2026 Toyota Grand Highlander in Culver City: The Ultimate Family SUV Buying Guide

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is designed for families who need more space, more comfort, and more capability than a traditional midsize SUV. Built on an extended platform, it delivers a truly usable third row, expanded cargo capacity, and advanced technology—without sacrificing the efficiency and reliability Toyota is known for.

While the standard Highlander remains a strong option for everyday driving, the Grand Highlander stands out as the better choice for larger families, road trips, and drivers who prioritize interior space and flexibility.

Space, Seating, and Everyday Practicality

One of the biggest advantages of the Grand Highlander is its interior space. Unlike many three-row SUVs, the third row is designed with adults in mind, offering generous legroom and easy access.

• Seating for up to 7–8 passengers
• Adult-friendly third row with added legroom
• Up to 20.6 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the third row
• Up to 97.5 cu. ft. of maximum cargo space

This makes the Grand Highlander ideal for families, carpools, and long-distance travel where both passengers and cargo need to fit comfortably.

Trim Levels: Finding the Right Grand Highlander

The Grand Highlander lineup offers a range of trims that balance value, comfort, and premium features.

XLE
A well-equipped starting point with a large touchscreen, advanced safety features, and comfort-focused interior design—ideal for families looking for value and practicality.

Limited
Adds premium materials, upgraded audio, larger wheels, and enhanced driver-assist features for a more refined experience.

Platinum
The most luxurious trim, featuring ventilated seats, a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and advanced technology throughout the cabin.

Hybrid MAX (Platinum/Performance)
A performance-focused hybrid option delivering up to 362 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive, combining strong acceleration with everyday usability.

Performance and Efficiency

The Grand Highlander offers multiple powertrains to match your priorities, whether that’s fuel efficiency or performance.

• 2.4L Turbo Engine: 265 horsepower with smooth acceleration and confident highway performance
• Hybrid Powertrain: Around 34 MPG combined for excellent fuel efficiency
• Hybrid MAX: 362 horsepower, standard AWD, and up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity

This range of options allows drivers to choose between efficiency-focused commuting or more powerful, performance-oriented driving.

Key Features and Safety Technology

The Grand Highlander is built to support modern families with advanced technology, comfort features, and comprehensive safety systems.

Spacious, Comfortable Interior
Premium materials, available leather seating, and multi-zone climate control create a quiet, comfortable cabin for both short trips and long drives.

Advanced Infotainment and Connectivity
A standard 12.3-inch touchscreen provides easy access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple USB-C ports, and available JBL premium audio keep everyone connected and entertained.

Convenience Features for Daily Use
Available features like a hands-free power liftgate, digital rearview mirror, and wireless charging make everyday driving more convenient.

Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0
The latest safety suite comes standard and includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Road Sign Assist

Additional Driver Assistance Features
Available Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, parking assist, and surround-view cameras provide added confidence in busy environments.

FAQ: Toyota Grand Highlander

How many passengers can the Grand Highlander seat?
The Grand Highlander seats up to 7 or 8 passengers, depending on whether you choose second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat.

Is the third row comfortable for adults?
Yes, the Grand Highlander is specifically designed with an adult-friendly third row, offering more legroom and comfort than most midsize SUVs.

What are the fuel economy ratings?
The Grand Highlander Hybrid achieves around 34 MPG combined, while the Hybrid MAX delivers about 27 MPG combined with significantly more power. Gas models offer competitive efficiency for the segment.

How much can the Grand Highlander tow?
When properly equipped, the Grand Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for small trailers, boats, and recreational gear.

Does the Grand Highlander offer all-wheel drive?
Yes, all-wheel drive is available across the lineup and comes standard on certain hybrid models like the Hybrid MAX.

What technology features come standard?
A 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports come standard, with available upgrades like premium audio and a digital instrument cluster.

Is the Grand Highlander good for road trips?
Absolutely. Its spacious interior, large cargo capacity, comfortable seating, and smooth ride make it an excellent choice for long-distance travel.

What makes the Grand Highlander different from the Highlander?
The Grand Highlander offers more interior space, a larger third row, and greater cargo capacity, making it better suited for larger families and extended trips.

Ready to Drive the Toyota Grand Highlander?

The Toyota Grand Highlander is built for families who need more space, more comfort, and more capability in their daily drive. With flexible seating, advanced technology, and multiple powertrain options, it’s ready to handle everything from daily commutes to long road trips.

Visit Culver City Toyota in Culver City to explore available inventory, compare trims, and take a test drive. You can also browse models and start your buying journey online from the comfort of your home.