Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Toyota's SUV range starts with the hatchback-sized Corolla Cross and ends with the full-size three row Sequoia. In between these two extremes are nine unique models listed on Toyota's website. That's a lot of choice, but one model stands out as particularly good value, not just in its pricing, but for how many bases it covers compared to its stablemates.And that model is the Grand Highlander, a mid-size SUV that is priced to compete with compact crossovers yet has more interior space than some full-size SUVs. Featuring three rows, plenty of interior space, three engine options, and a car-like driving experience, it is the one-car solution that families have been looking for. We compare it to the most popular SUVs in Toyota's lineup to see whether it really is the best SUV Toyota is currently selling. 2026 Toyota Grand HighlanderView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleEngine Options2.4L Turbo inline-four 2.5L Hybrid inline-four 2.4L Turbo Hybrid MAXPower245–362 hpTorque310–400 lb-ft0–60 mph5.6–7.0 sec estFuel Economy21/28 MPG (Gas) 37/34 MPG (Hybrid)Model Years2024-onThe current generation Grand Highlander was released in 2024 and it uses Toyota's unibody TNGA-K architecture, which allows for more interior space, a smother ride and better handling, than an equivalently proportioned body-on-frame design. AdvertisementAdvertisementYou can pick from a 265-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, an efficient 245-hp 2.5-liter hybrid, or the high-performance Hybrid MAX system that pairs the 2.4-liter turbo with electric motors to produce an impressive 362 hp. Trim options range across LE, XLE, Limited, Nightshade, and Platinum, with higher trims getting access to the more powerful engine options. Both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) layouts are available. The hybrid gets a CVT transmission, the 2.4-liter turbo has an eight-speed automatic, while the hybrid Max gets a six-speed automatic.A 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is standard, as is three-row seating and a full complement of safety features. Options include heated and ventilated second-row captains' chairs, a 10-inch color head-up display and a panoramic sunroof.Grand Highlander Trim SelectionView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleTrim LevelEnginePower0–60 mph (est)Fuel EconomyMax Towing CapacityBase MSRPLE (Gas)2.4L Turbo I4265 hp7.0 sec21/28 MPG5,000 lbs$42,260Hybrid XLE2.5L Hybrid I4245 hp7.8 sec37/34 MPG3,500 lbs$46,780Hybrid MAX Platinum2.4L Turbo Hybrid MAX362 hp5.6 sec26/27 MPG5,000 lbs$60,175With a towing rating of between 3,500 and 5,000 lbs, prices starting from just $42,260 and a range of engine and trim options on offer, the Grand Highlander covers every base across a wide price range.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt provides additional room and utility over the standard Highlander, offers superior passenger space over the larger Sequoia, delivers far greater family capability than the popular RAV4, and provides superior daily comfort over the rugged 4Runner. But let's look a little closer at these in-house rivals/Grand Highlander vs. HighlanderToyotaThe Highlander is an impressive offering in isolation, but it is pricier than the larger Grand Highlander, doesn't come with the 362-hp Hybrid Max engine option, and is smaller inside. Both offer three-row seating, but the Highlander is far less spacious and has less cargo area. The Highlander is also being replaced by an all-electric model for 2027.MetricGrand HighlanderHighlanderBase MSRP$42,260$46,270Seating Capacity7–8 Passengers7–8 PassengersTowing Capacity3,500–5,000 lbs3,500–5,000 lbsCargo Area Behind 2nd Row57.9 cu ft48.4 cu ftCargo Area Behind 3rd Row20.6 cu ft16.0 cu ftGrand Highlander vs. SequoiaDespite the full-size Sequoia measuring nearly 7 inches longer overall, its body-on-frame truck chassis layout compromises interior packaging. The Grand Highlander's unibody setup allows for a lower floor, more headroom in every row, and 97.5 cubic feet of max cargo volume compared to the Sequoia's 86.9 cubic feet.It's also $23,465 cheaper than the base Sequoia, and you are getting vehicle that provides superior family comfort, better fuel economy, and higher predicted reliability without the bulk of a full-size truck platform.MetricGrand HighlanderSequoiaBase MSRP$42,260$65,725Seating Capacity7–8 Passengers7–8 PassengersTowing Capacity3,500–5,000 lbs9,500 lbsCargo Area Behind 2nd Row57.9 cu ft49.0 cu ftCargo Area Behind 3rd Row20.6 cu ft22.3 cu ftGrand Highlander vs. RAV4ToyotaThe compact RAV4 is great for daily commuting, and it is currently Toyota's best-selling SUV, but the Grand Highlander completely outclasses it if you need more than just a daily runaround.AdvertisementAdvertisementOffering comfortable seating for up to eight occupants and up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity, it is the better choice for any road trip, and if you step up to the RAV4 plug-in hybrid, then the pricing difference disappears as well. The RAV4 still delivers a good drive, excellent fuel economy and decent spec levels, but it can't come close to the practicality and overall capabilities of the larger Grand Highlander.MetricGrand HighlanderToyota RAV4Base MSRP$42,260$31,900 (hybrid) $41,500 (Plug-in Hybrid)Seating Capacity7–8 Passengers5 PassengersTowing Capacity3,500–5,000 lbs1,750–3,500 lbsCargo Area Behind 2nd Row57.9 cu ft37.6 cu ft maxCargo Area Behind 3rd Row20.6 cu ftn/aGrand Highlander vs. Toyota 4RunnerCole AttishaThe rugged 4Runner is built for off-road trails and heavy-duty utility with its body-on-frame construction and 6,000 lb towing rating. However, as a daily driver for suburban families, the Grand Highlander is a far better choice. It may not be able to head as far off road as the 4Runner, but how often do you really take your SUV on serious trails?The Grand Highlander has slightly larger dimensions, and way more interior space, while still being far more economical. The 4Runner can be optioned with a third row as well, but it is best suited to small kids on short journeys. Viewed as an overall package, the Grand Highlander covers more bases than the 4Runner.MetricGrand Highlander4RunnerBase MSRP$42,260$42,270Seating Capacity7–8 Passengers5–7 PassengersTowing Capacity3,500–5,000 lbs6,000 lbsCargo Area Behind 2nd Row57.9 cu ft48.4 cu ftCargo Area Behind 3rd Row20.6 cu ft12.1 cu ft (for 3-row models)The best Toyota SUV on SaleUnless you are set on a fully electric Toyota SUV (like the BZ or C-HR), or only want a basic runaround like the Corola Cross, the mid-size Toyota Grand Highlander is the model that makes the most sense for most use cases. Add in a reliability record that is impressive even by Toyota's high standards, and it may well have a legitimate claim to being the best SUV that Toyota currently sells.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. 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