Our test vehicle arrived in a stunning Ruby Flare Pearl paint that shimmered beautifully in the Utah sunshine throughout the week. It was a color that constantly drew compliments wherever we parked, adding just enough elegance without being flashy.

As with most of the vehicles we test, the Grand Highlander became part of our daily lives for an entire week. It handled the normal routine of commuting to work, grocery shopping, errands around Utah Valley and family outings with ease. It also had the opportunity to prove itself on a pair of highway trips to Salt Lake City, where Craig picked up and later returned a digital mixing console that was used for a concert at the McWayne Amphitheater in Springville on Saturday evening.

Those trips highlighted exactly what makes the Grand Highlander Platinum such an outstanding highway cruiser.

Hybrid MAX delivers confidence

Toyota offers multiple powertrains in the Grand Highlander, but the Hybrid MAX system is undoubtedly the one for drivers who don’t want to sacrifice performance for efficiency.

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Rather than simply focusing on maximizing fuel economy, the Hybrid MAX combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors and a battery pack to produce an impressive amount of horsepower and torque. Power is delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission and Toyota’s electronic all-wheel-drive system.

What impressed us most wasn’t just the power figures on paper — it was how naturally everything worked together.

There was never a moment where the vehicle felt like it was deciding whether to use gasoline or electricity. Instead, acceleration came smoothly and immediately. Around town, the electric motors helped the Grand Highlander move away from stoplights quietly before the gasoline engine seamlessly joined in.

On freeway entrance ramps, however, the Hybrid MAX truly came alive. The Grand Highlander accelerated with authority, quickly reaching freeway speeds without hesitation. Even with cargo loaded for the Salt Lake trips, passing slower traffic required only a gentle push of the accelerator.

Toyota has done an excellent job blending the gasoline engine and electric motors into one cohesive driving experience.

Comfortable on the highway

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Craig’s two drives to Salt Lake City demonstrated another strength of the Grand Highlander — long-distance comfort.

The seats in the Platinum trim were among the best we’ve experienced recently. Rich leather upholstery, heating, ventilation and multiple power adjustments made it easy to find the perfect driving position. After spending a couple of hours behind the wheel transporting the audio equipment to and from Salt Lake, Craig stepped out without the usual stiffness that sometimes accompanies extended drives.

Road noise remained minimal even on Interstate 15. Wind noise was exceptionally well controlled, while the suspension absorbed expansion joints and rough pavement with ease. Toyota has found an excellent balance between comfort and control. The suspension was soft enough to smooth broken pavement but firm enough to inspire confidence through sweeping freeway curves and canyon roads.

Steering proved light at lower speeds, making parking surprisingly easy for a large vehicle, while firming up nicely at highway speeds.

Luxury that rivals premium brands

Getting into the cabin, both of us immediately commented that it felt more like a Lexus than a mainstream Toyota. That may be one of the greatest compliments we can give.

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The dashboard design was clean, modern and thoughtfully arranged. Soft-touch materials covered nearly all surfaces occupants were likely to touch, while attractive stitching throughout the cabin added an upscale appearance. The Platinum trim included beautiful trim accents that elevated the overall design without becoming overly complicated.

Buttons operated with reassuring precision; the doors closed with a solid thunk and there are no cheap-looking plastics that often find their way into three-row family SUVs. The large digital instrument cluster provided all the information we needed without appearing cluttered, while the large center touchscreen was bright, responsive and easy to navigate.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connected quickly each time we entered the vehicle, and the wireless charging pad kept our phones topped off throughout the day.

The premium JBL audio system also deserves mention. Whether listening to music during the drive to Salt Lake or streaming playlists while running errands around town, the sound quality remained crisp and balanced.

Room for everyone

One area where the Grand Highlander truly separated itself from many midsize SUVs was interior space. Unlike some three-row SUVs where the third row feels like an afterthought, adults could actually sit comfortably in the back.

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Second-row passengers enjoyed generous legroom and reclining seats, while access to the third row was straightforward.

Cargo space also impressed us throughout the week. There was plenty of room behind the third row for groceries and everyday purchases. Folding the third row flat dramatically increased available storage, making it easy to transport the large digital mixing console and additional equipment needed for the concert.

Everyday technology

Toyota continues improving its infotainment and driver assistance systems, and the Grand Highlander benefits from the company’s latest technology. The panoramic view monitor proved especially helpful while maneuvering through crowded parking lots in Salt Lake City.

Adaptive cruise control handled freeway traffic smoothly, maintaining comfortable following distances while reducing fatigue during longer drives. Lane tracing assistance gently kept the SUV centered without feeling intrusive, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert added confidence in busy traffic.

A full-color head-up display projected speed, navigation information and safety alerts directly into the driver’s field of vision, reducing the need to look away from the road.

Fuel economy without compromise

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One of the biggest advantages of the Hybrid MAX system is that buyers don’t have to choose between performance and efficiency. While enjoying excellent acceleration throughout the week, we still appreciated the hybrid’s ability to conserve fuel during city driving and stop-and-go traffic.

The electric motors frequently handled low-speed driving, allowing the gasoline engine to shut off whenever appropriate. For families putting significant miles on their vehicles each year, those fuel savings can certainly add up. Over our week of driving, we averaged a very respectable 27.5 mpg.

Confidence behind the wheel

Although the Grand Highlander is larger than the traditional Highlander, it never felt cumbersome to get around in. Visibility was excellent thanks to large windows and thoughtfully positioned mirrors. Parking sensors and the 360-degree camera made maneuvering into tighter parking spaces much less stressful, even in busy shopping centers.

Toyota’s all-wheel-drive system also provided added peace of mind when the seasons and weather inevitably change from dry pavement to snow-covered roads.

At the end of the week

After our week with the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid MAX, it was easy to understand why this SUV has become such a popular choice among growing families. Toyota has successfully blended luxury, efficiency, technology and genuine performance into one attractive package.

The Hybrid MAX system never once felt complicated or distracting. Instead, it quietly worked behind the scenes, providing immediate power when needed while maintaining the efficiency expected from a Toyota hybrid.

Base price: $59,750

Destination charge: $1,495

Price as driven: $61,245