Highlander. This makes it quicker than most V6-equipped three-row midsize SUVs, not to mention more efficient. The Max powertrain is also responsive and helps to make the Grand Highlander more enjoyable to drive every day.
It gets better. Considering how comfortable and easy to drive it is, the Grand Highlander's ability to stop quickly and confidently, as well as negotiate a twisty road, is pretty admirable. The all-wheel-drive system, besides enhancing available traction in slick conditions, has a torque-vectoring feature that can subtly enhance the Grand Highlander's handling balance. Visibility, including camera aids, and the driver assistance features are very good as well.
Comfort
7.8/10
View interior photos
How comfortable is the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid? The Grand Highlander's biggest advantage over the Highlander and indeed many competitors is its third-row space. The seat is mounted higher off the floor than most, resulting in surprisingly adult-friendly legroom. Up front, it's easy to find your preferred driving position, though taller folks may wish for more thigh support and extra steering wheel telescoping. The front seats are comfortable on long drives, and the second-row captain's chairs are nearly as nice. A large rear-facing car seat is easily accommodated in the second row thanks to the generous sliding movement of the captain's chairs. The car seat anchors, including two in the third row, are easily located for all types of child seats.
The climate controls are easy to use, and the standard tri-zone system provides ample heating and cooling capacity. Seat heating and ventilation could be better, though.
In terms of noise, the Hybrid Max is quieter when pushed hard than the gas-only version we previously tested, but that's the lone difference we noted and sound measurements were similar. In general, the Grand Highlander isn't the quietest SUV out there, but it's not bad either, especially in terms of wind noise.
In-cabin tech
9.7/10
How’s the tech? Our test Grand Highlander had the optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. (An 8-inch screen is standard.) The graphics look sharp and the screen responds quickly to inputs, but occasionally reflections on the surface make using it more difficult than it should be. Some of the menus can be confusing too. To top it all off, Toyota's voice recognition system is now one of the best. The system is connected to the web, so you can ask for things like jokes and the weather and even make general Google-like queries.
The number of device integration features is excellent, including USB-C ports and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in every row. Most trim levels also have wireless charging and digital key/remote services.
Storage & cargo
8.1/10
How’s storage and cargo? The Grand Highlander's 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row is 5 more cubes than the Highlander, which is enough to fit an extra couple suitcases. In the segment, only the Chevrolet Traverse is likely to hold more stuff with all seats raised. It then balloons to 97.5 cubes with all rows lowered. We also like the Grand Highlander's small-item storage. There are plenty of big spaces to stash your stuff up front. The second row gets useful door cubbies and a removable center storage area with space for phones, plus a couple of secure cupholders. Even the third row has two cupholders per side and phone storage.
Maximum towing (with the Hybrid Max powertrain) matches the non-hybrid model with a class-average 5,000 pounds.
Value
7.7/10
Is the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid a good value? Small touches in the Grand Highlander go a long way to make it feel more premium than the Highlander. The interior is solidly put together with soft padded surfaces where they matter most. If it wasn't for some laughably fake-looking wood trim, there could be whispers of semi-luxury vibes in here. The Hybrid Max powertrain does carry a bit of a price premium, but given the fundamental upgrades, we think it's still a good value.
Toyota's warranty coverage is pretty common for the class with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. The first two years of scheduled maintenance are also free.
MPG
5/10
How’s the fuel economy? We tested Grand Highlander Hybrid with its Hybrid Max powertrain, which means our scoring is for that configuration. It gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined, which is merely average for an SUV (though superior to the gas-only model's 24 mpg combined). By contrast, the standard Grand Highlander Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg (FWD) or 34 mpg combined (AWD), which is exceptional fuel economy for a midsize three-row SUV and good for SUVs in general. Note that if we did this test with the standard Hybrid, there'd be a higher mpg score for this category but a lower performance score above.
X factor
7/10
Alas, among all the thoughtful touches and improvements Toyota made with the Grand Highlander, it's odd that the designers decided to wrap it all up in rather anonymous style. Even the exterior styling of the Highlander pushed a few boundaries and gave it some character, allowing it to stand out in the sea of suburbia. Not so with the Grand Highlander. It's not offensive, but the slab-sided flanks and all-too-textbook front and rear end are absent any real personality. The saving grace is that the Hybrid Max version is one of the quicker three-row SUVs around.
Compare dealer price quotes
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid pricing in Des Moines, IA
This hybrid SUV is flying off lots in just 6 days, so even with about 8,900 new vehicles nationwide, expect only modest wiggle room on price.
Buyers are paying about $900 under MSRP on average, and there are no general customer rebates right now, so the Edmunds Suggested Price still sits only slightly below sticker. If you want the strongest value play, the XLE stands out at roughly 2.4% off MSRP, which is a bit better than the rest.
Toyota is offering a promotional rate as low as 4.99% for 48 months for qualified buyers. That is well below typical market rates, so financing through Toyota could save you meaningful money over the life of the loan.
New inventory is plentiful at about 8,900 vehicles nationwide, but demand is still very strong since median days to turn for new vehicles is just 6 versus 29 for the average model. The LE is especially scarce at only about 100 new vehicles, while the Limited is the easiest trim to find.
If you are leasing, expect around $610 a month with about $6,400 due at signing on a 36-month, 12,000-mile lease. The XLE lease looks friendlier, at about $500 a month with roughly $3,800 due upfront.
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2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid trim level differences
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is a midsize three-row SUV available in five trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited, Nightshade and Platinum. There are two hybrid configurations. The standard powertrain is a four-cylinder engine (245 horsepower) paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and either front- or all-wheel drive. The optional Hybrid Max powertrain uses a turbocharged four-cylinder (362 hp) joined to a six-speed automatic transmission. It's all-wheel-drive only. Compare the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid trim levels in-depth.
