Looking for an SUV that is capable of hauling the whole family while also providing a luxurious interior can be a pretty expensive affair. However, if you’re not too concerned about having a badge from a luxury brand on your car, there is an option that checks every box without stretching your budget too far.
Just because you are looking for a family vehicle doesn’t mean you should deny yourself luxuries. Even though these often come at a cost, you can keep to your budget by climbing the trim ladder on a more mainstream option. You’ll still get a powerful and comfortable crossover, but at a fraction of the cost.
Exploring the current three-row SUVs on the market, we’ve found a model that is an absolute bargain for those looking for a plush vehicle with enough space four up to seven passengers. This SUV has it all, from leather upholstery to a fantastic suite of tech goodies, all while keeping your budget in mind.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
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The Grand Highlander Platinum Is Comfortable and Affordable
If the three-row luxury market is looking a bit too pricey, then look no further than the Toyota Grand Highlander. It has all the interior space that you could want, and if you climb the trim ladder, you get a premium interior loaded with features you’d expect to find in a luxury vehicle. The Platinum trim offers a no-compromise experience, checking every box you could want it to.
2025 Trims and Pricing
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
Grand Highlander Platinum |
$54,045 |
|
Grand Highlander Hybrid Platinum |
$58,775 |
The Grand Highlander is only in its sophomore year, with it hitting the market last year. The Grand Highlander is essentially a longer and larger version of the Highlander, with slightly reworked trim packages. While the Highlander is a bit cheaper, with the Platinum trim starting at $52,225, we think that $1,820 is a relatively small price to pay for the additional interior space.
While this price tag doesn’t exactly make the Grand Highlander Platinum a cheap option, it is much more affordable than similarly sized luxury rivals. In most cases, you’d have to spend over $60,000 on an entry-level three-row luxury SUV. The Platinum Grand Highlander also comes equipped with all the features that you’d see on those rivals, and in some areas even more.
Choosing between the hybrid and the non-hybrid model is definitely a matter of personal preference. The gas-powered mode comes in more than $4,000 cheaper than the hybrid model, which isn’t anything to scoff at. However, the hybrid model is obviously much lighter on fuel. The Platinum trim also comes equipped with much more power as well, thanks to the Hybrid MAX setup.
Changes For 2025
Despite this only being the Grand Highlander’s second year on the market, Toyota has made some minor changes to the three-row SUV. A new LE trim gives the Grand Highlander a more accessible starting point. More relevant to those aiming for the Platinum trim, Toyota has also added a a removable second-row center console alongside new Cement and Heavy Metal paint options.
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As mentioned above, the Grand Highlander Platinum comes with a choice of two powertrains. You can either opt for the gas-only model, which will be cheaper up front, or you can opt for the hybrid model which is more powerful and will save you money on gas. Either way, both offer plenty of grunt and will get you and your family from point A to point B without any hassle.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.4-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
2.4-Liter Turbocharged Hybrid Inline-Four |
|---|---|---|
|
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
265 HP |
362 HP |
|
Torque |
310 LB-FT |
400 HP |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
7 Seconds |
5.6 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
113 MPH |
117 MPH |
The non-hybrid Grand Highlander comes standard with a turbo four-banger. Most models feature front-wheel drive as standard, but the Platinum trim comes with all-wheel drive from the word go. It may not be the quickest or the most agile option, but it has plenty of go when you put your foot down and offers a smooth and supple ride quality, better than most mainstream options. It is also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.
Most hybrid Grand Highlanders come equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four and two electric motors producing a combined 245 horsepower. The Platinum trim, however, comes standard with the Hybrid MAX powertrain, which pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder with a single electric motor to produce even more power. It also features a standard automatic transmission, where cheaper trims come with a CVT instead. Regular hybrid models are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, but the Hybrid Max-equipped Platinum can tow 5,000 pounds.
Fuel Economy
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Grand Highlander Hybrid Platinum |
26 MPG |
27 MPG |
27 MPG |
|
Grand Highlander Platinum |
20 MPG |
26 MPG |
22 MPG |
For a three-row SUV that puts down 362 horsepower, the Grand Highlander Hybrid with the Hybrid Max powertrain delivers some impressive fuel economy, particularly in urban areas. It should be noted, though, that the less powerful hybrid setup is capable of delivering up to 36 miles per gallon combined, which is a significant improvement over the Hybrid MAX.
The gas-only Platinum model sits pretty far behind the Hybrid MAX Grand Highlander. This is particularly noticeable in the city. If you’re someone who rarely drives in urban areas and mostly commutes on the highway, your fuel economy should come back pretty close to the more powerful hybrid model.
Toyota’s Grand Highlander Platinum Features Near-Lexus Levels of Refinement
Interior shot of the front row in the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
When it comes to interior packages, the hybrid and non-hybrid Grand Highlanders are pretty similar. The Platinum trim offers some genuine interior luxury, with enough features and high-quality materials to rival much more expensive luxury three-row SUVs. If there wasn’t a Toyota badge plastered on the steering wheel, you might even think that it was a Lexus.
Comfort and Cargo
The Grand Highlander features an interior setup that we love to see on new vehicles. It is a great mix of practical traditional controls and contemporary digital real-estate. The Platinum trim is a big step up from the more basic models, with more convenience features that family-oriented buyers will appreciate, such as a power-operated liftgate, heated front seats, and a ton of USB ports and power outlets throughout the cabin. Every surface on the interior of the Platinum is covered in high-quality soft-touch materials.
The ‘Grand’ in the Grand Highlander’s name refers to its incredibly spacious interior, with tons of space for passengers in all three rows and a cargo area that is pretty close to best in class. In the Platinum trim, the second row bench is replaced by captain’s chairs, meaning you have space for up to seven passengers. All three rows boast comfortable seats, with the Platinum trim coming with upholstery that is a blend of leather and ultrasuede.
Interior Dimensions
|
Front Row Headroom |
41.5 Inches |
|---|---|
|
Front Row Legroom |
41.7 Inches |
|
Second Row Headroom |
40.2 Inches |
|
Second Row Legroom |
39.5 Inches |
|
Third Row Headroom |
37.2 Inches |
|
Third Row Legroom |
33.5 Inches |
|
Cargo Space (Behind First Row) |
97.5 Cubic Feet |
|
Cargo Space (Behind Second Row) |
57.9 Cubic Feet |
|
Cargo Space (Behind Third Row) |
20.6 Cubic Feet |
Infotainment and Technology
Every model comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which sits more centrally on the dashboard than the screen in the regular Highlander. Most models come with a seven-inch gauge display, but the Platinum models instead feature a 12.3-inch screen instead. As well as this, Platinum models come with a ten-inch color heads-up display.
Both the hybrid and non-hybrid models feature 120-volt outlets, with the gas-only model featuring one and the hybrid model featuring two. They also both feature digital rearview mirrors with HomeLink and a universal transceiver. The Platinum trim also comes with an upgraded sound system by JBL, featuring 11 speakers.
Both models also feature a pretty comprehensive driver-assist and safety suite. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is a pretty comprehensive suite, offering things like blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, a lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature. On top of this, the Platinum trim grants you access to Traffic Jam Assist, which essentially drives for you in congested traffic, and a Panoramic View Monitor, which gives you a 360-degree view of your car.
