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Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum — US review

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum Review (2025–)

The Highlander Adults Actually Fit In

Toyota US review Since 2025 Edited by

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum combines 362 hp, real adult-friendly third-row space, 5,000 lb towing, and a 6.3-second 0–60. The most complete 3-row Toyota.

2026 Hybrid MAX pricing

Kelley Blue Book, read on 29 September 2026, lists the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid from $46,205, Hybrid MAX Limited from $56,685 and Hybrid MAX Platinum from $60,770. Kelley Blue Book, read on 29 September 2026, says the Hybrid MAX powertrain remains rated at 27 mpg combined, so the extra money is buying the stronger 362-hp configuration rather than the maximum-efficiency hybrid. The smaller Highlander Hybrid is reviewed separately. Edmunds, read on 29 September 2026, lists the 2025 Hybrid MAX Platinum at $58,775 starting MSRP, putting the reviewed 2025 model roughly $1,995 below the current 2026 KBB sticker.

VersionListed US priceSource and date
2026 Hybrid LE$46,205 MSRPKelley Blue Book, read 29 September 2026
2026 Hybrid MAX Limited$56,685 MSRPKelley Blue Book, read 29 September 2026
2026 Hybrid MAX Platinum$60,770 MSRPKelley Blue Book, read 29 September 2026
2025 Hybrid MAX Platinum$58,775 starting MSRPEdmunds, read 29 September 2026

Vehicle Overview

Vehicle SegmentSUV
Body Style3-row mid-size SUV
Release Year2025
Trim/Variant ReviewedHybrid MAX Platinum
Available TrimsXLE, Limited, Platinum (HEV/Hybrid MAX)

Key Specifications (Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum)

Engine2.4L Turbo Inline-4 + Hybrid (Hybrid MAX)
Power362 hp, 542 Nm
Transmission6-speed automatic
EPA MPG26 city / 27 hwy / 27 combined
DrivetrainAWD

0–60 mph: 6.3s

Dimensions201.4" L × 78.3" W × 70.1" H
Curb weight4,860 lb
Cargo20.6 cu ft (97.5 max)
TowingUp to 5,000 lb
Seats7

Exterior Design

Larger and more squared-off than standard Highlander

20" alloys on Platinum

Available two-tone roof

Interior, Comfort & Materials

Genuinely usable third row for adults

12.3" digital cluster + 12.3" touchscreen on Platinum

Heated/ventilated front and second-row captain's chairs

11-speaker JBL audio

Features & Infotainment

Standard wireless CarPlay/Android Auto

Cloud nav and connected services

Hands-free power tailgate

IIHS ratings for 2025 and 2026

Our guide to IIHS safety ratings explains what the tiers mean. IIHS, read on 29 September 2026, rates the 2025 Grand Highlander Acceptable in the small-overlap front test, Good in the updated moderate-overlap test and Good in the updated side test. IIHS, read on 29 September 2026, gives the updated moderate-overlap test Good marks for structure, every listed driver injury measure, driver restraints, every listed rear-passenger injury measure and rear-passenger restraints. IIHS, read on 29 September 2026, applies that moderate-overlap result to 2025-2026 models, and its 2026 page shows the same Acceptable, Good and Good crashworthiness pattern, so there is no model-year change in those three headline ratings.

Test20252026
Small overlap frontAcceptable, IIHS read 29 September 2026Acceptable, IIHS read 29 September 2026
Updated moderate overlapGood, IIHS read 29 September 2026Good, IIHS read 29 September 2026
Updated sideGood, IIHS read 29 September 2026Good, IIHS read 29 September 2026

Safety & Ratings

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard

Front cross-traffic alert with auto braking

Standard 360° camera on Platinum

IIHSTop Safety Pick

Driving Performance & Handling

Hybrid MAX means 362 hp and 542 Nm — a 6.3-second 0–60 in a 4,860 lb, seven-seat SUV — putting the Grand Highlander in the odd position of being one of the quickest ways to move a big family. The 6-speed automatic and AWD come with this engine, as does the 5,000 lb tow rating.

