There are currently
several hybrid crossover and SUV options
available in the U.S., but only a fraction of these feature three rows and are made by a Japanese manufacturer. This may seem like a very specific criterion, but a product that fits into this category typically benefits from good efficiency, reliability, and build quality. These are one of the most important qualities for a lot of families who are considering a daily driven SUV which will likely cover a lot of mileage within a year. Another specific factor that may stand out is how many miles a vehicle can cover on a single tank of gas. This is particularly true for those who will likely frequent interstate road trips or long-distance family vacations.
There is an abundance of HEV SUV options in the new vehicle market, with the bulk being made by Japanese manufacturers. If you are currently on the hunt for an option that you can use to cover great distances in-between gas stops, the best option for you to consider is a large three-row SUV option from the biggest hybrid manufacturer currently operating in the U.S. It’s admittedly not the most efficient option that you can consider, but it’s generous gas tank capacity gives it a noteworthy edge over the highly competitive segment.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota’s websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, Edmunds, and the NHTSA.
Review
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Is A Lot Cleverer Than I Expected
The Grand Highlander is much more than a Toyota Highlander that receives the Grand treatment. It’s also a highly efficient hybrid people hauler.
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Covers 619 Miles On A Full-Tank
Toyota
Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda. Headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, it has grown to become one of the world’s largest automobile producers. Toyota is renowned for its quality, reliability, and innovation in automotive technology. The company pioneered hybrid technology with the Prius and has expanded into hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Toyota’s product line includes a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to luxury models under the Lexus brand. The company is also known for its efficient production system, the Toyota Production System, which has influenced manufacturing practices worldwide.
Founded
1937
Founder
Kiichiro Toyoda
Headquarters
Toyota City, Aichi, Japan
Current CEO
Akio Toyoda
Status
Active
Total Vehicles Sold In 2022
9,615,157
Revenue In 2022
$276.57 billion
Region
Asia
Expand
The
base entry-level Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
front-wheel drive option covers an EPA-estimated 619 miles on a single tank of gas from its 17.2-gallon tank, making it the Japanese hybrid SUV with the highest estimated range claim in the new vehicle market. It also returns a reasonably impressive 36/37/37 MPG estimate on the EPA’s city/highway/combined cycle. Upgrading to the all-wheel-drive system means that your range decreases to 595 miles, while efficiency worsens to a 34/36/32 MPG set of estimates.
The flagship Limited and Platinum trims are pretty much unchanged, apart from its 34 MPG highway estimates. If you drive the base model, the EPA estimates that you’ll save around $2,000 on fuel every five years, pay $2.40 to drive it 25 miles, and $59 to fill the tank. It also estimates you’ll spend $1,450 on fuel every year.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid EPA Estimates
FWD
AWD
Hybrid Max
Range
619 Miles
585 Miles
464 Miles
Fuel Economy Combined
36 MPG
34 MPG
27 MPG
Fuel Economy City
37 MPG
36 MPG
26 MPG
Fuel Economy Highway
34 MPG
32 MPH
27 MPG
Toyota is one of the few brands in the U.S. that’s committed to transitioning most of its cars into gasoline-electric hybrid products only. We’ve already seen the likes of the Camry and Sienna adopt this strategy with great market reception as both of these cars smash their monthly sales results.
You can also have the Grand Highlander with the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder Hybrid Max option, but the best range this configuration will get you is 464 miles as it features the same tank and battery. In return, you benefit from much better performance figures and towing abilities, so it really does cater to a completely different demographic. As of the first half of 2024, Toyota confirms that it has sold 55,382 Grand Highlander examples and 20,569 Grand Highlander Hybrid models, which showcases just how niche the fuel-efficient option is in this segment.
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The Toyota Highland Grand Hybrid Produces 245 Horsepower
Toyota
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid clearly prioritizes efficiency over performance, despite featuring a powertrain that produces a fair amount of power. Under the hood you’ll find a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine that produces 186 horsepower at 6000 RPM and 177 pound-feet at 4400 RPM.
