Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, offering both single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two battery size options. The larger battery, which increased power, performance, and range, came at a higher cost. Prices ranged from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. Our XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus for an additional $3,000. The total MSRP was $40,468, including options like Heavy Metal paint and various mats. The 2026 bZ's restyled appearance, especially with body-color trim, was an improvement over its predecessor. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, and the fabric seats in the XLE trim had an upscale pattern. The 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate control, which, despite initial concerns, was user-friendly with large dials and buttons. However, the digital driver display's placement and size remained a drawback.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, available with a standard turbocharged gas engine, a hybrid powertrain, and a powerful Hybrid Max configuration, offered a range of trims from LE to Platinum. Prices spanned from $43,855 to $61,770, including the destination charge. Our test vehicle, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum, featured Storm Cloud paint and no additional options, with an MSRP of $61,770. Toyota's conservative styling approach resulted in a design reminiscent of the RAV4, scaled up to accommodate up to eight passengers and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function, with the Platinum trim adding a touch of luxury. While the climate system was straightforward, the infotainment interface had a small volume knob and lacked a tuning knob, which could be frustrating for some users.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of performance options depending on the configuration. The XLE with FWD and a 57.7-kWh battery delivered 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles and an efficiency rating of 26 kWh/100 miles. Upgrading to the 74.7-kWh battery increased horsepower to 224 and extended the range to 314 miles, though the Limited trim saw a slight decrease in range and efficiency. Dual-motor models, equipped with the larger battery, produced a combined 338 horsepower, with varying ranges and efficiency ratings depending on the trim. Recharging options included a DC fast charger and a Level 2 home charger, with varying times based on battery size. During testing, the XLE Plus demonstrated better efficiency than the EPA estimate in Eco mode but fell slightly short in Normal mode. The bZ's handling was generally agreeable for city driving, though it struggled on winding roads due to its tires and steering.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and electronic AWD, producing 362 horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate quickly, aided by a traditional six-speed automatic transmission. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg compared to the standard hybrid's 36 mpg, it offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Testing revealed an observed fuel economy of 26 mpg on a mixed driving route and 23.3 mpg on a mountainous evaluation loop. The Hybrid Max's acceleration was smooth and confident, with electric motors mitigating turbo lag. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though road undulations could cause some discomfort. Handling was secure at moderate speeds, but the vehicle's size was noticeable on tighter roads. Visibility was excellent, aided by various camera systems, though the front camera's frequent activation could be intrusive.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making entry and exit easy. Both front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment available in XLE and Limited trims. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated seats in the Limited trim. While the bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment, it compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a tray beneath the console. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was limited. Cargo space behind the power liftgate measured 27.7 cubic feet, with underfloor storage and a maximum capacity of 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating across all three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. Our Platinum-trim test vehicle featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding an upscale touch. The front and second-row seats were heated and ventilated, with supportive cushions. However, the rear doors' design posed challenges for parents with small children, and the sharp door corners could cause damage to nearby vehicles. The second-row captain's chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, which provided reasonable comfort for adults and tall teens. Cargo space behind the third row measured 20.6 cubic feet, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. While the driver display's placement and size were problematic, the infotainment system was generally user-friendly. However, it lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display and had low-contrast colors that could be difficult to read. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect feature powered the native navigation system and the Intelligent Assistant, which performed well in testing.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with a more sophisticated digital instrumentation panel in higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to music accounts, along with multiple Toyota Connected Services plans. While the infotainment system was easy to use, it shared the bZ's limitation of not displaying multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, and our Platinum test car included additional features like a head-up display and a premium audio system.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), which included a comprehensive suite of safety features such as high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) was also standard, providing subtle braking and steering inputs. Additional features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. The Limited trim offered Traffic Jam Assist and other advanced features. However, the bZ's adaptive cruise control response was inconsistent, and the driver monitoring system was overly sensitive. The bZ received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with high marks for front-crash avoidance but lower ratings for headlights and frontal-impact protection.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid also featured TSS 3.0, with a comprehensive list of safety and driver-assistance technologies. While the PDA system was found to be irritating in the Grand Highlander, the overall safety tech operated with accuracy and refinement. The lane-keep assist system occasionally strayed too close to lane markers, and the camera system's frequent screen takeover was more annoying than helpful. The Grand Highlander earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and frontal-impact protection.