This was our first time behind the wheel of the all-new Grand Highlander, and after a full week of daily driving around Utah Valley, we came away convinced that Toyota has found the sweet spot between practicality, efficiency and luxury. Our test model, finished in the sleek Cement Black color, turned heads everywhere we went. The subdued metallic gray tone gave it a modern, sophisticated look, while the larger proportions of the Grand Highlander hinted at its family-hauling capabilities.

Over the course of 400 miles — commuting to work, running errands and even sneaking in a Sunday drive up to Sundance to enjoy the changing leaves — we averaged an impressive 34.5 miles per gallon. That’s a remarkable figure for a three-row SUV with genuine room for adults in all seats. Toyota’s hybrid powertrain continues to set the standard, providing not only efficiency but also smooth, confident performance.

A familiar name, a brand-new experience

At first glance, the Grand Highlander looked like a slightly larger version of the traditional Highlander, but after spending a few minutes inside we quickly realized this was a completely reimagined vehicle. Toyota designed it from the ground up to fill the space between the Highlander and the full-size Sequoia, giving families extra room for passengers and cargo without the bulk of a truck-based SUV.

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The Grand Highlander rides on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, which also underpins the Sienna and RAV4. That means it benefits from a stiff structure, a quiet cabin and well-tuned suspension that made it feel solid yet comfortable. During our week behind the wheel, we noticed how composed it felt on everything from freeway commutes to winding canyon roads. Even when fully loaded with passengers and groceries, the Grand Highlander maintained a smooth, controlled ride — exactly what we’d hope for in a family SUV.

Hybrid efficiency meets everyday practicality

Under the hood of our test model was Toyota’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, paired with an electronic continuously variable transmission, or eCVT, and all-wheel drive. Combined output is 245 horsepower — plenty for merging onto I-15 or passing slower traffic on Provo Canyon Road. The hybrid system transitions seamlessly between electric and gas power, and most of the time, we barely noticed when the engine turned on or off.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the hybrid experience was how little we had to think about fuel economy. Even with mixed driving — daily commutes, grocery store runs and a leisurely trip up Provo Canyon to Sundance — the Grand Highlander consistently delivered excellent mileage. At the end of the week, our average of 34.5 miles per gallon made us smile every time we passed by another gas station.

In a world where most three-row SUVs struggle to break 25 miles per gallon, Toyota’s hybrid technology continued to shine. And with a fuel tank large enough for extended trips, the Grand Highlander Hybrid offered true road-trip potential without the range anxiety that often accompanies plug-in models.

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A cabin designed for families

Inside, the Grand Highlander lived up to its name. The interior felt genuinely grand — spacious, comfortable and filled with thoughtful touches. Toyota clearly listened to families when designing this SUV. There were cupholders and charging ports seemingly everywhere (13 cupholders and 7 USB-C ports, to be exact), plus a variety of smart storage spaces for everyday essentials.

Our test model featured a beautiful black and gray interior that matched the Cement Black exterior perfectly. The materials were soft to the touch, with tasteful use of metallic accents and stitching that added a sense of refinement. Up front, we were treated to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an equally large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

During our daily drives, we appreciated how intuitive Toyota’s latest infotainment interface had become. It’s responsive and easy to navigate, and the built-in voice assistant works surprisingly well — responding naturally to commands like “Hey Toyota, set the temperature to 70 degrees.”

The seats were another highlight. Both the front and second-row captain’s chairs provided excellent support, even during our longer drives. The third row, often a weak spot in midsize SUVs, offered enough space for adults on shorter trips — a major upgrade over the standard Highlander. Behind the third row, there was still 21 cubic feet of cargo space, which easily handled anything we put into it.

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A Sunday Drive to remember

After a busy week of errands and work, we took the Grand Highlander up to Sundance on Sunday afternoon to enjoy one of our favorite fall traditions — an autumn drive through the changing leaves. The crisp mountain air, bursts of orange and red on the hillsides and the quiet hum of the hybrid powertrain made for a truly peaceful outing.

As we climbed the canyon, the Grand Highlander’s hybrid system delivered effortless torque, maintaining speed with ease while staying nearly silent in electric mode during slower sections. We rolled the windows down to listen to the creek below and take in the sights. Parking at the Sundance resort, we were reminded how versatile this vehicle really is — it’s just as comfortable navigating tight parking lots as it is cruising along open highways.

After a walk through the mountain trails and a stop for hot cocoa, we headed back down to the valley, watching the late afternoon sunlight dance off the Cement Black paint. It was one of those perfect fall drives that reminds us why we love living in Utah — and why the right vehicle can make the experience even better.

Safety and technology

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As expected from Toyota, the Grand Highlander came equipped with the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 features. This included adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, road sign recognition and blind-spot monitoring. We made full use of the adaptive cruise control during our daily freeway drives, and it performed flawlessly — keeping a safe distance from other cars and even handling stop-and-go traffic with ease.

We also appreciated the new panoramic view camera system, which made parking such a large vehicle much easier, especially in tight spots at the grocery store or downtown Provo.

At the end of the week

After a week in the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, we can confidently say it’s one of the most well-rounded family vehicles we’ve driven in recent years. It offers all the space and comfort families need, paired with the fuel efficiency and reliability Toyota is known for.

Toyota has taken a proven formula and elevated it in every way. For families looking for the next step up from the Highlander — or anyone who wants space and comfort without sacrificing fuel economy — the 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid should be at the top of the list.

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Base price: $55,368

Destination charge: $1,450

Price as driven: $56,818