The Grand Highlander enters 2025 as Toyota’s answer to buyers who found the Highlander a touch small for large families and road trips. With a longer wheelbase and redesigned rear, it offers genuine adult-friendly third-row seating and up to 2,775 liters of cargo space. Under the hood, buyers can choose from the 2.4L turbo petrol, a 2.5L hybrid for best economy, or the muscular 362 hp Hybrid MAX for performance-focused buyers. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, larger infotainment displays, and premium options like panoramic roofs and captain’s chairs cement its high-end family appeal.
What they’re saying
Good Comments
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“Finally, a Toyota SUV with a third row adults can actually use—spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped.” — Car and Driver
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“Hybrid MAX delivers impressive acceleration, making this one of the quickest in the Toyota SUV family.” — MotorTrend
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“Excellent cargo capacity and flexible seating configurations make it a top pick for big families.” — Kelley Blue Book
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“Toyota’s safety and infotainment updates keep it competitive while maintaining trademark reliability.” — Edmunds
Bad Comments
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“Large size makes it less maneuverable in tight urban spaces.” — Car and Driver
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“Fuel economy for the MAX hybrid and turbo petrol lags behind some rivals.” — MotorTrend
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“Starting prices are higher than the standard Highlander, and top trims approach luxury territory.” — What Car?
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“Ride comfort is very good, but handling is more relaxed than sporty.” — AutoExpress
Key Specifications Overview
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Powertrain: 2.4L turbo petrol (265 hp), 2.5L hybrid (243 hp combined), 2.4L Hybrid MAX (362 hp)
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Transmission: 8-speed automatic (petrol); e-CVT (hybrid); 6-speed automatic (Hybrid MAX)
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Drivetrain: FWD or AWD (AWD standard on Hybrid MAX)
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Fuel Economy / Range: Hybrid 36 mpg (US FWD), Hybrid MAX ~27 mpg, petrol ~24 mpg combined (EPA est.)
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Acceleration: 0–60 mph in 6.3s (Hybrid MAX), around 7.8–8.0s (petrol/hybrid)
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Weight: ~2,000–2,200 kg (varies by trim)
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Seating Capacity: 7 or 8
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Cargo Capacity: 594 liters behind third row; up to 2,775 liters with seats folded
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Safety Rating: 5-star NCAP/ANCAP expected, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard
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Price Range: £45,000–£61,000 UK (est.); $43,070–$58,125 US; AU$65,000–$85,000 AUS (est.); NZD 72,000–92,000 NZ; €52,000–65,000 EU (est.)
Key Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification / Notes |
|---|---|
| Engine / Powertrain | 2.4L turbo, 2.5L hybrid, 2.4L Hybrid MAX |
| Power Output | 243–362 hp |
| Torque | Up to 400 lb-ft (Hybrid MAX) |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto, e-CVT, or 6-speed auto |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD |
| Fuel Economy / Range | 24–36 mpg combined (EPA est.) |
| Acceleration (0-100) | As quick as 6.3s (Hybrid MAX) |
| Weight | ~2,000–2,200 kg |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 |
| Cargo Capacity | 594–2,775 liters |
| Safety Rating | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, likely 5-star rating |
Price Range Table
(Ordered: £UK, $USA, AUS, NZ, EU)
| Region / Country | Trim Levels Available | Price Range (Local Currency) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Expected Hybrid and MAX | £45,000–£61,000 (est.) | Not yet officially launched |
| United States | XLE, Limited, Platinum | $43,070–$58,125 | Three powertrains; AWD on higher trims |
| Australia | GXL, Grande Hybrid | AU$65,000–$85,000 (est.) | Hybrid focus; long-wheelbase appeal |
| New Zealand | Limited, Grande Hybrid | NZD 72,000–92,000 (est.) | Hybrid MAX likely special order |
| Europe (euros) | Hybrid, Hybrid MAX | €52,000–65,000 (est.) | EU gets hybrids as priority |
Performance and Driving Experience Overview
The Grand Highlander drives smoothly and quietly, prioritizing comfort over sporty handling. The standard hybrid is efficient and calm, the turbo petrol is versatile and responsive, while the Hybrid MAX offers strong, confidence-inspiring acceleration and superior passing power. Steering is light for a vehicle of its size, and suspension tuning absorbs road imperfections well, though tight turns and parking require more care due to its length and width.
Interior and Technology
Inside, space is the star. All three rows offer adult-friendly head and legroom, with available second-row captain’s chairs for enhanced comfort. Material quality ranges from durable fabrics in lower trims to soft-touch and leather in Limited and Platinum grades. Toyota’s latest infotainment features a large 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, paired with a digital instrument display. Amenities include USB ports in all rows, tri-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and hands-free tailgate. Safety Sense 3.0 is standard, with features like adaptive cruise, lane tracing assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Battery and Range Considerations
Hybrid and Hybrid MAX powertrains use lithium-ion batteries recharged via regenerative braking; no plug-in variant is currently offered. The hybrid’s 36 mpg rating is segment-leading for a full-sized SUV, while the Hybrid MAX prioritises performance but still delivers respectable fuel savings over pure petrol.
At a Glance Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine / Powertrain | 2.4L turbo, 2.5L hybrid, 2.4L Hybrid MAX |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto, e-CVT, 6-speed auto |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD |
| Fuel Economy / Range | 24–36 mpg combined |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 |
| Cargo Volume | 594–2,775 liters |
| Safety | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, likely 5-star |
| Infotainment | 12.3" touchscreen, digital cluster, wireless CarPlay |
| Price Range | £45,000–£61,000 UK; $43,070–$58,125 US |
Pros and Cons Overview
The Grand Highlander offers superb passenger space, strong safety, and a choice between fuel efficiency and performance. Downsides include urban maneuverability challenges, higher pricing compared to the standard Highlander, and relaxed handling that favours comfort over agility.
Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Genuine adult-sized third row | Large dimensions in tight city driving |
| Choice of efficient or powerful hybrid options | Hybrid MAX less fuel-efficient |
| Excellent cargo and passenger space | Premium trims can get expensive |
| Comprehensive safety and tech standard | Not as sporty to drive as some rivals |
| Toyota reliability and resale value | No plug-in hybrid option |
Overall Verdict
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is an ideal choice for big families and long-distance travelers who need space, comfort, safety, and a choice between exceptional efficiency or strong performance. It’s not aimed at driving enthusiasts, but for practicality with Toyota dependability in a large SUV, it’s one of the most compelling options available.
Sources
Car and Driver
MotorTrend
Kelley Blue Book
Edmunds
Toyota Official
What Car?
AutoExpress