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YARMOUTH PORT, Mass. – Toyota introduced the three-row Grand Highlander sport-utility vehicle (SUV) for the 2024 model year, and I was impressed with the gasoline-fueled version, writing in the January 2024 review “which is comfortable to drive and in which to be driven.”
I recently spent a week in a 2025 Grand Highlander Platinum HYBRID MAX, which takes all I said about last year’s model and adds a lot of performance along with superior fuel economy thanks to the hybrid powertrain, which makes for an even more satisfying experience.
Impressive powertrain
The Japanese automaker offers the Grand Highlander in three-powertrain configurations: a gasoline-fueled one and two hybrids. The base hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 245 horsepower, 20 less than the gas-only powertrain.
The HYBRID MAX setup builds around a 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). A front-mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous electric motor as well as a rear eAxle electric motor with 5.0 Ah NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) battery pack provides the electrified power.
The overall powertrain produces 362 horsepower and 400 pounds-feet of torque which flows through a six-speed automatic transmission (with steering-wheel paddle shifters) into an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system (AWD). The system adjusts power front to rear between 70:30 and 20:80, depending on the driving situation
The combination results in strong performance — Car and Driver testing returning 0-60 times of 5.6 seconds – and excellent fuel economy (especially for a 4,905-pound, 201.4-inch three-row SUV) of 31.9 miles per gallon for my heavy-footed driving. This compares to the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s rating of 27 mpg overall (26 urban, 27 highway).
The power is more than ample for all types of driving; the Toyota Grand Highlander feels strong under all conditions. Merging onto highways, pulling away from stop signs, it did not matter; I always was confident in the vehicle’s abilities to move.
Platform pieces perform
Based on Toyota’s TNGA-K independent-suspension platform, the Grand Highlander’s chassis features MacPherson-type struts, stabilizer bar and gas-pressurized shock absorbers up front and a multi-link setup with stabilizer bar and gas shocks in the rear.
The electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has 2.9 turns lock-to-lock and a 19.03-foot turning circle.
The power-assisted, anti-lock (ABS) braking system includes vented discs all around, 13.38 inches in the front, 13.3 in the rear.
The special, optional ($1,600) 20-inch black aluminum wheels on the review Platinum model wear Yokohama all-season 255/65R-18 M+S tires.
As I said in the first review, the Grand Highlander is no sports car and there is nothing particularly unique about the chassis setup, but the on-road actions are consistent, well controlled and predictable. The platform comfortably handles the performance produced by the powertrain, allowing me to maneuver with freedom regardless of road design or conditions. The Grand Highlander drives like the well-thought-out vehicle it is.
Extensive ADAS suite
Befitting the Platinum top-of-the range position, the review Grand Highlander came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The suite begins with the systems under the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 umbrella (TSS 3.0) — pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and proactive driving assist.
In addition, the ADAS list includes blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, panoramic-view monitor, front & rear parking assist with automatic braking, traffic-jam assist and color head-up display.
Premium interior features
The Grand Highlander Platinum HYBRID MAX interior is a great place to be a passenger or driver. The leather-trimmed seating is comfortable as well as easy to get into and out of (even the three-passenger third row). The first and second rows – all captain’s chairs – are heated and ventilated (the front ones are also power adjustable) and the adjustable leather wrapped steering wheel is also heated.
The automatic three-zone climate-control system can be controlled through either dash buttons and switches or the 12.3-inch color LCD touch screen at the center of the dash which also is the heart of the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system.
An 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, including amplifier and subwoofer, projects the sounds from the infotainment system’s SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/FM and streaming audio.
Other interior features include seven USB ports, two 120-Volt outlets, Qi mobile-device wireless-charging pad, and a 12.3-inch customizable cluster display.
All these features in a very roomy, easy to enter and exit, interior with plenty of room for up to seven passengers (though a bit tight in the third row for three large bodies) and their stuff. With the third row folded, the storage area is huge.
Grand Highlander provides choices for three-row SUV buyers
I have now reviewed and been impressed by two variants of the three-row Toyota Grand Highlander. Buyers who want a roomy, reliable (Toyota has earned its reputation) three-row SUV have numerous choices of powertrain (two hybrids, gas, front or all-wheel drive) and prices, from $40,860 for the gas LE FWD (front-wheel drive) to $58,775 for the Platinum AWD like I drove.
Lots of choices for a lot of SUV; the 2025 Grand Highlander provides the consumer with an enjoyable dilemma: just which one is perfect for me. And the answer will satisfy.
Next week TBR Drives the 2025 three-row Lexus TX350 AWD
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