THE THREE-ROW JAPANESE HYBRID SUV WITH THE HIGHEST DRIVING RANGE

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 three-row 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.

You'd be surprised to learn that the three-row SUV hybrid segment is a fairly niche one in the U.S., even though this type of vehicle promotes many benefits, including enhanced practicality and comfort. If you are on the lookout for such a product and want to get the most out of your journeys without having to worry about constantly stopping for gas, you'll find this particular model to be a more than satisfactory option. It is a fairly new model and doesn't have a lot of competition, as most of its rivals still stick to the traditional naturally aspirated V-6 non-hybrid configuration, giving this Japanese alternative a noteworthy edge in its segment.

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Covers 619 Miles On A Full-Tank

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. 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

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 most 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.

The Toyota Highland Grand Hybrid's Performance Abilities

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

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. This model is also subject to curtain airbag recall affecting a number of Lexus products as well.

How Much Space The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid's Interior Offers

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 a 60.2-inch 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

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.

How Much A 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Costs

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 front-wheel drive XLE derivative, boasting a $45,020 starting price. The Platinum Max trim sits at the very top, with its $58,475 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.

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Pricing

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.

2024-09-02T04:06:27Z dg43tfdfdgfd