Toyota’s handy Highlander has been a stalwart member of Toyota’s North American SUV team since model year 2001. I evoked some of the charm of the RAV4 in a larger, 4-row size and platform. It’s been offered with a wide variety of powertrains too, including a conventional gas fired I-4, two different V-6s, and an I-4 hybrid with Integrated Motor Assist architecture similar to that of the gas stingy Prius. The lineup got a worthwhile update and freshening in 2004, another more substantial remodel for 2007, and has been a solid seller year after year. A further platform and design update came along for 2013, and a designing freshening for 2016 – even though there are several generational markers along the way, Toyota – as it does – continuously updated safety, convenience, powertrain, infotainment, trim levels, and other aspects in an evolutionary fashion along the model’s entire trail. It’s not at all uncommon for Highlander owners to replace their current or previous Highlander with a new one, and the beat goes on.
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The Highlander’s third row seat was always handy, especially handy for youngers, but a bit cramped for adults and tallers, so Toyota retooled the dimensions a bit to expand both 3rd and 2nd row seating capacity, as well as a nod to a bit more cargo space. Hence the new “Grand” edition Highlander.
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger, more spacious version of the standard 2026 Highlander, focusing on superior third-row legroom (33.5 vs 28 inches) and significantly increased cargo capacity (97.5 vs 84.3 cubic feet max). While both share modern powertrains, the Grand Highlander offers a 362-hp Hybrid MAX option, whereas the standard Highlander is more compact and agile for urban driving.
Key Differences Between 2026 Models
- Size & Space: The Grand Highlander is longer (201.4 inches vs. 194.9–197.4 inches) and wider (78.3 vs 76 inches), providing a truly usable third row for adults, whereas the standard Highlander’s third row is best for children.
- Cargo Volume: The Grand Highlander offers 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 97.5 cubic feet total; the standard Highlander offers 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet total.
- Performance & Hybrid Options: The Grand Highlander offers a “Hybrid MAX” powertrain (362 hp) and a high-efficiency hybrid, while the standard Highlander offers only the efficiency-focused hybrid system.
- Pricing & Features: The Grand Highlander has a lower starting entry point ($41,360) compared to the standard Highlander ($45,270) because of lower-tier base trims, though they are comparable when equally equipped.
- AWD vs. FWD: The 2026 standard Highlander comes standard with AWD, whereas the Grand Highlander base models often start with FWD.
And our Grand Highlander test unit certainly was grand. Besides all the newfound space, it had w wonderfully trimmed and equipped cabin containing no options other than shipping and transportation.
Besides the dimensional and capacity differences, a couple other things stand out to me. The Grand Hi is powered by Toyota’s lion-hearted Hybrid MAX” powertrain (362 hp) and a high-efficiency hybrid also employing a turbocharger, while the standard Highlander offers only the efficiency-focused hybrid system. This Hybrid Max system delivers sparkling performance under any driving conditions, although the horsepower bonus does cost some fuel economy. That means the Grand earns only a 26/27/27 EPA rating; competitive in the class against most V-6s, but not the numbers you’d expect in a mileage focused Hybrid system, as are many of Toyota’s “Hybrid Synergy Drive” type system. No matter the engine runs nicely, and pulls like a train – probably a good fit for this larger, heavier, 3-row model.
The cabin is just a treat, with superb seating, lots of room, and heated/cooled front and middle rows. The seats are finished in leather trimmed bolsters, and with suede-like perforated cloth center inserts; handsome, tactile, and comfy. Another particularly clever feature in this rig is that you can program the HVAC system only to blow AC air toward seats that are occupied. Plus, of course it has all the other Infotainment stuff you’d expect standard.
Full time all-wheel drive is also standard. As is just about anything else you’d likely want in a luxury SUV. It’s very quiet, rides well, and steers and handles crisply for a large machine.
$60K may initially shock you a bit for a vehicle called Highlander, but the Grand’s seating, specs, and equipment take into a slightly different segment than the standard edition and there’s no options mickey-motion either – this Platinum level trim is pretty much a one price-pays-all deal, fully loaded with the stuff everyone in this price and size class buys anyway.
Were I shopping in this market segment, I’d certainly give it an honest look.
