This Toyota three-row SUV gets better MPG than some sedans
Large three-row SUVs like the Toyota Sequoia, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada offer plenty of space and road presence, but they’re not exactly known for being gentle at the pump. It’s fine for road trips, but it stings a lot more during school runs and grocery runs.
Hybrids have become commonplace, and options like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid make living with an SUV much cheaper on a daily basis. The problem is that not all of them give you three proper rows, and some still aren’t effective once you’ve loaded the whole family.
That’s where the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid comes in, delivering exceptional fuel economy without sacrificing the space, practicality or rock-solid reliability families expect.
To provide you with the most current and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article comes from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and TopSpeed.
The Japanese SUV with the highest fuel economy
SUVs, especially larger ones, aren’t known for their fuel efficiency, but one Japanese model stands out from the crowd: it has three rows.
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid checks every box
And it delivers 36 MPG combined
The Toyota Grand Highlander comes in three trims: a regular gasoline model, a standard hybrid, and the punchier Max hybrid model. If MPG is your priority, the front-wheel drive hybrid is the sweet spot at 36 MPG combined, while the all-wheel drive drops slightly to 34 MPG.
Under the hood, the standard hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with electric motors to produce 245 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, which is enough for everyday family chores. Want more muscle? The Hybrid Max develops up to 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft, although fuel economy drops to 27 MPG combined in exchange for the extra boost.
- Base trim motor
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2.4L I-4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Basic transmission
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Front wheel drive
- Basic power
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265 hp at 6,000 rpm
- Basic trim torque
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310 ft. lbs. @ 1700 rpm
- Base trim fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
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21/28/24 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
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Lead acid battery
- Do
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Toyota
- Model
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Great Highlander
Hybrid or gasoline model of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The regular Grand Highlander uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, putting out a healthy 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, as is the hybrid.
It’s in fuel economy that the gap really shows up. The gas model manages 24 MPG combined with front-wheel drive and 23 MPG with all-wheel drive, making the hybrid’s numbers hard to ignore if you’re thinking long term.
Range tells a similar story. The hybrid can range between 464 and 619 miles on a tank depending on configuration, while the gas version lands between 392 and 427 miles, and EPA Fuel cost estimates favor the hybrid by several hundred dollars per year.
10 Three-Row Hybrids That Make Perfect Family Vehicles
These three-row hybrids offer the perfect blend of efficiency, space and comfort, making them ideal for active families.
What makes it such a good three-row SUV for families?
There’s plenty of space in all three rows
Most versions of the Grand Highlander Hybrid come standard with second-row captain’s chairs, although you can swap out a bench seat on most versions if you need seating for eight. Up front, passengers enjoy more than 41 inches of headroom and legroom, and even the third row is adult-friendly with 37.5 inches of headroom and 33.5 inches of legroom.
The cargo space is just as family-friendly. There’s 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row for strollers or shopping, and folding the rear rows opens things up to a whopping 97.5 cubic feet, making this one of the most practical three-row SUVs you can buy right now.
Bigger than the Highlander Hybrid, and it shows
As the name suggests, the Grand Highlander is essentially a stretched version of the Highlander. They ride on the same GA-K platform, but the Grand Highlander benefits from a longer wheelbase and a boxier shape that frees up noticeably more space inside.
This extra length translates to a roomier third row, greater cargo capacity and a wider overall cabin. What’s impressive is that it maintains the same fuel economy, making the Grand Highlander Hybrid the most flexible choice for families who want space without paying extra at the pump.
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2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs. Competition
One brand quietly dominates the Japanese three-row hybrid SUV space
Toyota launched the hybrid era with the Prius in 1997, and nearly 30 years later, it’s still setting the pace. Many brands now make hybrids, but when it comes to three-row Japanese hybrid SUVs, the shortlist is basically a Toyota family reunion.
Alongside the Highlander Hybrid and Grand Highlander Hybrid, you have the Lexus TX 500h and Toyota Sequoia Hybrid. The Lexus shares similar bones but costs significantly more and returns about 27 MPG combined, while the big, truck-based Sequoia Hybrid comes in closer to 20 to 22 MPG, making the Grand Highlander Hybrid the model for fuel efficiency of the group.
Non-Japanese three-row hybrid SUVs are worth a look
If you’re willing to look beyond Japan, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid are the two closest rivals. These Korean siblings use a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid setup with a six-speed automatic, good for 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and both offer all-wheel drive.
They even match the Grand Highlander Hybrid in fuel economy, which makes things interesting. Pricing starts at around $36,150 for the Santa Fe Hybrid and $38,690 for the Sorento Hybrid, which undercuts Toyota and makes it a value play.
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Versions, prices and main features of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Here’s what you get at each price point
The Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $44,710 for the base Hybrid LE, which is also the only version that comes standard with a second-row bench seat. From there, you move up to the XLE, Limited and Nightshade models, each adding more comfort, technology and style, with the Nightshade relying on blacked-out trim for a sportier vibe.
At the top of the range are the Hybrid Max Limited and Platinum, which get the most powerful Hybrid Max configuration and start at $55,190 and $59,275. These versions are aimed at buyers who want more oomph as well as all the bells and whistles.
There is a solid mix of features in the range
In terms of features, the Grand Highlander Hybrid doesn’t feel stripped down, even in base LE form. You get a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus an eight-way power driver’s seat right out of the door.
Step up to the XLE and add heated front seats, keyless entry and push-button start, a power liftgate, and a generous spread of USB-C ports throughout the cabin. The Limited brings nicer touches like an 11-speaker JBL audio system, leather-trimmed seats, and ventilated fascias, while the Hybrid Max Platinum rounds it out with a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, and 360-degree camera.
