2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Review

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the latest edition of the automaker’s largest midsize SUV, which it initially introduced a few years ago alongside the standard Highlander.

It comes in the choice of gas-only or gas-electric power, including a stout Hybrid Max setup. The gas-only trims start with the XLE at $54,065, including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $1,930. The hybrid models begin with the XLE at $57,465 and the Limited at $64,800. Tested here is the top-of-the-line Platinum, which is offered strictly with the more powerful hybrid system, and it’s $69,060 before tax. Some colours add $350, but the shade of Blueprint seen here is included in the price; and options on this top trim are limited to accessories, such as a block heater and crossbars for the roof rails.

Styling 8 / 10

The Grand Highlander isn’t a traffic standout, but it’s a handsome design, with a squared-off profile that helps preserve headroom through its three rows. The entry XLE rides on 18-inch wheels, while the Limited and Platinum trims move up to 20-inch rims. The cabin is well-designed and has a luxurious look, especially with the Platinum’s premium leather and suede upholstery, and its standard second-row captain’s chairs.

Safety 8 / 10

The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2026 Grand Highlander its highest five-star crash-test rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it the top “Good” in its side crash and updated moderate front overlap tests, which now assess potential injury to rear-seat occupants as well as those in front. It received the next-step-down “Acceptable” for small overlap, but “Good” for how its collision avoidance system recognizes pedestrians and other vehicles.

Standard driver-assist features include emergency front braking, plus blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, highway driving assist, road sign recognition, and the back-up camera that’s required on all new vehicles. The Limited adds a panoramic camera and automatic rear braking, while the Platinum further includes blind-spot collision avoidance, traffic jam assist, a head-up display, and front cross-traffic alert.

Features 8 / 10

Sitting at the top of the lineup, the Platinum comes generously kitted out. All trims include a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charger, power tailgate, and cargo privacy cover. The midrange Limited adds rain-sensing wipers, an upgraded stereo, 12.3-inch digital instrument display, leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, hands-free tailgate access, and a digital key; and it can be optioned with second-row captain’s chairs. Those chairs are standard in the Platinum, along with a head-up display, camera-based rearview mirror, premium leather, and ventilated second-row seats.

User-Friendliness 8 / 10

The Grand Highlander is generally an easy vehicle to use. The step-in height is relatively low, and sliding the second-row chairs ahead opens a space for accessing the third row that’s wider than many others on the market. The dash retains buttons and dials for most functions, including climate control, as well as a volume knob; and these are always less distracting than trying to find and tap a tiny icon on a screen.

Practicality 8 / 10

The Grand Highlander is longer than the regular Highlander, which translates into more second- and third-row legroom, as well as more cargo space, including with the third row upright. That can be important because if you put people in all three rows, you may not have room for all their luggage or gear behind them in the non-Grand version. The Highlander also doesn’t offer the Hybrid Max option — more on that shortly — and so while it can tow the same 1,587 kg (3,500 lb) as the regular Grand Highlander Hybrid, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max can handle as much as 2,267 kg (5,000 lb).

Comfort 9 / 10

The Grand Highlander’s first- and second-row seats are as comfortable as they look, and they stay supportive during long drives. The third-row seats are hard and flat, which is generally the case with the majority of multi-passenger SUVs, but legroom is generous and they’ll work for adults on short trips. Second-row passengers can adjust their own climate settings, including vent modes and fan speeds, or an “auto” choice. The ride is smooth and the cabin is quiet; this is a very nice vehicle for occupants.

Power: 9/10

As mentioned, the Grand Highlander Hybrid comes with a choice of two hybrid systems. The XLE and Limited use a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that combines with some electric motors to make a combined 245 horsepower. It uses an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT). The Hybrid Max system uses a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder; and combined with the electric motors, you get 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, and with a six-speed automatic transmission making it all work. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard, but while the XLE and Limited activate the rear wheels as needed for traction, the Platinum has power to them all the time.

Despite all that power, the delivery is smooth and linear. The Platinum gets you up to highway speeds and passing power effortlessly, but is still serene in city traffic. Both systems use regenerative braking, capturing energy otherwise wasted during deceleration and feeding it into the battery, but the Grand Highlander doesn’t get plugged in.

Driving Feel 8 / 10

The Grand Highlander responds well to steering input, albeit with very little steering feel. While there is some body roll around corners, it’s no more than you’d expect from something this size, and overall, it’s a pleasant vehicle to drive. The hybrid system switches automatically between gasoline, electricity, or a combination of the two, depending on driving conditions. It also has selectable drive modes, which adjust for snow, mud, dirt, and other conditions.

Fuel Economy 7 / 10

Toyota’s high-powered hybrids serve up considerably more power than their conventional siblings, and so there’s a bit of a fuel penalty, especially since turbocharged engines get thirstier if you have a heavy foot. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the Hybrid Max at 9.0 L/100 km in the city, 8.6 on the highway, and 8.8 combined, against 7.0 L/100 km combined for the regular Grand Highlander Hybrid. In my cold week with it, I averaged 10.7 L/100 km. It takes regular-grade gas.

Value 6 / 10

If you want the higher performance of the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, you also have to opt for the highest Platinum trim at a hefty $69,060 before tax. That’s a premium of $4,260 compared to the regular hybrid system, which only goes up to one-step-below Limited trim. Some three-row competitors, without as much power, include the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, which is $67,799 in its top trim; and the Mazda CX-90, which is a plug-in hybrid, and $65,805 in highest trim. The Lexus TX 500h is a sibling to the Grand Highlander, and includes this powerful powertrain, but it’s $87,605 to start (all prices including delivery).

The Verdict

If you’re willing to spend the money, and can accept the extra fuel consumption, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max in its Platinum trim is a very nice vehicle, with strong acceleration, comfortable and roomy seats, and a considerable number of upper-end features. If the regular Highlander isn’t quite large enough to adequately move the people you need to move, give the Grand Highlander a look.