2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
For those looking for a right-sized three-row hauler, there’s the Grand Highlander. Slotting between the Highlander Hybrid and hybrid-only Sequoia within Toyota’s lineup, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is offered with an efficient standard powertrain or a powerful Max configuration. Rivals include other large hybrid SUVs such as the Mazda CX-90, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Volvo XC90.
What’s New
Toyota introduced the Grand Highlander Hybrid to its lineup for the 2024 model year and added a new entry-level LE trim level for 2025. As such, updates are minimal going into 2026. The Nightshade Edition, introduced for 2025 with blacked-out styling cues, receives a black badge overlay. Otherwise, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is a complete carryover.
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What We Think
Sometimes, practicality needs to come first. That’s the approach that Toyota takes with the Grand Highlander Hybrid. This sensible three-row SUV may have mild styling and sedate handling, but its spacious cabin is well suited for hauling friends and family. What’s more, Toyota equips lots of cupholders and charging ports to ensure everyone has what they need for a long drive.
Though the Grand Highlander Hybrid isn’t fun to drive, its ride is generally quite comfortable. The standard hybrid powertrain delivers both quicker acceleration and improved efficiency over the Grand Highlander’s gas-only turbo-four. Hybrid Max models are much more powerful at the expense of highway efficiency, although around-town mileage beats that of the gas-only Grand Highlander. Unfortunately, all Grand Highlander variants have an overly stiff brake pedal.
What the Grand Highlander Hybrid lacks in terms of driving excitement it makes up for with an abundance of standard features. There’s plenty of infotainment tech onboard, and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of active safety features is one of the most thorough on the market. If you need an SUV that emphasizes utility over sport, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is a solid pick.
MotorTrend Tested
Toyota offers the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid with a choice of two powertrains. The default setup uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors developing a net output of 245 hp. All models use a CVT automatic. FWD is standard, and AWD is available across the model range. While gas models take 8.3 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, according to our testing of a Grand Highlander with all-wheel drive, the Hybrid variant shaves that time down to 7.5 seconds. Even though it’s quicker, the launch doesn’t feel very thrilling. Nonetheless, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is brisker without sacrificing efficiency.
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max develops far more power than the standard hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and juiced-up electric motors producing a combined output of 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and AWD are standard. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph falls to just 5.9 seconds.
MPGs and Range
We suspect the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid will stick close to the EPA’s current rating of 36-37/32-34 mpg city/highway depending on trim level. Driving range is 585 to 619 miles depending on configuration. That's comparable to the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, which is rated at 35-36/34-35 mpg and 602-637 miles of range.
Hybrid Max models aren’t quite as efficient as the standard Grand Highlander, returning approximately 26/27 mpg. Range takes a tumble as well, falling to just 464 miles.
Safety Features
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance equipment. Standard features include the following:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beams
- Road sign recognition
Upper trims receive parking sensors with automatic braking and a 360-degree camera view.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Grand Highlander Hybrid has a spacious interior, with plenty of passenger legroom in all rows. Overall cargo volume is excellent for the three-row SUV segment.
Technology
Infotainment
All versions of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid are equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment display with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features standard on the entry-level LE model include a wireless charging pad, seven USB-C ports, and a 7.0-inch driver information screen. A 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display available on higher trims. Toyota offers Wi-Fi with 4G connectivity and over-the-air update capability.
Sound Systems
A six-speaker audio setup is standard, and an 11-speaker arrangement from JBL is available on higher trims.
Available Upgrades
Toyota offers premium features including an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power-operated tailgate, driver’s seat memory settings, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and interior ambient lighting.
Value
Standard Features
Toyota offers the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid in LE, XLE, Limited, Nightshade, and Platinum trims. The standard hybrid powertrain is compatible with LE, XLE, Limited, and Nightshade grades; the Max configuration is only available for Limited and Platinum versions of the Grand Highlander Hybrid. LE models receive 18-inch wheels, fabric-trimmed seating for eight, three-zone climate control, and six-speaker audio. Toyota equips a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 7.0-inch driver display, seven USB-C ports, and a wireless charging pad. Pricing begins around $46,000.
Recommended Trim
For the best value and more style, spring for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited. This model receives 20-inch wheels, LED fog lights, a foot-activated power liftgate, an 11-speaker sound system from JBL, leather seating with heating and ventilation, and second-row captain's chairs. It also receives Toyota's larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display. Pricing begins around $54,000 for the Hybrid Limited trim.
The Stealthy Grand Highlander Hybrid Nightshade Edition
Those who want to dress up the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid should opt for the Nightshade Edition trim level, which builds on the Limited model. When specified in Nightshade guise, the Grand Highlander Hybrid receives black details including 20-inch wheels, hood trim, door handles, side mirror caps, rear spoiler, roof rails, and badging.
Inside the cabin, Toyota outfits the interior with black leather interior upholstery. Exterior paint options include Cement gray, Wind Chill Pearl white, or Midnight Black. For 2026, pricing started around $55,000, or $1,000 over the Limited trim. The slight price hike should be easy for shoppers to stomach if darkened styling is a must-have.
