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Overview
The Grand Highlander Hybrid is arguably the most versatile member of the Highlander SUV clan. It takes the inherent goodness of the Grand Highlander and adds a choice of two hybrid powertrains that not only improve fuel economy but also introduce a surprising amount of speed to the family-SUV equation. In its most potent Grand Highlander Hybrid Max form, it hit 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds in our testing, has all-wheel drive, and can tow up to 5000 pounds. The standard Hybrid isn’t nearly as quick but is almost 10 mpg more efficient in combined driving according to the EPA. Though worthy of the “Grand” title on performance alone, the prefix actually refers to its larger size. Four inches longer overall than the standard Toyota Highlander SUV, it has a far more spacious feeling inside, particularly in the third row. A host of driver-assistance features is standard. Given its broad lineup, roomy interior, value-packed features list, and sparkling performance, the Grand Highlander was a natural addition to our 2024 10Best Trucks and SUVs list.
What’s New for 2024?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is new for 2024. It joins the non-hybrid Grand Highlander models, as well as the standard Highlander in Toyota’s domestic lineup.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $46,065 and goes up to $59,520 depending on the trim and options.
With two available hybrid powertrains spread over three trims, choosing the suitable Grand Highlander Hybrid is essentially a process of elimination. The XLE Hybrid comes only with the base hybrid powertrain, which makes 245 horses. Limited buyers can option up to the 362-hp Hybrid Max powertrain. Top-spec Platinum trims come only with the more powerful hybrid powerplant. While the Hybrid Max setup puts a smile on our faces, the Limited Hybrid Max’s price premium over the base XLE is hard to rationalize. Even more so when considering that the XLE is already well equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a power-operated liftgate, and a suite of driver-assistance features. Combined with its 36-mpg combined EPA fuel economy estimate, the XLE Hybrid makes for an attractive and fiscally responsible family hauler.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Grand Highlander Hybrid’s two available powertrain give buyers a choice between thrifty and proficient and slightly less thrifty but impressively quick. The former combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors to produce a combined 245 horsepower. The Hybrid Max powertrain pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter with an electric motor for a net 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. In our testing, the Hybrid Max leaped to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, while the last non-hybrid Grand Highlander we tested required 7.0 seconds to hit 60. (We haven’t tested the base Grand Highlander Hybrid yet, but Toyota claims a 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds; data confirms we frequently shave a few tenths or more off manufacturer-supplied performance numbers.) Interestingly, the standard Hybrid uses a CVT transmission, while the Hybrid Max employs a six-speed automatic. While the Grand Highlander Hybrid lacks the moves of purpose-built performance SUVs like the Explorer ST, it serves its purpose well. Besides steering with a too-light feel, it’s nicely set up for errand running, kid toting, and road-tripping.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Toyota Grand Highlander XLE and Limited with the 245-hp hybrid powertrain is rated to tow 3500 pounds. Stepping up to the Limited or Platinum trims equipped with the 362-hp Hybrid Max powertrain increases the tow rating to 5000 pounds. Both figures apply to front and all-wheel drive versions. For comparison’s sake, the standard non-hybrid Grand Highlander is also rated to tow 5000 pounds. The Grand Highlander Hybrid’s tugging power comes close to the max towing capacity of similar three-row SUVs, such as the Honda Pilot and the Kia Telluride, and some CX-90 models, but doesn’t approach the Dodge Durango‘s 8700-pound limit.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The front-wheel-drive 2.5-liter hybrid version takes the efficiency crown; its EPA-estimated 37-mpg city and 34-mpg highway figures (36/32 for AWD) make it the most efficient Grand Highlander in the pack. The Limited and Platinum models with the more powerful all-wheel drive-only Hybrid Max powertrain check in at 26 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The Hybrid Max we tested on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route underperformed its EPA estimate, delivering only 24 mpg. It’s worth noting that the nonhybrid Grand Highlander we tested on the same route delivered an impressive 29 mpg. For more information about the Grand Highlander’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Grand Highlander Hybrid’s raison d’être is to deliver the same familiar goodness of the regular Highlander with more interior room and, critically, a fully useable third row. To that end, passengers in the third row now enjoy 5.5 inches of additional legroom and 2.5 inches of additional shoulder room, which dramatically increases the Grand’s people-hauling capability. Interior styling gets a subtle boost, too, including a more symmetrical dashboard design. The XLE is the Grand Highlander’s entry-level model. It includes plenty of convenience features that family buyers will appreciate, including a power-operated liftgate, heated front seats, second-row window shades, and a host of USB and power outlets throughout the cabin. When equipped with a second-row bench seat, there’s space for eight passengers, but those seeking a seven-seat arrangement can swap that bench out for captain’s chairs.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Grand Highlander Hybrid features a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen running Toyota’s latest software interface. The XLE gets a 7.0-inch digital display in the gauge cluster, but the Limited and Platinum models get a larger 12.3-inch gauge display. Buyers will also find a wireless smartphone charging pad on every model. An 11-speaker JBL stereo upgrade is offered on Limited and Platinum models.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
All Grand Highlander Hybrid models come with a suite of driver-assistance features that Toyota calls TSS 3.0. In addition to basics such as blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking, the package also includes adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlamps, and a road-sign recognition system. For more information about the Grand Highlander’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Toyota’s warranty coverage is typical for the segment but comes with the added perk of two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, which most rivals don’t offer. The Grand Highlander Hybrid comes with the same coverage as the nonhybrid model but adds a separate hybrid-component warranty that provides eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Hybrid-component warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles
Specifications
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum AWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine and front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $59,520/$59,520
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter inline-4, 265 hp, 332 lb-ft + 2 AC motors (combined output: 362 hp, 400 lb-ft; 1.4-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack)
Transmissions, F/R: 6-speed automatic/direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.4-in vented disc/13.3-in vented disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact LX20 EcoPlus+
255/55R-20 107V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.1 in
Length: 201.4 in
Width: 78.3 in
Height: 70.1 in
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 58/52/39 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 98/58/21 ft3
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.3 sec @ 98 mph
100 mph: 14.9 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.9 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 117 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 187 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 24 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 410 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 27/26/27 mpg
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