2026 Toyota Grand Highlander proves you don’t need a hybrid to get space, towing power, and family-friendly value in a three-row SUV.This three-row SUV isn’t just about space — it’s about versatility, power, and value. And in 2026, the gas-powered Grand Highlander proves that you don’t need a hybrid (or an EV) to check all the right boxes for family life.
We’re talking eight seats with real third-row space, plenty of towing muscle, a comfortable ride, and a price that won’t make you wince at the dealership. Oh, and you can still get decent fuel economy without lugging around a big battery pack.
Turbocharged Power — Without the Hybrid Price Tag
The 2026 Grand Highlander’s huge gasoline powertrain is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder pumping out 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s more muscle than the lowest hybrid version, which makes 245 horsepower and one hundred 75 lb-ft of torque.
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Yes, the Hybrid MAX version is the performance champ with 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, but here’s the thing — it comes with a heavier price tag and slightly lower fuel economy than you might expect.
Fuel Economy: Close Enough to Compete
According to EPA estimates:
- 2.4L Turbo Gas 21 28 24
- Hybrid 36 32 34
- Hybrid MAX 26 27 27
Sure, the gas version isn’t breaking any MPG records, but compared to the Hybrid MAX, it’s only 3 MPG behind on combined mileage — and that’s before you factor in the $15,000+ difference in starting price between the base gas XLE and the top Hybrid MAX Platinum.
Towing Power That Matches the Hybrids
Here’s where it gets interesting: the gas Grand Highlander tows the same 5,000 pounds as the Hybrid MAX. Even better? The base hybrid tows less — just 3,500 pounds. That means your family’s camper, jet skis, or small boat won’t be a problem, even without going hybrid.
All-Wheel Drive When You Need It
Every Grand Highlander trim — gas or hybrid — offers AWD. So whether you’re pulling a boat up a wet ramp, navigating a muddy trail to your cabin, or handling a snowstorm school run, the gas model can handle it just fine.
Price: Where the Gas Model Wins Big
For 2026, Toyota priced the Grand Highlander LE FWD at $41,360, which is still well below the Hybrid LE at $44,710. Go for the higher gas trims and you’ll still undercut the hybrids while loading up on comfort features like SoftTex seats, a power liftgate, a Digital Key, and blind spot monitoring.
Why Gas Still Makes Sense for Some Families
With all the EV and hybrid hype, it’s easy to overlook the benefits of a traditional gas-powered SUV:
- Range: Over 600 miles on a full tank of gas (FWD).
- Refueling: A quick stop at any gas station — no chargers needed.
- Maintenance: No big battery packs or complex hybrid systems to worry about over time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a family that wants room for everyone, serious towing muscle, AWD confidence, and thousands in savings, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander gas model makes a strong case. Sure, hybrids have their perks, but this gas-powered SUV proves you don’t need one to get capability, comfort, and value in one big package.
Also read: 10 maximum dependable Pickup trucks of the last Decade (Ranked for U.S. Buyers)