2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

Overview

The Grand Highlander Hybrid is undoubtedly the most flexible member of the Highland SUV clan. It takes the inherent good of the Grand Highlander and adds a choice of two hybrid engines that not only increase fuel efficiency but also inject a surprising certificate of speed to the family-SUV equation. In its most potent Grand Highlander Hybrid Max setup, it hit 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds in our testing, boasts all-wheel drive, and can tow up to 5000 pounds. The basic Hybrid isn't quite as speedy but is almost 10 mpg more efficient in combined driving according to the EPA. Though worthy of the “Grand” designation on performance alone, the prefix actually refers to its larger size. Four inches longer overall than the normal Toyota Highlander SUV, it provides a significantly more roomy sensation inside, particularly in the third row. A plethora of driver-assistance systems is standard. Given its broad lineup, large interior, value-packed features list, and sparkling performance, the Grand Highlander was an obvious choice to both our 2024 10Best Trucks and SUVs list and our 2024 Editors' Choice list.

What's New for 2024?

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is new for 2024. It joins the non-hybrid Grand Highlander variants, as well as the basic Highlander in Toyota's domestic portfolio.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The pricing of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $46,470 and goes up to $59,925 depending on the trim and options.

With two available hybrid powertrains split over three trims, picking the ideal Grand Highlander Hybrid is largely a process of elimination. The XLE Hybrid comes solely with the standard hybrid powertrain, which makes 245 horsepower. Limited purchasers can pick up to the 362-hp Hybrid Max powerplant. Top-spec Platinum trims come only with the more powerful hybrid engine. While the Hybrid Max arrangement puts a grin on our faces, the Limited Hybrid Max's price premium over the original XLE is hard to understand. Even more so when considering that the XLE is already nicely 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 systems. Combined with its 36-mpg combined EPA fuel efficiency estimate, the XLE Hybrid makes for an attractive and fiscally smart family hauler.

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Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Grand Highlander Hybrid's two optional powertrain give owners a choice between thrifty and proficient and slightly less thrifty but incredibly speedy. The former combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors to produce a combined 245 horsepower. The Hybrid Max powertrain marries a turbocharged 2.4-liter with an electric motor for a net 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. In our tests, the Hybrid Max soared to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, while the last non-hybrid Grand Highlander we examined required 7.0 seconds to get 60. (We haven't tested the base Grand Highlander Hybrid yet, but Toyota claims a 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds; data reveals we routinely shave a few tenths or more off manufacturer-supplied performance statistics.) Interestingly, the regular Hybrid has a CVT transmission, while the Hybrid Max features a six-speed automatic. While the Grand Highlander Hybrid lacks the moves of purpose-built performance SUVs like the Explorer ST, it performs its purpose effectively. Besides steering with a too-light feel, it's beautifully 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 grades equipped with the 362-hp Hybrid Max powertrain improves the tow rating to 5000 pounds. Both statistics apply to front and all-wheel drive variants. For comparison's purposes, the normal non-hybrid Grand Highlander is likewise rated to tow 5000 pounds. The Grand Highlander Hybrid's tugging strength comes near to the max towing capacity of rival three-row SUVs, including as the Honda Pilot and the Kia Telluride, and some CX-90 versions, but doesn't reach 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 ratings (36/32 for AWD) making it the most efficient Grand Highlander in the pack. The Limited and Platinum variants with the more powerful all-wheel drive-only Hybrid Max powertrain clock in at 26 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The Hybrid Max we tested on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route failed its EPA estimate, achieving only 24 mpg. It's worth mentioning that the nonhybrid Grand Highlander we tested on the same road achieved an excellent 29 mpg. For more information about the Grand Highlander's fuel economy, see the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Grand Highlander Hybrid's raison d'être is to give the same familiar deliciousness of the ordinary Highlander with greater internal accommodation and, significantly, a fully functioning third row. To that end, passengers in the third row now enjoy 5.5 inches of increased legroom and 2.5 inches of additional shoulder room, which considerably expands the Grand's people-hauling potential. Interior appearance receives a minor lift, too, with a more symmetrical dashboard design. The XLE is the Grand Highlander's entry-level model. It boasts plenty of convenience features that family customers will love, like a power-operated liftgate, heated front seats, second-row window blinds, and a multitude of USB and power outlets throughout the cabin. When equipped with a second-row bench seat, there's capacity for eight passengers, but customers desiring a seven-seat arrangement can switch the bench out for captain's chairs.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Grand Highlander Hybrid boasts a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen using Toyota's newest software interface. The XLE features 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 discover a wireless smartphone charging pad on every model. An 11-speaker JBL stereo upgrade is provided on Limited and Platinum variants.