2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Review | Evans Toyota in Fort Wayne, IN

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Review | Evans Toyota Fort Wayne, IN

Evans Toyota · Fort Wayne, IN

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Review

The Grand Highlander stretches the three-row SUV formula with a longer wheelbase, genuinely spacious third row, and a Hybrid MAX powertrain that produces 362 horsepower while still delivering strong fuel economy.

3-Row · 8-PassGas · Hybrid · Hybrid MAX362 HP Available5,000-lb Towing

Three Powertrains — Gas, Hybrid, & Hybrid MAX

The Grand Highlander offers three distinct powertrain choices. The gas model uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 265 horsepower with standard AWD. The Hybrid pairs the same engine with an electric motor for improved efficiency. The standout is the Hybrid MAX — at 362 combined horsepower, it's one of the most powerful non-sport three-row SUVs available and still achieves an estimated 27 mpg combined.

Towing is rated at up to 5,000 pounds across all configurations. For Fort Wayne families towing a boat to Lake Wawasee or a camper to Indiana Dunes, the Grand Highlander handles trailer duty without needing a full-size truck.

265
Gas HP
362
Hybrid MAX HP
5,000
Max Tow (lbs)

* Hybrid MAX HP is combined system output. Tow ratings require proper trailer and tow package equipment.

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on all Grand Highlander trims. A standard Bird's Eye View Camera system aids parking in tight spaces — particularly useful given the vehicle's size.

  • Pre-Collision System w/ Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection
  • Adaptive Cruise Control w/ Lane Centering
  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
  • Blind-Spot Monitor (standard)
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Bird's Eye View Camera
  • Automatic High Beams
  • Second Row Side Curtain Airbags

Interior Comfort & Technology

The extended wheelbase delivers on its promise. The Grand Highlander's third row offers adult-usable legroom — a genuine differentiator compared to the standard Highlander and most three-row competitors. The second row slides and reclines for flexible passenger configurations.

Upper trims feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a standard 10-inch head-up display, available captain's chairs in row two, premium JBL audio, and a panoramic moonroof. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims. Tri-zone automatic climate control keeps all three rows comfortable on longer drives.

2026 Grand Highlander Trims & Options

TrimPowertrainKey Highlights
XLEGas / HybridHV265 hp or Hybrid, 8-pass, 12.3" screen, wireless CarPlay
LimitedGas / Hybrid / HV MAXHVLeather, ventilated seats, panoramic roof, premium audio
PlatinumHybrid / HV MAXHVSemi-aniline leather, 12-way seats, full driver assist suite
Hybrid MAX Ltd.Hybrid MAXHV362 hp, performance-tuned AWD, maximum power
Hybrid MAX PlatinumHybrid MAXHVTop-spec luxury + 362 hp, heated/ventilated 2nd row

Hybrid MAX is available on Limited and Platinum trims. Standard Hybrid is available on XLE through Platinum. Browse current inventory at Evans Toyota.

2026 Grand Highlander: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Grand Highlander Hybrid and Hybrid MAX?

The standard Hybrid pairs the 2.4L turbo engine with an electric motor for improved efficiency. The Hybrid MAX uses a more powerful motor configuration delivering 362 combined horsepower — making it the performance-oriented choice for buyers who want fast highway merging, confident towing, and top-tier power without sacrificing fuel economy.

How much can the 2026 Grand Highlander tow?

The Grand Highlander is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the tow package, sufficient for a pontoon boat, horse trailer, or mid-size camper across Northeast Indiana and surrounding states.

Does the Grand Highlander have a usable third row?

Yes — the extended wheelbase Grand Highlander's third row is genuinely adult-usable, unlike some competitors where the third row is only suitable for children. This is one of the key advantages over the standard Highlander.

What is the fuel economy of the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX?

The Hybrid MAX achieves an estimated 27 combined mpg despite its 362 horsepower output — an impressive balance of performance and efficiency for a three-row SUV of this size.

Is the Grand Highlander available at Evans Toyota in Fort Wayne?

Yes. The Grand Highlander is available at Evans Toyota, 515 W Coliseum Blvd, Fort Wayne. Contact us at (260) 482-3730 or browse inventory online for available trims and powertrain options.

Serving Northeast Indiana & Surrounding Areas

Evans Toyota is Fort Wayne's full-service Toyota dealership. We serve drivers from across the region.

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