Everyone reaches for the flashy trim — here's the one you should actually buy
Toyota stacks the Grand Highlander Hybrid from humble LE to brawny Hybrid Max. But experts say the sweet spot sits right in the middle — and it costs far less than the badges above it.
Toyota built the Grand Highlander Hybrid as a ladder of trims — from the humble LE to the brawny Hybrid Max. But experts agree on one thing: you don’t need to climb to the top. For most families, the smartest buy is the mid-range XLE. It’s noticeably more comfortable than the base LE — yet stays cheaper than the pricier Limited, Nightshade and Hybrid Max. The sweet spot? Looks like it.
In the US, the Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE starts at $47,975. And for that money the car already packs the things buyers walk into the showroom for: heated seats, SofTex upholstery, wireless phone charging and separate captain’s chairs in the second row. A panoramic roof and digital key cost extra. The base LE is cheaper, of course, from $46,805. But its cabin is cloth and the second row is a plain bench. Its one trump card: eight seats against the seven you get in an XLE with individual chairs.
What about power? For those who want some character, Toyota offers the Hybrid Max setup with 362 hp. Trouble is, it’s reserved for the senior trims — and it costs noticeably more. The Limited kicks off at $57,285, or roughly €50,200. Experts are convinced the regular 245 hp hybrid is more than enough for most family drivers.
Earlier it was reported that Toyota had launched the first phase of its Woven City project.