Families with one or two kids can choose whatever crossover they want, but when they hatch three or even four offspring, choices narrow. They’re going to need three rows and a considerably larger barge. And, they’re not created equally. While some claim to have seven seats, the rear bench is often better left to babies and puppies. Let’s see if we can find a suitable ride that doesn’t leave the driver bored. Let’s go for a drive in the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max.
From the driveway, the Grand Highlander looks like a RAV4 that’s been feasting on beer and brats, still looking sturdy, but definitely bigger than I remembered. Its hood, fronted by a grille and squinty LED headlamps sure to scare Corolla drivers, sits chest high. Viewed broadside, there’s deft sculpting to hide its mass. Muscular curves, lower sill exaggerations, and a line that rises into the rear pillar are well placed – and all over 20” wheels. Running boards are a bit unnecessary, but add decoration, while roof crossbars let owners attach all kinds of paraphernalia.
Stepping over the running boards, being careful not to dirty one’s pants, passengers plop in a luxurious cavern trimmed in bronze, leather, and flatscreens. Our Platinum came with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear captain’s chairs, and power-opening panoramic moonroof. Tri-zone automatic climate control gives the rear its own controls. Crank up the JBL audio system for a symphonic delight.
Flatscreen gauges, head-up display, and 12.3” infotainment screen layer in technology, but keep it intuitive. Phones connect easily via wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and charge wirelessly in the console. Every passenger, in all three rows, has access to USB charging ports. This rig is wired and connected. It’s safe too with adaptive cruise, attention monitor, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross path detection.
Front and middle rows are roomy, but what about the back bench? If you truly want a roomy third-row seat, buy a Chevy Suburban or full-size van, but this Toyota’s is livable. Kids fit better on long trips, but actual adults can perch comfortably enough riding to dinner or to the club for a round of partners golf. Space behind the third row is a little tight for a family’s worth of luggage, but split-fold seats provide versatility once you figure out how to deploy them.
Your V8-revving neighbor may taunt you for buying a hybrid familymobile, but not for long. Combining a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine with batteries and motors nets a stout 362 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Not long ago those were Corvette numbers, enough to propel the big wagon to 60 mph in 6 seconds. Better, it has a proper paddle-shifted six-speed automatic transmission for a normal driving experience. And, gas mileage? Think 26/27-MPG city/highway. All that, and it tows 5,000 lbs.
Over the weekend, my family took our neighbor’s family to a local festival. All six of us fit comfortably, with kids in the back. Despite the large wheels, it soaked up broken city streets with aplomb. It’s not sporty, but can be pressed into a corner when necessary (or unnecessary). Finding a parallel parking spot wasn’t easy given the Grand Highlander’s considerable size, but the cameras and sensors helped guide her into port.
The three-row crossover segment has become hotly contested among traditional models like the Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer, and Honda Pilot plus newer entrants like the Kia Telluride, Subaru Ascent, and Volkswagen Atlas. None offer the Toyota’s combination of space, luxury, and hybrid performance. Grand Highlanders start at a very reasonable $40,860, but came to $63,072 amped to the max.
All-hybrid 2026 Toyota RAV4 Primmed and Pumped with new Off-road and Performance Trims
If you like much of what you see in the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, but want something a little less expensive, more efficient, and extra parkable in the city, check out the completely redesigned all-hybrid 2026 Toyota RAV4.
You’ll know it by its new Toyota-trademark hammerhead front styling that connects it visually to the Prius, Camry, and Crown models. Overall, it looks refined and upscale compared to the SUV-like outgoing model. Interiors can be described as “ruggedly Prius” with thin flatscreens for gauges and infotainment plus an airy mid-size cabin. Wireless phone connections and full array of safety tech are standard.
Following in the wheel tracks of the best-selling Camry sedan, the new RAV4 crossover will be 100% hybrid – available as a “regular” hybrid or plug-in. The base system delivers up to 236 horsepower in all-wheel-drive models while plug-in variants deliver 320 horsepower and 50 miles of electric range before the gas engine starts up. That’s a really good choice for those who like the idea of an EV for commuting, but are concerned about charging and range on longer drives.
A couple of new trim levels should appeal to enthusiasts. Toyota’s Woodland grade becomes available with a higher ride height, all-terrain tires, and split grille. Performance fans will welcome the RAV4 GR Sport, developed with GAZOO Racing, with enhanced handling, exterior styling, and tuned powertrains.
The redesigned RAV4 will begin rolling out of Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky factory into dealerships later this year with only a slight bump expected in pricing over current models (think around $32,000). What a way to celebrate the RAV4’s 30th Anniversary.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.