Equipped with the optional Hybrid Max powertrain the Grand Highlander delivers a lot more performance than its smaller sibling. It pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that, on its own makes 275 horsepower with two electric motors to produce a combined 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
The turbo engine without electrification is available for both models as a standalone powertrain with an output of 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. Both Highlanders can also be equipped with a more traditional Toyota hybrid, which relies on a 2.5-liter non-turbo Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder and electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of pull.
However, because the Grand Highlander is the heavier of the two vehicles, its economy numbers are not as good as those of the regular Highlander. Toyota rates the Grand model equipped with the 2.4-liter turbo at 24 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive model and 22 mpg if it’s equipped with the optional all-wheel drive. The smaller Highlander with the same engine beats those numbers with 25 and 24 mpg, respectively.
