Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs. Hybrid Max

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is like the regular Highlander but bigger, better, and more impressive. This three-row midsize SUV has everything you want.

This new Toyota SUV rides on an all-new platform. You’ll find a lot more space, more power, and more upscale features in the Grand model when compared to the regular version. Within the Grand Highlander features and trims, you’ll see three different powertrains, two of which have hybrid systems. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two hybrid powertrains, which offer more power and efficiency for this SUV.

What are the powertrain differences?

Regular Hybrid

Most of the differences between the Hybrid and Hybrid Max models reside in the powertrains. The regular hybrid model has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors. This gives you 245 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This version sends power to the wheels through a CVT transmission.

The regular hybrid model in FWD reaches 37 city/34 hwy mpg while the AWD version gives you 36 city/32 hwy mpg to be the most efficient version of the Grand Highlander.

Hybrid Max

The Hybrid Max powertrain delivers more power from a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The power reaches 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission sends the power to the wheels from the Hybrid Max powertrain system.

The Hybrid Max powertrain is only offered in AWD, and that gives it 26 city/27 hwy mpg.

When it comes to sprint times, the Hybrid Max hits 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, which is extremely good for a large, midsize SUV. The regular Hybrid model can do this same sprint in 7.8 seconds, making it quite a bit slower.

More towing capability for the Hybrid Max model

When the Toyota Grand Highlander is powered by the regular hybrid powertrain, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Choose the Hybrid Max powertrain, and that tow rating reaches 5,000 pounds. These figures are in line with many of the other midsize three-row SUVs in its class.

What does each trim offer?

There are four hybrid trims of this SUV: two that use the regular hybrid powertrain and two that use the Hybrid Max system. Let’s see what each trim offers.

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE

• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
  • Forward collision warning
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane keeping assist
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Road sign recognition
  • Proactive Driving Assist
• Hill Start Assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights and taillights
• Heated power side mirrors
• Power liftgate
• Tri-zone climate controls
• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wiper blade de-icers
• Silver-painted roof rails
• Rearview camera with washer
• Toyota’s Smart Key keyless entry
• Heated 10-way power driver’s seat
• Heated 8-way power front passenger seat
• Second-row captain’s chairs
• SofTex simulated leather upholstery
• Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• Wireless charging pad
• 7-inch color gauge cluster
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• 6-speaker audio system

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited

• Standard AWD
• Multi-Terrain Select system: Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Normal
• LED fog lights
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power-folding side mirrors
• LED daytime running lights
• Foot-activated power liftgate
• Puddle lights
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Two 120-volt outlets
• Heated steering wheel
• 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument display
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Driver’s side memory settings
• Heated second-row seats
• Leather upholstery
• 11-speaker JBL premium audio system

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Limited

This model has the more powerful Hybrid Max powertrain, but it also comes with a few additional features. Items added to this model above the regular hybrid Limited trim are:

• Dual-exhaust ports
• Steering wheel paddle shifters
• Two-ton 20-inch alloy wheels
• Leather upholstery with Ultrasuede inserts

This model doesn’t have an 8-passenger bench seat option.

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum

The top model of this new midsize three-row SUV is the Platinum trim. This model gives you upgraded features, including:

• Panoramic moonroof
• Panoramic monitor
• 20-inch two-tone wheels
• LED cargo area lighting
• Front cross-traffic detection
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Heated and ventilated second-row seats
• Head-up display
• Profile facial recognition
• Digital rearview mirror

The differences are obvious

It’s not really a powertrain choice when you’re shopping the new Grand Highlander. If you commit to one of the hybrid models, you’ll find two trims that have the regular version and two that move up to the Hybrid Max system to give you the power and performance desired. The highest two trims have the most equipment and the most power.