Joining this is a pair of permanent-magnet electric motors that increase the combined output to 245 horsepower. Unfortunately, Toyota doesn’t declare the model’s combined torque output or specify how much power each of its motors generates. Both the front- and all-wheel drive models feature Toyota’s direct-drive eCVT system. The Turbocharged model produces a combined 362 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, with the engine alone generating 271 horsepower. This particular configuration employs a conventional six-speed automatic transmission.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder And Two Electric Motors
Turbocharged 2.4-Liter Four-Cylinder And Two Electric Motors
Transmission
Direct Drive eCVT
Six-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
245 HP
362 HP
Torque
177 LB-FT
400 LB-FT
Driveline
Front- or All-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Towing Capacity
3,500 Pounds
5,000 Pounds
0-60 MPH
7.2 Seconds
6.3 Seconds
Top Speed
113 MPH
113 MPH
As per Toyota’s claims, you can expect both variations to cover a 0-60 MPH acceleration sprint in around 7.2 seconds with a 113 MPH top speed. The Hybrid Max boasts a claimed 6.3-second 0-60 MPH time, but independent reviewers were able to cut this down to an impressive 6.1 seconds. Both feature two permanent-magnet motors, but Toyota shifts the second motor to the rear axle for the all-wheel drive option, which is why it boasts the same performance outputs and figures.
All hybrid variations also feature an identical 3,500-pound towing capacity, making it a fairly practical and capable three-row family SUV option. The turbocharged model increases this capacity to a more accommodating 5,000 pounds. What you can expect to
enjoy is high reliability levels
, as the brand’s 2.5-liter hybrid unit consistently proves to be a resilient motor. The NHTSA only subjects the 2024 model to one recall relating to an incorrect weight capacity listed on the model’s label, which is barely anything to be concerned about.
Related
The Perfect All-Round Hybrid SUV You Can Buy In 2025
This vehicle has three rows of seats, can carry a whole lot of cargo, returns impressive fuel efficiency, and doesn’t cost a bomb to own.
How Much Space The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid’s Interior Offers
William Clavey / TopSpeed / Valnet
Being a three-row SUV, the Grand Highlander Hybrid features
more than enough interior space
for all of its users. Up front, you get to enjoy 41.5 inches of headroom and 41.7 inches of legroom, with 60.2 inches of shoulder space. The second row benefits from a generous 40.2 inches of headroom and 39.5 inches of legroom, while the third row has to make do with 37.2 inches of headroom and 33.5 inches of legroom. This means that it’s only going to be suitable for children, especially if you’re partaking in long-distance road trips. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of trunk space, with the Grand Highlander offering as much as 20.6 cubic-feet with all seating rows in place.
Interior Dimensions
First Row
Second Row
Third Row
Headroom
41.5 Inches
40.2 Inches
37.2 Inches
Legroom
41.7 Inches
39.5 Inches
33.5 Inches
Shoulder Room
60.2 Inches
Not Specified
57.5 Inches
Cargo Capacity
97.5 Cu.Ft.
57.9 Cu.Ft.
20.6 Cu.Ft.
You can expand this to an impressive 57.9 cubic-feet once you fold the third row down, and 97.5 cubic-feet by folding the second row down. Toyota confirms that the total passenger volume measures 149 cubic-feet. As standard, the seating configuration accommodates eight individuals, including the driver, but you can opt for a seven-seater configuration by considering the more premium trims with the second-row captain’s chairs.
Related
Here’s How Much A Fully Loaded Toyota Grand Highlander Costs
The 2024 Grand Highlander is the “Ultimate Family SUV” according to Toyota, so what is the price for a fully equipped one?
How Much A 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Costs
William Clavey / TopSpeed / Valnet
Toyota offers its Grand Highlander Hybrid in four different trim configurations, making it one of the most diverse hybrid SUV offerings currently available in the U.S. The range starts with the basic LE derivative, boasting a $44,210 starting price. Following this is the XLE derivative, which costs $45,380 before options. The Platinum Max trim sits at the very top, with its $58,775 MSRP. If you want to upgrade to the all-wheel drive system, also available for all trims, you have to increase your budget by $1,600. Toyota also adds a mandatory $1,450 delivery, processing and handling fee to all Grand Highlander Hybrid sales. Due to the number of different trim options, Toyota doesn’t include a lot of optional extras or packages.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Pricing
Starting Price
Hybrid LE
$44,210
Hybrid XLE
$45,380
Hybrid Limited
$51,710
Hybrid Nightshade
$52,610
Hybrid MAX Limited
$54,690
Hybrid MAX Platinum
$58,775
The only extras you can pay for are the more exclusive $425 colors, which include Wind Chill Pearl White and Ruby Flare Pearl Red. All derivatives also have access to the brand’s extensive accessories catalog, consisting of interior and exterior protection trims, storage and cooling solutions, digital equipment, dog-friendly items, camping paraphernalia, and more.
All models come standard with the brand’s extensive warranty configuration and Toyota Care roadside assistance and service plan. This includes the brand’s class-leading
96-month or 100,000-mile hybrid system warranty
, two scheduled services, and two years worth of roadside assistance. You can extend this plan for an extra four years or 45,000 miles at an additional cost.
AloJapan.com