The primary motivator for automakers to develop hybrids or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), as others would prefer to call them, is for efficiency. Reducing the engine's load solely to where it operates most efficiently, and then leaving the electric motor to do the rest, is the perfect recipe for significant fuel efficiency improvements. Just take a look at Toyota and Honda's hybrids, and they perfectly follow this engineering philosophy.However, as you'll also probably notice, hybrid drivetrains are increasingly being used for improved performance. In fact, a positive effect of going the hybrid route is making the vehicle's entire drivetrain feel more responsive. Depending on the automaker's goals, the electric motor can make a vehicle more powerful or have the electric motor compensate for the smaller, more efficient engine.Whatever the case, the era of performance hybrids is here, and you'd be surprised that it's also been fitted to a vehicle that's both practical and efficient. Take note, however, that this article focuses solely on hybrids and not plug-in hybrids. When Hybrids Were Used For Performance Bring a Trailer For us to understand how we reached this point in the automotive world, we have to take a look at past hybrid models that weren't created solely for efficiency. Instead, these vehicles have demonstrated that hybrid technology can also make a vehicle faster. The Most Efficient Porsches Of Its Time Bring a Trailer In 2011, Porsche released the S Hybrid models of the Panamera and Cayenne. Prior to Porsche's present-day E-Hybrid, which is a plug-in hybrid system, the Cayenne S Hybrid and Panamera S Hybrid combined a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic. In the case of the Panamera S Hybrid, it had a 167 mph top speed, along with a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of six seconds — 0.3 seconds quicker than the non-hybrid V-6. Porsche's S Hybrid models feature a parallel hybrid configuration, which is what's commonly used for performance applications instead of the series-parallel systems that Japanese brands commonly use in their efficiency-focused hybrids.With this hybrid system, the Panamera and Cayenne could travel in pure electric mode for about a mile or two, just like in any normal hybrid today. The Panamera S Hybrid and Cayenne S Hybrid had CO2 emission ratings of 167 and 193 g/km, respectively, which were the lowest out of any Porsche at the time. Likewise, with combined MPG figures of 21 and 25 MPG, respectively, for the Cayenne S Hybrid and Panamera S Hybrid, they were among the most efficient Porsches as well. Efficiency, whilst improving performance, was the engineering goal for the Panamera S Hybrid and Cayenne S Hybrid. Through-The-Road Hybrids William Clavey | TopSpeed Now, you've heard of series-parallel and parallel hybrids, but have you heard of through-the-road (TTR) hybrids? TTR hybrids are mostly all-wheel drive (AWD) hybrids, but one driveshaft is driven solely by electric motors, while the other is connected to the internal combustion engine (ICE). Though Peugeot's hybrid systems in the early 2010s were TTR systems, the most common use of a TTR hybrid system is in sports cars. Two of them have been sold in the United States, and these are the Acura NSX and the sole TTR hybrid sports car in production today, the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray.Due to the layout of a TTR hybrid, the Corvette E-Ray and NSX are front-wheel drive (FWD) cars when running in pure electric mode. That's also the same case for two other famous plug-in hybrid sports cars, the BMW i8 and Porsche 918. The main distinction of a TTR hybrid is its lack of physical connection between the front and rear axles. Thus, they can work independently or in tandem, which is perfect for performance applications. For those who are curious, the new Porsche 911's T-Hybrid system is a parallel hybrid, but since it doesn't run in pure electric mode, we won't be focusing on this model. This SUV Is Hybrid MAX-xing Toyota "Maxxing" has become a common internet slang among the younger folk, and this couldn't be any more perfect in describing the practical, efficient, yet surprisingly quick SUV for today's article. That would be the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX, whose hybrid powertrain combines both efficiency and brisk performance. Grand Performance Toyota At the heart of the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX is the brand's take on a parallel hybrid system. Yes, this is not Toyota's usual series-parallel system with an e-CVT, as the Hybrid MAX powertrain uses a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder, a six-speed automatic, and an electric motor sandwiched between these two. With a total system output of 362 horsepower, there's plenty of oomph from this hybrid system. MotorTrend achieved a 0–60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, which is wonderful for a vehicle this large.And yet, despite its size, weight, and performance, the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX has a combined efficiency rating of 27 MPG. That's three MPG better than the non-hybrid Grand Highlander, but it is seven MPG less efficient than the 2.5-liter series-parallel hybrid variant with an e-CVT. The new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, which is also a turbo parallel hybrid, is even better at 29 MPG with AWD or 34 MPG without AWD and with the smaller wheels. However, it has less torque than the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX. Effortlessly Comfortable Toyota We have already reviewed a Grand Highlander, albeit with its standard series-parallel hybrid system, but the driving dynamics should largely carry over to the Hybrid MAX variant. Taking away the Hybrid MAX system for a minute, what you get out of this large three-row SUV is an easy-going personality. Yes, it's a large vehicle, but with excellent sightlines from its large windows, plus a steering that's just right in terms of its weight, the Grand Highlander is anything but cumbersome. Handling isn't its strong suit, but it's a family SUV; comfort and ease of driving should be its main priority.And indeed, the driver and their passengers will love the supple ride and the quiet cabin. Even under hard throttle applications, the hybrid system remains well suppressed. Yes, you'll hear its engine droning, but it isn't obtrusive by any means. It's Lexus-like in its refinement, so this is going to be a great family SUV if all you want is a stress-free option in terms of its driving feel or reliability. Size And Space Maxxing Toyota As one of Toyota's largest offerings, the Grand Highlander is the modern-day minivan in terms of practicality. As such, the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX goes big on space for all three rows. Commanding But Subtle Exterior Toyota But first, let's talk about its exterior design. Since the Hybrid MAX drivetrain is reserved for the two top trims, the Limited and Platinum, these two variants offer the pinnacle of the Grand Highlander range. And yet, from the outside, you probably wouldn't be able to tell. Design is highly subjective, but I think we can all agree that there's nothing really special about the Grand Highlander's looks. The overall design is exactly what you'd expect a crossover SUV to be, but no design detail stands out. Then again, this is Toyota's way of making the Grand Highlander appeal to a wider demographic.Toyota Perhaps as a way to make Hybrid MAX models stand out, there's a satin silver trim piece on its front bumper, while the Limited's 20-inch alloy wheels feature a two-tone finish versus the silver ones in the standard hybrid Limited. For the Platinum, this gets gunmetal 20-inch multi-spoke wheels. If you want a more stylish option, we will happily steer you to the very distinctly designed Hyundai Palisade or Kia Telluride, whose bold lines and imposing looks make these two standouts in the segment. Copiously Spacious Interior 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum interior shot showing seating layoutLikewise, the interior of the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX doesn't offer any distinctive design features. On the upside, being in the top two trims means that there are plenty of features for all three rows, along with materials that are Lexus-like. Bronze interior trims are a fresh sight against the usual satin silver or chrome detailing, while genuine leather and Ultrasuede are used generously across the interior. Opt for the range-topping Platinum, and you get the option of a brown interior color scheme that's downright luxurious to the eyes.Toyota Front occupants are treated to power-adjustable seats, along with seat heating and cooling, plus there's also a JBL sound system, ambient LED lighting, two 12.3-inch screens, rear window shades, plenty of physical controls, a powered tailgate, and as many as 13 cupholders. Captain's chairs are also standard, which makes the expansive third row easily accessible. The Platinum trim includes: Heating and ventilation for the rear seats A panoramic sunroof A head-up display A camera-based digital rearview mirror Sources: Toyota, The EPA, Porsche