The Toyota Grand Highlander has been around since 2023, filling the gap in the Japanese automaker’s lineup between the Highlander and bigger Sequoia. The recipe is simple: three rows of seats, a variety of powertrains catering to those who value efficiency and/or performance, and a long list of features that prioritize safety as standard. All of this comes at reasonable pricing, naturally, and with Toyota’s reputation for reliability.
Going into 2027, the lineup will look much as it does now, with the addition of a new trim. For now, you can have your Grand Highlander in five core trim levels, but variety is available in terms of drivetrain and powertrain options, opening up 14 different configurations. Whether you want the base 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, the 2.5-liter hybrid engine with 245 hp, or the 362-hp Hybrid MAX setup, there is plenty of choice – so which of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander trims is best?
All pricing, data, specs, and feature information used in this Toyota Grand Highlander trim comparison is sourced from Toyota and is correct at the time of writing. Grand Highlander Woodland trim information is not yet available and will be added to this article once public.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander LE
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander group shot from a high angleToyota
First introduced last year, the LE trim is the entry point to the range. It starts at $42,260 before options and destination for the gas-only model, although you can also have it with the hybrid engine, which puts the starting MSRP at $45,610. Front-wheel drive is standard for the non-hybrid, with all-wheel drive a $1,600 option. Hybrids are all-wheel drive only.
Grand Highlander LE Pros And Cons
The cheapest of the Toyota Grand Highlander trim levels, the LE is the best option for those who want a three-row SUV on a budget. There are not too many options to add on this model, so pricing stays low. The main benefit here is fuel economy, with the best gas mileage at 21/28/24 mpg for non-hybrid FWD models and 21/27/23 mpg for AWD. Opting for the LE Hybrid means the best fuel economy of 36/32/34 mpg. For those who want to tow, the non-hybrid Grand Highlander has a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, dropping to 3,500 for the hybrid.
It may be the base model, but you do get some niceties, including three-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, a soft-touch center console, 13 cup holders, power windows, and the same Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system that does duty across the range. For audio and infotainment, you get just the bare essentials: a six-speaker sound system, although the 12.3-inch touchscreen comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The driver gets a seven-inch color multi-info display, though, nothing too fancy.
On the cons side, if you were hoping for luxury and advanced features, that’s not what you’ll find here – fabric upholstery is your only option in one of two color schemes, and you have to settle for basic 18-inch wheels. The advanced safety features and comfort elements are reserved for upper-tier trims.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander XLE
2025 Toyota Grand HighlanderToyota
One step up in the Grand Highlander range is the XLE, which offers the same choice of powertrain as the base model, with one difference – you can have both powertrains with either FWD or AWD. Gas-only models cost $45,030, while the hybrid asks for $46,780, and adding AWD to either adds $1,600 to the total price.
Grand Highlander XLE Pros And Cons
The step-up to XLE costs $2,770 over the base model, and for that money you get SofTex upholstery, heated front seats, a switch from a bench seat in the second row to a captain’s chair setup, Digital Key capability, second-row window sunshades, wireless smartphone charging, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. You can also opt for a sunroof at this trim level, but safety features stay the same as the LE.
The main drawcard for shoppers here is that the XLE Hybrid gets top fuel economy figures in the range – 37/34/36 mpg. Gas models earn the same as the base model, so it’s still a good bet for those who value efficiency.
Cons include having to opt for eight-passenger seating if you don’t want the captain’s chairs, although that’s not a negative for everyone and it won’t cost you anything.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Limited
2026-toyota-grandhighlander-limited-windchillpearl-034Toyota
The Limited trim is the only one to offer three powertrain choices, with the standard gas-only and hybrid option, as well as the Hybrid MAX setup, which ups the outputs to 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. As an ICE-only model, the Grand Highlander Limited has an MSRP of $49,760, while the Hybrid Limited goes for $53,110. The sticker price for the Hybrid MAX Limited is $56,090, before options and fees are added, which is the second-most expensive model in the lineup. FWD is only available on the ICE model, with AWD as an option on it, and standard on both hybrids.
Grand Highlander Limited Pros And Cons
The Limited asks for $4,730 over the XLE, and to justify that price, buyers get 20-inch wheels, a foot-activated power liftgate, a rear spoiler with LED lighting, dark gray metallic exterior trim, LED DRLs and fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors, and metal scuff plates. Inside, you get memory function for the driver’s seat, second-row outboard seat heating, leather-trimmed upholstery with heating and ventilation on the front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Ambient interior lighting is added as standard, and the 7-inch multi-info display for the driver is switched out for a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Lastly, the basic sound system is switched out for an 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio setup.
