Consumer Reports’ best midsize SUV rating is consistent with testing by USA TODAY Cars.
Inside Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky’s $1.8 billion reorganization
Inside Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky’s $1.8 billion reorganization
- Consumer Reports named the Toyota Grand Highlander the best midsize SUV of 2026.
- The 2026 Grand Highlander starts at an affordable $41,600 and is available in 10 different trim levels.
Consumer Reports released its 2026 Best Cars of the Year list, and USA TODAY Cars tested many of the winners. The One has made a huge impact on its segment, paving the way for a new era of mid-size SUVs.
The Toyota Grand Highlander was named this year’s best midsize SUV option by Consumer Reports. USA TODAY Cars drove the 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid to see if it ticks all the boxes for a competitive midsize SUV and attractive hybrid model.
Here’s why Consumer Reports’ selection should come as no surprise to many car enthusiasts, drivers, and fans of the nameplate.
Why the Toyota Grand Highlander is one of this year’s best midsize SUVs
Toyota’s Grand Highlander may be a relatively new model, but its predecessor, the midsize Highlander, has been around since 2001. Now, more than 20 years later, this SUV has earned a reputation for reliability and longevity.
Part of the Grand Highlander’s appeal is its design similarities to the slightly smaller Highlander. The big difference between the two nameplates is that the Grand Highlander has more cabin and cargo space and is designed to meet the needs of Americans who want a larger, non-full-size midsize SUV.
The Grand Highlander is definitely one of the best midsize SUV options on the family market, as it’s roomy, comfortable, and loaded with great standard technology and safety features. It offers excellent value for money and offers enough trim levels to satisfy a wide range of car buyers.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Specs
Prices for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander start at $41,600. It’s powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces an average 265 horsepower for its size. This midsize SUV gets about 21 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.
When it comes to price, the Grand Highlander is very affordable considering its size and average new car price (approximately $50,000). Additionally, Toyota offers multiple powertrains for the Grand Highlander, increasing power and efficiency.
Toyota’s Grand Highlander isn’t a one-size-fits-all SUV, but it’s customizable enough to suit most drivers, whether you’re looking to improve the gas mileage of your road trip vehicle or a daily driver. Hybrid models can achieve 37 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. Hybrid MAX models produce up to 362 total net horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
Which trim is best for Toyota Grand Highlander?
The Grand Highlander has a total of 10 trim options, ranging from the base LE ($41,660) to the hybrid MAX Platinum ($59,575). Car and Driver recommends the XLE trim with additional features like wireless phone charging and heated front seats wrapped in leatherette.
The Hybrid and Hybrid MAX options are better choices for drivers looking for higher efficiency and more power, respectively. USA TODAY Cars found the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum particularly comfortable and practical for long road trips.
