Big on Space and Easy on Gas. Meet the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Three-row SUVs have a reputation for guzzling fuel, but the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid flips that script. With up to 36 combined MPG on the standard hybrid and a turbocharged Hybrid MAX putting out 362 horsepower, families can haul everyone without dreading every trip to the pump.
- The standard hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.5-liter engine with electric motors for 245 horsepower and up to 36 combined MPG.
- Toyota offers seven trim levels ranging from the well-equipped LE to the fully loaded Hybrid MAX Platinum.
- Every trim seats up to seven or eight passengers and comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Two Powertrains, Two Very Different Personalities
Toyota gives buyers a real choice under the hood. A standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder pairs with electric motors and a CVT, producing a combined 245 horsepower. It won’t pin you to your seat, but it gets the job done. Where it really pays off is at the pump, with front-wheel-drive XLE models hitting an EPA-estimated 36 combined MPG. Add all-wheel drive, and you’re still looking at 34 combined MPG.
Then there’s the Hybrid MAX. This one borrows its turbocharged 2.4-liter setup from the Lexus RX 500h and pairs it with a six-speed automatic instead of the CVT. You get a much punchier 362 horsepower that can push this big SUV from 0 to 60 in about 5.6 seconds. Fuel economy drops to 27 combined MPG with the MAX, but that’s still solid for a three-row SUV with this kind of power.
Breaking Down the Lineup
Toyota offers the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid across seven trims, and even the base LE comes loaded. Three-zone automatic climate control, seven USB-C ports, and a wireless phone charger are all standard. Moving up, the XLE adds powered heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a nine-speaker audio system. It’s the sweet spot for buyers who want comfort without pushing past $48,000.
Step into the Limited or Nightshade and you get leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and a JBL 11-speaker audio system. Nightshade adds blacked-out exterior trim for a sportier look, and both ride on 20-inch wheels with front and rear parking sensors.
At the top, the Hybrid MAX Limited and Hybrid MAX Platinum are the only trims with the turbocharged powertrain. Platinum throws in a panoramic sunroof, a 10-inch head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and paddle shifters.
| Trim | Powertrain | Horsepower | Combined MPG (Est.) | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid LE (AWD) | 2.5L Hybrid | 245 hp | 34 MPG | $45,010 |
| Hybrid XLE (FWD) | 2.5L Hybrid | 245 hp | 36 MPG | $46,180 |
| Hybrid XLE (AWD) | 2.5L Hybrid | 245 hp | 34 MPG | $47,780 |
| Hybrid Limited (AWD) | 2.5L Hybrid | 245 hp | 34 MPG | $52,510 |
| Hybrid Nightshade (AWD) | 2.5L Hybrid | 245 hp | 34 MPG | $53,490 |
| Hybrid MAX Limited (AWD) | 2.4L Turbo Hybrid | 362 hp | 27 MPG | $55,490 |
| Hybrid MAX Platinum (AWD) | 2.4L Turbo Hybrid | 362 hp | 27 MPG | $59,575 |
Room for the Whole Crew (and Their Stuff)
The “Grand” in the name really does mean something. Compared to the regular Highlander, this one stretches about six inches longer, and most of that extra space goes right to the third row. Adults can actually sit back there without their knees touching their chest, which matters a lot more than you’d think on a long road trip.
Fold those rear seats down, and you open up 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s enough for furniture runs, camping gear, or a weekend’s worth of hockey equipment. You can also choose between captain’s chairs and a bench seat for the second row, depending on whether you prefer easier walk-through access or fitting an eighth passenger.
Tech and Safety That Comes Standard
Every 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid gets Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which bundles pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Upper trims add a 360-degree camera system and parking sensors with automatic braking, making a vehicle this size a lot easier to park.
Infotainment runs through a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. No fumbling with cables every time you hop in. Wireless phone charging and seven USB-C ports keep everyone’s devices topped off on longer trips.
Where the Value Sits in This Lineup
For most families, the Hybrid XLE with AWD is a smart pick at around $47,780 before destination fees. It comes with heated power seats, a nine-speaker audio system, wireless charging, and a power liftgate, all while returning 34 combined MPG. If you want leather and ventilated seats, the Limited at $52,510 is worth the jump. And if performance matters, the Hybrid MAX Limited gives you 362 hp starting at $55,490.
See the Grand Highlander Hybrid at Toyota South
If the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid sounds like a fit for your family, we’d love to help you find the right trim at Toyota South in Richmond, KY. Sitting behind the wheel is the best way to feel the difference between the standard hybrid and the Hybrid MAX. We also have financing options for a range of budgets, and you can value your trade online before you stop by. Visit us at toyotasouth.com to browse current inventory and schedule a test drive.
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