3 reasons the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is in a lane of its own

Are we living in the golden age of three-row SUVs?

Brands like Toyota, Kia, Jeep, Hyundai, and more are producing competitive three-row SUV models. Recent advancements in hybrid tech have made these SUVs even more appealing because they can transport a large number of passengers without burning as much fuel as non-hybrid models.

Though many three-row SUVs have strong value propositions, one Japanese model stands out from the pack: the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. USA TODAY put this three-row hybrid SUV to the test to see if it's as value-packed in the real world as it is on paper.

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid's fuel economy is fantastic for its segment

It's no secret that Japanese automaker Toyota has one of the best hybrid portfolios on the market. The brand has come a long way from its first mass-production hybrid, the Toyota Prius.

Today, Toyota produces attractive hybrid cars, trucks and SUVs, utilizing the tech to provide power output boosts and conserve fuel for American drivers. The Grand Highlander Hybrid is no exception, bringing the best of Toyota hybrid tech to a nameplate that's practical for a large group of passengers.

The base model Grand Highlander Hybrid LE earns an estimated 34 miles per gallon combined (with standard all-wheel drive). This is astounding for such a large all-wheel drive SUV. For context, the two-row Honda Passport midsize SUV achieves just 21 miles per gallon combined despite having less seating capacity.

USA TODAY tested the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum trim, which is more powerful and earns 27 miles per gallon combined. The three-row SUV's standard regenerative braking kept adding miles to the total driving range on a lengthy road trip during testing. One of the biggest issues with driving a larger vehicle (with lots of seats) is fuel costs. The Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX was affordable to refuel and it savored gas like a fine wine on the highway.

Toyota's midsize three-row hybrid SUV won't break the bank

Another issue that many American car buyers have with larger SUV models is pricing.

Inflation and rising new car prices exacerbate this issue for many brands that produce three-row SUVs. The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provides the practicality of a three-row SUV with a unique hybrid powertrain setup without breaking the bank.

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $44,210 with the base model Hybrid LE trim. The average new vehicle price in June was $51,124, according to automotive research company Cox Automotive. American car buyers can get either the base model Grand Highlander Hybrid LE or the Hybrid XLE ($45,380) with more features for less than the average new car price.

Additionally, a study by iSeeCars.com, found the Highlander Hybrid to be one of the longest-lasting cars. If the same holds true for the Highlander Hybrid-based Grand Highlander Hybrid, then the midsize three-row SUV has a strong long-term value proposition.

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid: Plenty of cabin, cargo space

Toyota designed the Grand Highlander Hybrid's second and third rows of seats to be easily maneuverable, which is important for passenger comfort. The second row of seats can slide forward and bend, so hopping into the rear row of seats is a breeze. The third row of seats can be folded down completely for maximum cargo space. So, whether you need the most seating space possible or cargo space possible, adjustments can be made easily.

The Grand Highlander Hybrid can comfortably seat seven. Drivers can choose to add a second-row bench seat for a total seating capacity of eight, leaving 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space. It has 57.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. During testing, the Grand Highlander Hybrid's cargo area held four large beach chairs, a beach umbrella, a cooler and multiple backpacks.

The Grand Highlander Hybrid is truly carving out a lane of its own due to its fuel efficiency, affordability, and size. It's one of the most attractive new SUV deals on the market for families.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid stands out in its segment