This Three-Row Hybrid SUV Might Just Be The Ultimate Family Vehicle In 2025

A hybrid SUV is an ideal family vehicle for several reasons. Not every household is ready for an all-electric vehicle right now, especially for two-car households where one is primarily used for long-distance trips. And, while it’s not a zero-emissions vehicle, a traditional gas-electric hybrid can have a significant fuel economy benefit over a gas-only version in driving conditions that many SUVs are faced with: stop-and-go traffic.

Hybrid SUVs, especially three-row hybrid SUVs, should be more common than they are. While Ford, Honda, Mazda, and Toyota offer their compact SUVs as hybrids, and there are luxury models from companies such as BMW, Lexus, and Volvo, there are very few traditional hybrid SUVs for families, especially large ones. If you’re looking for one that ticks all the boxes well and doesn’t break the bank, this is the one for you.

This guide provides comprehensive information provided by the manufacturer. Top Speed sourced additional data for reliability (from J.D. Power), EPA gas mileage (Fueleconomy.gov), safety ratings (IIHS), and recalls (NHTSA).

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Might Just Be the Ultimate Family Vehicle In 2025

There are more radical and luxurious vehicles than the Grand Highlander Hybrid, but they’re all more compromised. Given Toyota’s reputation and history for traditional hybrids, though, the Grand Highlander Hybrid comes with an impressive resume. Since its introduction for the 2014 model year, the Grand Highlander fixed the Highlander’s most severe problem that its third-row seat and the cargo space behind it was too small compared to primary rivals such as the Honda Pilot and Volkswagen Atlas. And while many people who buy three-row SUVs rarely used what are considered the kid seats, many families use them on occasional carpool duty, when extended family is in town, or just appreciate the added total cargo capacity over a two-row SUV if it’s a primary vehicle.

Performance Specifications

Most buyers will likely be happy with the standard powertrain, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, and a front-mounted electric motor producing 118 horsepower. Adding all-wheel drive adds a rear motor with 54 horsepower, all for a total system output of 245. However, the standard Grand Highlander Hybrid uses an electric CVT transmission, which contributes to some of the groaning under hard acceleration and numb driving experience.

That’s why those interested in more performance should consider the Grand Highlander over the regular-length Highlander because of the Hybrid Max powertrain. Available on Limited and Platinum trim levels, the Hybrid Max uses a six-speed automatic transmission and 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and 362 horsepower for the total system output — among the most of any mainstream three-row SUV, hybrid or not. Towing capacity for the regular hybrid is 3,500 pounds when properly equipped and 5,000 for Max-equipped versions.

As expected, the Grand Highlander Hybrid’s leg up on the competition is its fuel economy. Interestingly, the Grand’s combined city/highway fuel economy estimate is identical to the standard Highlander Hybrid at 36 mpg (it’s one better than the Highlander in the city, at 37). Crucially, though, the Grand Highlander’s estimates match the smaller Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid.

The Grand Highlander Hybrid’s Accommodating Interior

Up To 97.5 Cubic Feet Of Cargo Space

As stated above, the Grand Highlander is sized more like other popular midsize three-row SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Volkswagen Atlas — none of which are available as hybrids. Compared to the regular Highlander, the Grand is about 2 inches wider, between 1 and 2 inches taller, has a 4-inch longer wheelbase, and is as much as six inches longer.

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Interior Specs

That translates into 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third-row seats down, and 20.6 with the third-row upright. The Santa Fe Hybrid is well down with a maximum of 72.1 cubic feet of space, despite its boxy styling. The Sorento Hybrid isn’t much better at 75.5 cubic feet. And even with its hybrid components, the Grand Highlander has more space inside than the Pilot, roughly the same as a Telluride, and less than an Atlas.

While second-row space is competitive among other three-row SUVs and the available split bench seat slides, reclines, and raises the total capacity to eight people, the whole point of the Grand Highlander was to address the standard Highlander’s tight third-row seating area. The Grand has 33.5 inches of legroom, up almost six inches from the standard car, and pretty much identical to what the Atlas offers. It’s also nearly four inches more than in a Santa Fe or Sorento.

That said, if carrying adults or taller teenagers in the third row on a regular basis is a priority, an SUV isn’t your best bet. The Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid, Kia Carnival, and Toyota Sienna hybrid minivans all have superior space in the back, as well as more total cargo space seats up or down. The Sienna even uses the same hybrid powertrain as the Grand Highlander, also offers all-wheel drive, and is roughly the same price when similarly equipped.

2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid Key Features

• Seating for up to eight
• Seven USB-C charging ports
• Up to two 120-volt household-style power outlets (1,500 watts combined)
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Heated front seats with available ventilated front seats

The Grand Highlander Hybrid is offered in five trim levels: XLE, Limited, Nightshade, Max Limited, and Max Platinum. While priced competitively at just under $47,000, the XLE includes features considered essential in this class of vehicle, such as a 12.3-inch widescreen touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone charger, a power liftgate, and heated and power front seats. However, the only options are a panoramic moonroof and all-wheel drive.

Limited and Nightshade, which differ mostly in trim pieces, cost about $6,000 more, but are much better equipped with 20-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, 11-speaker JBL audio system, and leather upholstery. Platinum, which only comes with the Max hybrid powertrain, comes fully equipped for a little over $60,000.

The Grand Highlander Hybrid’s Family Friendly Features

Every Grand Highlander Hybrid comes with three rows of seats and second-row captain’s chairs for a maximum seating capacity of seven. XLE and Limited trims come with a 60/40 split bench seat as a no-cost option to bump the people count to eight. Other family-friendly features include second-row side window shades, USB-C charging ports in every row, and as many as two 120-volt outlets for small electronics or appliances.

The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Limited and Platinum trim levels are tempting given the powerful 362-horsepower turbo hybrid powertrain that the regular Highlander doesn’t have and puts this Toyota in the league of high-end versions of the Ford Explorer and even luxury SUVs like the Acura MDX Type S or Lexus TX. While the Max versions start at more than $56,000, they include upscale features such as heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, and on the Platinum, Ultrasuede inserts for the leather upholstery.

The Grand Highlander also scored the highest Good ratings in two crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, including its updated and more rigorous side-impact test. It has not yet been tested by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Every version gets the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance features, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, full-range adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist), automatic high-beam assist, and traffic sign recognition. Other standard equipment includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a rear seatbelt reminder, and downhill assist control.

Platinum versions include traffic jam assist for the adaptive cruise control and a color head-up display, while a surround-view camera is standard and optional on the Limited, and both versions get front and rear parking sensors, which aren’t available on the base XLE.

It Starts At Just Over $45,000

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $45,380 and tops out at under $60,000 for the top-spec trim with the more powerful engine, but without any additional accessories and options: