Toyota Grand Highlander: Features, Specs, Pricing, and Review

The Toyota Grand Highlander has rapidly become a standout in the midsize three-row SUV category—not only because it delivers comfort and space, but because it offers a compelling blend of fuel efficiency, powertrain variety, and modern amenities. As of early 2026, its appeal remains strong, buoyed by Toyota’s reputation for reliability and a lineup that fits both pragmatic and performance-oriented buyers.

2026 Pricing Overview: Incremental Hikes, Competitive Value

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander sees modest price increases compared to its predecessors—generally around $500 across trims, with one exception seeing a $580 bump. The base LE FWD now starts around $41,360 before destination charges, while the Hybrid MAX Platinum lands near $59,275 (autos.yahoo.com). Kelley Blue Book lists the LE at $42,855 and the Platinum at $56,040 (kbb.com). Edmunds corroborates the range, noting the LE at $42,855 and Platinum at $56,040 (edmunds.com).

Despite slight increases, pricing remains attractive. A comparison in AP News placed the Grand Highlander around $45,080 for the 2025 model, highlighting its value relative to spacious cabin size and hybrid efficiency (apnews.com). Overall, the tiny uptick in cost is balanced by enhanced features and Toyota’s long-term value outlook.

Engine Options & Fuel Economy: A Range to Match Your Needs

Toyota offers several distinct powertrain options, serving diverse priorities:

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• Turbocharged 2.4‑L four‑cylinder gas engine: 265 hp, 310 lb‑ft, paired with an eight-speed automatic. Fuel economy hovers around 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway for FWD models, slipping slightly with AWD (cars.com).

• Hybrid (2.5‑L + electric motor): 245 hp combined output, CVT transmission, offering approximately 37/34/36 mpg for FWD and 36/32/34 mpg for AWD setups (cars.com).

• Hybrid MAX: Combines the turbo gas engine with an electric rear motor for 362 hp and 400 lb‑ft of torque, aided by full-time AWD and a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy is rated around 26/27/27 mpg (cars.com).

Real-world reporting, such as the Wall Street Journal’s take on the Nightshade Hybrid, found solid ~35 mpg in mixed driving—underscoring its efficiency despite modest sacrifices in aesthetics (wsj.com).

“If I were buying, a real, honest 35.1 mpg in this large SUV might make me forgive its normcore styling,” noted one reviewer (wsj.com).

Interior, Features & Practicality: Built for Families

Inside, the Grand Highlander lands on families’ wish lists with spacious accommodations:

• Three-row seating standard; second-row captain’s chairs and 60/40 bench are both offered (cars.com).
• Large third-row windows and wide door openings enhance accessibility (pressroom.toyota.com).
• High-tech offerings include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, and an optional 11-speaker JBL audio system (motortrend.com).
• Trims like the Hybrid MAX Platinum elevate luxury further with features like suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, head-up display, digital gauge cluster, and premium audio (motortrend.com).
• Safety is robust across the lineup, featuring Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and road sign recognition (caranddriver.com).
• Toyota backs it with standard coverage: three years/36,000 miles limited warranty, five years/60,000 miles powertrain, plus two years/25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance (caranddriver.com).

Market Reception & Real-World Transactions: Supply Meets Demand

Sales numbers tell a compelling story. The Grand Highlander continues to outsell its mid-size sibling, the Highlander, even amid overall SUV market softness. By August 2025, Toyota had sold 89,339 Grand Highlanders compared to 38,594 of the standard version—a notable 2.3× disparity (caranddriver.com).

On the ground, consumer experiences reflect high demand: Riviera dealerships are reportedly marking up prices, particularly for popular Hybrid models. Bay Area buyers reported $5K over SRP on Hybrid Limited trims, whereas more favorable deals—including $3K below MSRP—were achieved in other regions (reddit.com).

It appears that while demand drives some price flexibility for dealers, savvy buyers exploring multiple dealerships can still negotiate favorable outcomes.

Summary: The Grand Highlander’s Value Proposition

With a polished mix of space, diverse powertrains, solid tech features, and Toyota’s reliability, the Grand Highlander stands as a top choice in its class. Incremental price increases haven’t undercut its appeal, especially in hybrid and family-focused trims. High demand may challenge availability, but buyers can still find good deals with persistence. Its blend of comfort, efficiency, and advanced safety makes it one of the strongest value propositions in the midsize SUV segment today.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Pricing remains competitive: base models start ~§41K–42K; top Hybrids near $60K.
• Powertrain versatility offers real-world fuel savings—especially in hybrids.
• Interiors cater strongly to families, with both tech and comfort front and center.
• Consumer interest is high; negotiating well requires market awareness and flexibility.
• Overall, the Grand Highlander delivers on practicality and poise—solidifying its place as a top-tier family SUV in 2026.

Let me know if you’d like a side-by-side comparison with key rivals like Traverse, Telluride, or Pilot, or a deeper dive into specific trims and feature matchups.