You do have the option to add a 360-degree camera, which the models below it don’t offer, and front and rear park assist with automatic braking is added at this price point.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander InteriorToyota
As for efficiency, the ICE models earn generally the same gas mileage, although opting for AWD does drop to 20/26/22 mpg, which is slightly worse off thanks to the extra weight on this more feature-fitted model. Regular hybrids drop to 36/32/34 mpg (slightly lower than what the XLE Hybrid manages), while the Hybrid MAX gets just 26/27/27 mpg – this hybrid setup is mainly for performance gains, not efficiency, and it does equal the regular ICE model for towing capacity.
Advantages of choosing this trim include the best features for the price as well as the ability to add some useful content. The parking assistance and better tech on this model make the price worthwhile. Cons are simpe: losing some fuel efficiency compared to lower trims and, obviously, paying a higher starting price.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade
Toyota Grand Highlander HybridToyota
The Nightshade trim is a hybrid-only model in the lineup, starting at $54,090 and having just one configuration – AWD. It costs less than $1,000 over what the Hybrid Limited costs, and there are no mechanical differences between the two. It’s one of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander trim levels that may not carry over to 2027.
Grand Highlander Nightshade Pros And Cons
The Nightshade trim is mostly about appearances, with just three exterior color choices available to maintain the stealthy look of the model. Those three color choices include Cement, Wind Chill Pearl, and Midnight Black metallic, paired with a Black leather interior. For the price increase, buyers get all black exterior badging, 20-inch black alloy wheels with black lug nuts, a black rear spoiler with LED lighting, black bumpers, and black door handles. Those are the only real differences between this and the Hybrid Limited, so you’re basically paying for an appearance upgrade, which – admittedly – does make the Grand Highlander look pretty cool.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum
2025 Toyota Grand HighlanderToyota
Topping the lineup are the Platinum trims, available as the gas-only model or the Hybrid MAX Platinum with the high-output powertrain. Whichever you choose, AWD is the only configuration, with pricing starting at $55,445 for the regular Platinum and $60,175 for the Hybrid MAX Platinum. That makes the latter the most expensive model in the lineup.
Grand Highlander Platinum Pros And Cons
As the priciest Grand Highlander models for 2026, the Platinum trims get most of the upgrades inside the cabin, starting with heated and ventilated second-row seats and leather-trimmed upholstery. The Hybrid MAX gets Ultrasuede and leather, as well as dual exhausts and 20-inch two-tone silver and black wheels to set it apart from the non-hybrid. The range-topper also gets a silver front lower bumper chin spoiler and matching rear lower bumper. Inside, there’s bronze-colored dash trim and black geometric pattern door trim for the Hybrid MAX, while both models get paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander interior ftontToyota
LED rear hatch cargo illumination and a 10-inch color head-up display are standard on these top trims, as is a digital rearview mirror, facial recognition for different drivers, a panoramic view monitor with overhead view, downhill assist control, and traffic jam assist.
Cons for spending this much money on a Toyota include the gas Platinum having the worst fuel economy in the lineup, and naturally spending more money – it depends on the buyer whether that money spent is justified by the features you get in exchange.
Which 2026 Grand Highlander Trim Should You Buy?
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander wheelToyota
While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest model in the range, we’d advise spending a little more and reaching for the Limited, at least. This brings the larger digital gauge cluster for the driver and the JBL sound system. You also get better upholstery and a few features that make it feel slightly upmarket. Stick with the FWD models to keep your gas bills low.
If you’re looking for the most frugal hybrid in the lineup, the XLE Hybrid is the one to go for, although you lose out on some of the Limited’s features. The Platinum is worth splurging on if you have the money, especially if you want the security the extra safety features and head-up display bring.
If you’re looking for a slightly more rugged vibe, hold on for the 2027 model year, as that brings the new Woodland Edition to the Grand Highlander lineup. Pricing changes from 2026 to 2027 look like this, including pricing for the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid trim levels:
Trim
2026 Pricing
2027 Pricing
LE
$42,260
$42,560
LE AWD
$43,860
$44,160
Hybrid LE AWD
$45,610
$45,910
XLE
$45,030
$45,430
XLE AWD
$46,630
$47,030
Hybrid XLE
$46,780
$47,180
Hybrid XLE AWD
$48,380
$48,780
Limited
$49,760
$50,060
Limited AWD
$51,360
$51,660
Woodland AWD
Not available
$51,780
Hybrid Limited AWD
$53,110
$53,410
Hybrid Nightshade
$54,090
Not confirmed
Platinum AWD
$55,445
$55,745
Hybrid MAX Limited
$56,090
Not available
Hybrid MAX Platinum AWD
$60,175
$60,475
Base Trim Engine
2.4L I-4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
265 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
310 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
21/28/24 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Sources: Toyota, EPA
