This three row SUV checks out some boxes for American car buyers looking for family cars.
Video First Drive: 2026 Toyota BZ Gets a Big Makeover
Significant increases in power and range, new features, and Toyota’s name change make SUV changes a key player in a small SUV.
- The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is a bigger take on the popular Toyota SUV.
- The Toyota medium sized models are efficient, affordable and spacious.
- The Grand Highlander Hybrid’s unique powertrain and dimensions make it a unique model.
Do we live in the golden age of three rows of SUVs?
Brands such as Toyota, Kia, Jeep and Hyundai are creating competitive 3-row SUV models. Recent advances in hybrid tech have made these SUVs even more attractive as they can transport a large number of passengers without burning as much fuel as non-hybrid models.
Many three-row SUVs have a strong value proposition, but one Japanese model stands out from the pack: the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. USA Today has featured this three-row hybrid SUV in its tests to see if it is worth it in the real world, as it is on paper.
The fuel economy of the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is great for that segment
It is no secret that Japanese automaker Toyota has one of the best hybrid portfolios on the market. The brand has come a long way from the Toyota Prius, the first mass-produced hybrid.
Today, Toyota produces attractive hybrids, trucks and SUVs, using technology to provide output boosts and saves fuel to American drivers. The Grand Highlander Hybrid is no exception, bringing Toyota Hybrid’s best hybrid technology to a nameplate that is practical for large groups of passengers.
The base model, Grand Highlander Hybrid LE, earns an estimated 34 miles per gallon total (standard all-wheel drive). This is amazing for such a large all-wheel drive SUV. For context, the two-row Honda Passport medium SUV achieves just 21 miles per gallon combined despite its low seating capacity.
USA Today tested the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum Trim. The standard playback brakes on the 3-row SUV continued to add miles to the total range on long road trips under test. One of the biggest problems with driving a large vehicle (with many seats) is the cost of fuel. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max is reasonably priced to refuel and tasted gas like fine wine on the highway.
Toyota’s medium-sized three-row hybrid SUV won’t break the bank
Another problem many American car buyers have with larger SUV models is pricing.
Inflation and rising prices for new cars exacerbate this problem for many brands producing three-row SUVs. The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offers the practicality of a three-row SUV with a unique hybrid powertrain setup without breaking the bank.
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $44,210 with the base model hybrid LE trim. According to Cox Automotive from Automotive Research Company, the average new vehicle price in June was $51,124. American car buyers can get the base model Grand Highlander Hybrid LE or Hybrid XLE ($45,380).
Furthermore, a study by ISEeCars.com found that the Highlander Hybrid is one of the longest-lasting cars. If the same applies to a Highlander Hybrid-based Grand Highlander Hybrid, a medium-sized three-row SUV has a strong long-term value proposition.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid: Lots of cabins, cargo space
Toyota designed the second and third seat rows of the Grand Highlander Hybrid to be easily manipulated. This is important for passenger comfort. The second row of seats can be slid forward and bend, making it easy to jump into the rear row of seats. The third row of seats can be folded completely for maximum cargo space. So, whether you need the most seating space possible or the possible cargo space, you can easily adjust it.
The Grand Highlander Hybrid provides a comfortable Seven seat. Drivers can choose to add a second row bench seat with a total seating capacity of 8, leaving 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space. There is 57.9 cubic feet of cargo space with folded rear seats. During testing, the Grand Highlander Hybrid cargo area had four large beach chairs, a beach umbrella, a cooler and multiple backpacks.
The Grand Highlander Hybrid really carves its own lanes for fuel economy, affordability and size. This is one of the most attractive new SUV deals on the market for families.
