Review by Veeno Dewan
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the Japanese automakers latest offering in the. big three-row crossover segment. Although it shares the name with the intermediate Highlander but there little or no commonality otherwise. Key attributes are the added 6 inches of length, a hybrid engine choice, extra passenger and cargo options, interior space versatility and decent third row seats. The boxy squared design and high roof line maximise the interior room, while the big hexagonal grille, and no-nonsense look is slightly reminiscent of the 4Runners, and Sequoias series of SUVs from Toyota.
For 2025 there are no significant changes although most importantly the Grand Highlander Limited hybrid (As tested) can now seat eight- occupants with a second-row bench seat and cargo space is increased from 453L to 583 L behind the third row to 1,640L, while with all of the seats folded you get 2,761L of space. In addition, medium sized adults can sit in the third-row seats in relative comfort. Headroom in all three rows is decent thanks to the upright cabin. The handy useful third-row space seatbacks can also recline.
The engine options powering the Grand Highlander start with the base gasoline 2.4L turbo-four engine making 265 hp paired with 8- speed auto transmission. The top engine is Toyota’s new powerful Hybrid Max system with two hybrid motors and battery pack. Total system output is an impressive 362 hp.
We tested the Grand Highlander Limited Hybrid AWD with the 2.5 -liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine hybrid set up paired with a ECVT Continuously variable transmission. The engine has the D-4S Dual-Injection with VVT-i.e. and VVT-i, plus a sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Traction Battery. Both hybrid systems self-charge their battery through regenerative braking and are not plug in units. The Hybrid Limited can tow up to 3,500 lbs, while the Hybrid Max has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
The Grand Highlander in Canada is available with a starting price of
$54,160 to $65,755. The entry-level, XLE AWD model starts at $54,160 for the Hybrid: 2.5L engine. The mid-range Limited AWD trim as tested is $61,495. The top MAX Platinum AWD is priced at $65,755. Freight and PDI is $1,930. Interior equipment includes Softex seats or leather in the higher trims. The standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen has Toyota’s latest software with voice command. Our Limited version hybrid starts at $61,495 with options including Premium paint color, and no-charge second row bench seats. Freight and PDI is $1,930. Equipment levels are high with LED Adaptive Front-Lighting System. 20-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front Seats, heated second row seats, leather seat coverings along with heated leather steering wheel. There is also Multi-Terrain Select, a Head Up Display, and Panoramic View Monitor. The Limited also adds rain-sensing wipers, panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, navigation trial package, premium audio, hands-free liftgate, and digital key access.
Interior specification and packaging is impressive, The Grand Highlander has a roomy, comfortable cabin with plenty of storage up with a deep and wide center console. There are up to 13 cupholders alone! plus tablet cubbies in the removable center console between the second-row captain’s chairs. The first two rows of seats are supportive and comfortable. The front seats are heated and ventilated, while the outboard second-row seats are also heated. In terms of safety there are multiple passive and active systems plus the Toyota Safety Sense suite offers a new Proactive Driving Assist system designed to slow the car down if it computes you are a corner too quickly.
On the road, the Hybrid system has good pickup and acceleration and offers a decent amount of power when needed. In terms of ride and handling – no surprises here. A stable, composed ride is given with good steering although this heavy tall SUV does exhibit some body roll and diving when under heavy braking. The ride is generally comfortable too. Interior noise level are very good with the active noise cancellation. Downsides are few. The styling maybe considered conservative- but Toyota buyer seem to like it. Fuel economy as rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) shows the Grand Highlander Hybrid at 6.6 L/100 km city, 7.4 highway, and 7.0 combined.
To sum up. the Grand Highlander although a little pricy is still excellent value for money considering what you are getting in terms of standard equipment levels, interior space, passenger room and fuel consumption in the hybrid versions. The biggest plus is the 8-occupant seat capability and good towing ability are also a plus. Just the thing if you travel with a large family! Highly recommended if full -size SUV is in your future.
2025 Toyota Garand Highlander Limited Hybrid: priced as tested – $61,405 plus options, delivery and PDI.
www.toyota.ca
