I Drove the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid with My Toddlers – Here’s How It Went

When the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was in my driveway, my first reaction was, “Oh great, this thing’s going to eat up all the space.” It’s big, almost as long as a minivan. I honestly thought that driving it with my two toddlers in the back would feel more like wrestling a bus. But after driving it, I’ve got to admit… I was pleasantly surprised.

Let’s start with the drive. For such a large SUV, it doesn’t feel clumsy at all. The hybrid setup (a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a battery) gives you 245 horsepower. On paper, that doesn’t sound like much. However, when on the road, it handled itself brilliantly. Steering was sharp. Braking was confident, and getting onto the highway didn’t make my palms sweat. Also, parking this vehicle was easier than I expected. I even easily parked it between the two trucks at the grocery store.

Now, if you’ve got kids, you know the real test is in the back seats. Honestly, installing this car’s seats was one of the easiest setups I’ve ever done. The wide doors, tall roof, and captain’s chairs in the second row made it really quite simple to click everything into place. No wrestling, no weird angles, and no swearing under my breath. My toddlers were also super excited with its built-in sunshades. I knew that even a tiny strip of sunlight sneaking through can spoil their mood. Moreover, rear climate controls were another win. They could reach them easily. I didn’t adjust the temperature after every five minutes.

If I talk about the inside, Toyota actually made it feel nice and roomy. The leather seats were too comfy. The panoramic sunroof kept things bright, and that center console easily fit my giant water bottle. The infotainment screen also had the right size. It was easy to use without feeling like a TV glued to the dash. And here’s the kicker: fuel economy. I averaged around 30 mpg. You know, this is pretty great for a big three-row SUV. If you enjoy more power, Toyota has a Hybrid Max version. However, honestly, the standard hybrid already feels like the sweet spot between performance and efficiency.

Price-wise, you’re looking at low $40Ks to mid-$50Ks depending on trims and features. Not cheap, but when you factor in space, safety, mileage, and family-friendly touches, it actually stacks up really well against competitors like the Palisade or Grand Cherokee L.

The Grand Highlander Hybrid is a big yes. If you have a growing family and aren’t into minivans, this SUV deserves a serious look.