While sharing a similar look and name as the standard Toyota Highlander, the larger Grand version was introduced last year and offers buyers seeking a handsome, practical people hauler offering both gas and partially electrified powertrain options.
“Canadians continue to embrace new experiences and adventures, often built around family and friends. With the Toyota Grand Highlander, we’ve introduced an all-new, road trip-ready, generously proportioned three-row SUV tailored to fit that lifestyle, including fuel-efficient hybrid models,” says Toyota Canada VP Cyril Dimitris in a media release.
“As the last full-line automaker in the industry, Toyota remains committed to ensuring that every Canadian can find the right vehicle for them. That includes drivers whose lifestyles require comfortable seating for seven or eight, top-of-segment cargo space, and performance and efficiency that goes the distance.”
Riding on the same TNGA-K platform as the Lexus TX, the resemblance is obvious with the Grand Highlander wearing slim LED taillights and upper grille, an oversized hammerhead trapezoidal lower grille housing large horizontal slats, wheel arch protectors, and large 20-inch alloys. I personally find the front end quite sleek and sporty, but from the B pillar rearward, the SUV has a bit of a RAV4 vibe.
Inside, the leather seats are comfortable, and the driver’s seat up front possesses an above-average amount of adjustable lumbar support. There’s loads of room, and the passengers in the back have 850 millimeters of leg space, meaning the area is actually usable for adults. Fold the middle bench flat, and a massive 1,640 liters of storage space is available—enough to haul all the carry-on and check-in luggage belonging to a trip-bound family of four.
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment display, 360-degree camera and panoramic moonroof, a total of seven USB-C ports, wireless phone charger, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are among the other interior features.
The Hybrid Limited utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, mated to an eCVT automatic transmission, to send 245 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. A top-of-the-line Hybrid MAX variant is also available on the Platinum trim (+ $4,260), boosting output to 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque via a 2.4-liter turbocharged mill and a single electric motor. Towing is rated at 3,500 pounds for the former.
Even the non-MAX is more than adequate to do the usual four-season domestic shuttling and recreational outings. Though the vehicle has a sizable footprint measuring 5,114 millimeters long, 1,989 wide, and 1,781 high, it doesn’t feel like it thanks to all the parking sensors and aforementioned birds-eye view camera.
Three dynamic modes (Sport, Eco, Normal) can alter performance characteristics to suit different moods, and when the conditions take a turn for the worse, Multi-Terrain Select has another three settings (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow) to ensure drivers get where they need to go.
New for 2025 is an eight-passenger option on the Limited, swapping out the center captain’s chairs for a bench, and the addition of Cement (light grey) and Heavy Metal (dark grey) exterior colors.
Highlights:
MSRP: $64,604.08 (base)
Motor: 2.5-litre inline-four cylinder + two electric motors
Horsepower: 245 (net)
Torque (lb-ft): 175 (net)
Gearbox: CVT automatic
Layout: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 7. L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)