Running-cost arithmetic

Edmunds, read on 29 September 2026, gives the 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum EPA ratings of 26 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined. AAA Fuel Prices, read on 29 September 2026, lists regular gasoline at $4.4558 per gallon. At 12,000 miles a year, 12,000 divided by 27 equals about 444.4 gallons, and 444.4 multiplied by $4.4558 equals about $1,980 a year. The pump price itself is covered in why gas prices are so high in 2026. Edmunds, read on 29 September 2026, lists a 17.2-gallon fuel tank for the 2025 Hybrid MAX Platinum, while the 27-mpg combined figure implies about 464 miles from 17.2 gallons in simple EPA arithmetic rather than a guaranteed real-world range.

Fuel Efficiency

EPA Combined MPG27
City MPG26
Highway MPG27
Fuel tank17 gallons
Estimated total range460 miles

Practicality & Everyday Usability

97.5 cu ft cargo with all seats folded

5,000 lb tow rating with Hybrid MAX

True 7- or 8-seat capability

Warranty & Maintenance

Basic warranty3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty5 years / 60,000 miles (10 years / 150,000 hybrid)

On-Road Price & Value for Money

Starting MSRP$58,275

$58,275 for the Hybrid MAX Platinum is top-of-segment money, and the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer richer cabin materials for it. What neither offers is this powertrain: no rival three-row combines 360-plus horsepower with hybrid economy, which is precisely the Grand Highlander's claim.

Recall status

NHTSA campaign 25V595, dated 17 September 2025 and read on 29 September 2026, includes certain 2024-2025 Grand Highlander vehicles for possible digital instrument-panel failure. NHTSA campaign 26V179, dated 24 March 2026 and read on 29 September 2026, also includes certain 2025 Grand Highlander and 2025-2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles because an incorrect load-carrying-capacity modification label may have been installed. NHTSA campaign 26V437, opened 8 July 2026, and campaign 26V598, opened 17 September 2026, concern certain 2026 Grand Highlanders for rear-axle-carrier and steering-knuckle defects, so those two later campaigns should not be stated as 2025-model recalls.

ModelListed starting priceSource and date
2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum$60,770Kelley Blue Book, read 29 September 2026
2026 Honda Pilot$43,690Kelley Blue Book, read 29 September 2026
2026 Ford Expedition Active$65,495Kelley Blue Book, read 29 September 2026

Comparison with Rivals

Key competitors include the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-90.

The Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX is unique in combining 360+ hp with hybrid efficiency. The Telluride and Palisade have nicer materials at the top trims, but neither matches this powertrain.

Pros & Cons

Pros

362 hp Hybrid MAX is genuinely quick

True adult-friendly third row

5,000 lb tow rating

Toyota reliability

Cons

Hybrid MAX is thirstier than the regular Hybrid

Pricey at top trim

Lower-trim styling is plain

Overall Rating

4.5 / 5 — quick, efficient, genuinely adult-friendly in row three and rated to tow 5,000 lb; top-trim pricing and plain lower-trim styling are the few marks against.

Research review

True Motion Auto has not independently road-tested this vehicle. Specifications, pricing and performance figures are compiled from manufacturer technical data and published independent tests, and are attributed where quoted. Our score reflects a structured research assessment of specifications, pricing, safety data and owner feedback for the segment — not an independent road test. Read how we review cars.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum is the 3-row family SUV that finally fixes the regular Highlander's third-row compromise. Quick, capable, and roomy.

Frequently asked questions

What does a 2026 Hybrid MAX Platinum cost?
Kelley Blue Book, read on 29 September 2026, lists the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum at $60,770.
How did the 2025 Grand Highlander perform in the updated moderate-overlap test?
IIHS, read on 29 September 2026, rates it Good overall, with Good listed driver and rear-passenger measures and restraints.
What is the 12,000-mile annual fuel estimate?
Edmunds, read on 29 September 2026, gives 27 mpg combined, and AAA lists $4.4558 regular gasoline on the same date, so 12,000 divided by 27 times $4.4558 is about $1,980.
Do the 2026 axle and steering recalls apply to the 2025 page model?
NHTSA, read on 29 September 2026, lists campaigns 26V437 and 26V598 for certain 2026 Grand Highlanders, while the 2025 model year is covered by separate campaigns including 25V595 and 26V179.

Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.