Which Grand Highlander Hybrid trim does Edmunds recommend?
If you don't need to tow, go with the XLE. It adds some nice upgrades over the base LE trim (synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, wireless phone charger) and also offers either a rear bench seat or captain's chairs. It's also the only trim offering either front- or all-wheel drive. If you want the more powerful Hybrid Max powertrain, the Limited trim is a good way to get it. It comes with nearly all the comforts of the top-range Platinum and will save you a bit up front.
Competitors to consider
Midsize three-row hybrid SUVs remain fairly rare, but the Mazda CX-90 is one alternative. It's not as roomy as the Toyota and has less cargo space, but precise steering and handling make it more fun to drive. There's also a plug-in hybrid version that offers 25 miles of electric range. The Hyundai Palisade hybrid is a newer entry that costs about the same as the Toyota and merits serious consideration.
Edmunds spotlight: Hybrid offers effort and efficiency
The Grand Highlander Hybrid (along with the regular Grand Highlander) split the difference between the standard-issue Highlander and the larger Sequoia in Toyota's lineup. If you want an adult-friendly third row and extra cargo space but don't need the heavier, thirstier Sequoia, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is just right. It's also worth knowing that Toyota offers two powertrain options. The base hybrid gets up to 36 mpg combined but can feel slow when you're getting onto the highway or trying to pass a slow-moving truck. That's what the more powerful Hybrid Max powertrain is for. It is noticeably quicker and can tow a 5,000-pound load (the standard powertrain tops out at 3,500 pounds) and still returns up to 27 mpg combined.
Overall, owner sentiment is mixed. Owners love the roomy cabin, strong gas mileage, and smooth, comfy ride, and many say it drives better than they expected. They also like the quick power, good-looking style, and helpful screens and cameras. But some owners had trouble with the touchscreen, key fobs, cabin noise, and a few missing or uncomfortable features.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)
I need a full size SUV but I wanted to cut my gas and maintenance costs. I also wanted good tech. So I decided to give up my 510 hp 2017 Range Rover Sport and searched high and low for a fun and practical replacement. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max fit the bill. It has tons of room for seating, cargo and safety. The 362 hp turbo 4 hybrid has enough power to drive with authority when … you need it. Meanwhile the hybrid lets me get 30 mpg when I drive sensibly.
I have been averaging 17 mpg for years on premium gas. Averaging 27 in my first 700 miles on regular is going to save me $2,000 a year on gas. Toyota reliability and its lower maintenance costs will also save me a ton.
The pros are decent mileage on a powerful SUV. Tons of space. A useable 3rd row. Comfortable seats. Great tech. The sensors and cameras are helpful and responsive. Other vehicles have sensors that lag and cameras with unhelpful perspectives. The surround ghost view is awesome. The 12.3 screens are money! Love the dash options. The navigation and radio are sweet. Apple CarPlay works great through Bluetooth. There is a learning curve. It pays to read the manuals to get the most out of the tech. The traffic jam feature is very cool and cuts the stress and leg fatigue. The brake hold is cool. The auto high beam works well. I had to disable it on my prior vehicle. The ride is smooth for local and highway driving. Love the huge moon roof. Great views through the windows. Also the digital rear view mirror is excellent when the car is packed to the roof or full of passengers.
Another pro is the body style. Not fancy, but clean look won’t look old in a couple of years like the flared regular Highlander. I keep cars for 7 years usually so I appreciate styling that looks good for the long haul. Also this looks better than the Lexus TX to me. I also appreciate Toyota for their history of reliable and durable vehicles.
Cons: This is not an inexpensive vehicle. Tough to get a deep discount deal with so few available. Only one key available at purchase for supply chain reasons. Rear cover does not hide several inches behind the second row. Seat belt alarm is super obnoxious.
All in all I am loving this balance of power, economy and features. After 20 years of gas guzzlers I have no mileage regrets.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, so we've included review for other years of the Grand Highlander Hybrid since its last redesign.
Honda Pilot vs. Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid: 3-Row Family SUVs
Which is the best 3-row SUV for your family? We test the 2026 Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid to see which hauler reigns supreme.
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls.
Recalls
2 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
26V179000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
See attach
Manufactured from:
2024-04-01 to
Number of vehicles affected:
8230
Defect Description:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma Hybrid, Tacoma, RAV4 Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Lexus GX550, 2024-2026 Tundra Hybrid, 2025 Sequoia Hybrid, Crown Signia, Grand Highlander, Lexus TX500 Hybrid, Lexus NX350 Hybrid, 2025-2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Lexus TX350 vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Defect Consequence:
A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the load carrying capacity modification label, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 9, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB04, 26LA04, 26TB07, and 26TA07.
Recall Number:
25V744000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
25TB13/25L
Manufactured from:
2024-10-31 to 2025-05-07
Number of vehicles affected:
1024407
Defect Description:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:
A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 16, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 39 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Grand Highlander Hybrid has 20.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. Learn more
What's new in the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid:
No changes for 2026
Part of the first Grand Highlander Hybrid generation introduced for 2024
To determine whether the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Grand Highlander Hybrid. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 39 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid?
The least-expensive 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $45,610.
Other versions include:
LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $45,610
XLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $46,780
XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $48,380
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $53,110
Nightshade 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $54,090
MAX Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) which starts at $56,090
MAX Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) which starts at $60,175
What are the different models of Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid?
If you're interested in the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, the next question is, which Grand Highlander Hybrid model is right for you? Grand Highlander Hybrid variants include LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), XLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of Grand Highlander Hybrid models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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