The Drive
Toyota recently let us try out their standard hybrid model in the Limited trim, which sits around $52,500. This one’s the more gentle option in their lineup of powertrains, and to be honest, we were a bit curious about how it would handle itself, especially since the Grand Highlander is a pretty big vehicle.
At first, it did feel like the four-cylinder engine was a bit of a light touch for such a big car. When you step on the gas, it’s not exactly zippy, especially noticeable when it was just us two in the car. You’ve got to wonder how it would do fully loaded with a whole crew of seven or eight people plus all their stuff. If you’re the type who needs a bit more oomph, maybe the Hybrid MAX model is more your speed. Or, if saving fuel isn’t your top priority, the base turbo model could be a better fit.
Here’s an interesting bit: unlike the other models that come with regular automatic transmissions, the hybrid uses what’s called an E-CVT. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s got this electronic setup that manages power delivery without the usual gears and without that annoying engine noise when you really push it. It’s pretty smart and probably helps the Highlander hit that impressive 36 mpg mark. We didn’t quite hit that number, but we were still pretty impressed.
Where this car really stands out is in how smooth the ride is. It takes on bumps like a champ, stops on a dime, and handles curves pretty well. And if you go for the hybrid with all-wheel drive, it gets even better. The car smartly shifts power to the wheels that need it most, which means even sharper handling when you’re out and about.
See Also — At a Glance: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
