Family SUVs don’t have to be boring to drive. In fact, many automakers are intentionally producing family SUVs with exciting performance specs. Family haulers can have engaging driving dynamics, making them more enjoyable to own. Toyota has boldly claimed that its upcoming midsize SUV, the Toyota Grand Highlander, is its most powerful midsize model yet. The question is, how quick is Toyota’s most powerful midsize SUV?

How quick is the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX?

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX takes performance to the max. It can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds. Not too shabby at all for a three-row midsize SUV. The Hybrid MAX is so quick because of its unique powertrain setup.

The new Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX makes a whopping 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Toyota’s most powerful midsize SUV’s specs are already turning heads. It starts at $54,040. If the Hybrid MAX configuration isn’t your speed, Toyota also offers two other powertrain options for its new three-row midsize SUV.

What is the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX’s gas mileage?

According to Toyota, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX achieves 27 miles per gallon combined. Its fuel economy isn’t extraordinary. The Hybrid MAX powertrain’s main appeal is its astounding amount of torque. The Grand Highlander Hybrid is the more efficient model, but its power output pales in comparison.

The Hybrid MAX powertrain is Toyota’s way of providing exciting performance specs using hybrid technology. Older Toyota nameplates often rely on large V8 engines to produce this type of power. The 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX remains powerful while still being relatively efficient for its size.

Which 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander powertrain is best?

Thus far, we know that the Grand Highlander has three powertrain options. As for trim levels, there’s still much to learn about the exciting new midsize SUV. The term “best” is subjective, but we can provide some insight into which powertrain option offers the most value for the average consumer.

The Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX starts above the average new vehicle price of around $50K. Many consumers will pass on this expensive option in favor of one of the more affordable models. After all, 400 lb-ft of torque is exciting, but it isn’t necessary for a family SUV.

The next most expensive powertrain option, the hybrid, could be that just right porridge that consumers are looking for. The Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $44,670. It makes 245 horsepower and gets an impressive 36 miles per gallon combined.

The Hybrid makes fewer horses than the standard gas Grand Highlander, but the tradeoff is the superior fuel economy drivers get with the Hybrid. The gas Grand Highlander starts at $43,070 and makes 265 horsepower. It achieves 24 miles per gallon combined. Once again, Toyota has produced a hybrid alternative that arguably provides more value for the money than the standard gas version. Toyota may be behind when it comes to EVs, but it is easily one of the best automakers in the hybrid space.