2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Review: Is It the Best 3-Row SUV?

Off-Road Capability and AWD Performance

• 🏔️ The Grand Highlander demonstrated impressive capability on slip tests, successfully navigating zero-traction situations in normal mode without needing specialized drive modes like 'Trail'.
• ⚡ Its electronic on-demand all-wheel drive system effectively sent power to the necessary axles, even in challenging diagonal wheel-stuck scenarios.
• ✅ The vehicle consistently found traction quickly, performing well in all four slip tests, including those with multiple wheels on rollers.

Powertrain Options and Performance

• 🚗 Three powertrains are available: a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder, a 2.5L hybrid (245 hp), and the 'Max Power' 2.5L turbocharged hybrid (365 hp) paired with a 6-speed automatic.
• 💨 The Max Power version offers a significant boost with 365 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, addressing potential power concerns with the base hybrid.
• 🖤 The Nightshade hybrid, based on the XLE trim, features a distinctive blackout package with black accents on headlights, grille, wheels, and trim.

Interior, Cargo, and Practicality

• 📦 Cargo space is substantial, offering 20 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 60 cubic feet with the third row down, and 97 cubic feet with both rows folded, exceeding the Sequoia's capacity.
• 🔌 The interior boasts two 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, physical climate controls, heated/ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and ample charging ports.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The second row provides generous legroom and headroom, with heated outboard seats and climate controls, while the third row is noted as a proper space for adults, offering recline, headroom, and legroom.

Fuel Economy and Driving Dynamics

• ⛽ The EPA rating is 34 MPG combined (36 city, 32 highway), but real-world testing on a loop in windy and hot (101°F) conditions yielded approximately 25.6 MPG.
• 🛣️ The ride is comfortable with independent front and multi-link rear suspension, effectively absorbing bumps, though some body roll is present in corners.
• 🔊 A notable drawback is the loudness of the ECVT under hard acceleration with the base hybrid powertrain.

Safety and Value Proposition

• 🛡️ Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 suite is standard, including adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, which performed well in maintaining lane centering.
• 💰 The Grand Highlander starts around $42,000, comparable to the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, with the Nightshade hybrid model priced over $56,000.
• 🤔 While not perfect, especially regarding MPG in extreme conditions and the base hybrid's acceleration noise, the Grand Highlander is presented as a strong contender for families needing a spacious, practical, and well-equipped three-row SUV.