The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade Hybrid enters the automotive market as a promising contender in the large SUV segment, inheriting a shared platform with the Lexus TX. This vehicle aims to address the long-standing demand for increased third-row space in Toyota's Highlander series, offering a more accommodating interior and impressive fuel efficiency for its size. Positioned at a price point just shy of $57,000, this review provides a thorough analysis of its capabilities, from driving ease and hybrid powertrain performance to passenger and cargo capacity, ultimately weighing its perceived value against its cost and against other vehicles in its class. The detailed observations aim to help potential buyers determine if this spacious and efficient family hauler truly lives up to its expectations.

Since its inception in 2001, the Toyota Highlander has been a remarkable commercial success, particularly as a hybrid three-row SUV since 2006. However, a persistent critique has revolved around its cramped third-row seating. Recognizing this customer feedback, Toyota introduced the Grand Highlander, a significantly larger and more accommodating alternative designed to appeal to families needing more space without committing to a minivan. This strategic move aims to cater to those who prefer an SUV's versatility but require enhanced passenger comfort, especially in the rearmost seats.

During a week-long test drive with two young children, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade Hybrid quickly demonstrated its appeal, particularly its ability to deliver over 30 miles per gallon (MPG) in a full-sized, all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid SUV priced under $60,000. Despite initial skepticism regarding its performance with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 243 combined horsepower, the vehicle proved surprisingly capable and agile. The integration of the hybrid system facilitated smooth acceleration and effortless maneuverability, even in tight urban settings. The reviewer noted that the vehicle, despite its substantial dimensions, handled with unexpected ease, making everyday tasks like parking less daunting than anticipated. Its efficient fuel consumption, especially considering its 17.2-gallon tank providing a range of nearly 500 miles, emerged as a significant benefit for family transportation, justifying its value proposition.

A notable aspect of the Grand Highlander is its surprisingly manageable driving experience, despite its considerable size. Measuring over 200 inches in length, the vehicle's large footprint initially raised concerns about navigating narrow streets and parking. However, the reviewer found it remarkably easy to maneuver, even backing into challenging parking spaces using only side mirrors. This unexpected agility, attributed partly to its hybrid powertrain that provides immediate torque from a standstill, dispelled any preconceptions about large SUVs being cumbersome. The effortless handling made it easy to forget the vehicle's actual size until it was observed next to smaller cars, highlighting a key advantage for daily usability.

The interior of the Grand Highlander excels in passenger accommodation, particularly for families. The installation of child safety seats was straightforward, and the generous legroom in both the second and third rows was impressive. The inclusion of tilt-and-slide captain's chairs in the second row allows for easy access to the third row, even with car seats in place—a feature not commonly found in many three-row SUVs. Furthermore, the cargo area behind the third row offers a respectable 20.6 cubic feet of space, sufficient for groceries and small luggage. While larger cargo might require additional carriers, the overall spaciousness makes it an ideal choice for families requiring ample room for both passengers and their belongings.

When comparing pricing, the Grand Highlander presents a compelling argument against the standard Highlander. The Grand Highlander Nightshade, with every available option, comes in at approximately $56,810, which is only slightly more expensive than the Highlander Hybrid Platinum's starting price of $54,475. For this marginal increase, buyers gain substantial advantages, including 4.5 cubic feet of additional trunk space and 5.5 inches more legroom in the third row, along with standard all-wheel drive, all without a significant compromise in fuel efficiency. Even the higher-tier Hybrid Max versions, offering a robust 362 horsepower compared to the standard 243, maintain competitive pricing. This demonstrates that the Grand Highlander offers considerable added value, making it a highly attractive option for its cost.

Ultimately, the Grand Highlander proves to be a worthwhile investment. Compared to its competitors, such as the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night, or the Lexus TX, it stands out for its balanced offering of space, efficiency, and driving comfort. While it might be oversized for smaller families, its generous third-row legroom makes it perfectly suited for those with multiple children or for grandparents who frequently transport several grandchildren. Its ability to accommodate car seats with ease and offer versatile cargo configurations by folding down the third row further enhances its practicality. The Grand Highlander effectively fills a niche for those seeking a highly functional and spacious family vehicle that avoids the traditional minivan stereotype.

In an automotive market grappling with elevated vehicle prices and consumers' shrinking disposable income, Kia has remarkably achieved its best sales month to date, surpassing 80,000 units sold. This milestone was largely propelled by the strong performance of its crossover and SUV segments, notably the Sportage and Telluride models, which saw significant growth. Conversely, the company's electric vehicle offerings, including the EV6 and EV9, experienced a downturn in sales, highlighting a mixed performance across its diverse lineup. This achievement signifies Kia's strategic success in navigating a complex economic environment, emphasizing its focus on popular segments while facing challenges in the evolving EV sector.

The South Korean automaker's August sales surge is particularly noteworthy given the broader industry's concerns about a potential economic slowdown. Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales Operations for Kia America, confirmed the record-breaking figures, underscoring the company's trajectory towards its third consecutive annual sales record and an unprecedented market share. This success is a testament to Kia's ongoing efforts to enhance vehicle quality and perceived value, appealing to a consumer base increasingly conscious of both cost and features.

A closer look at individual model performances reveals a nuanced picture. The Kia Sportage, recently redesigned for the 2023 model year, demonstrated a robust 19% increase in sales during August, moving over 18,000 units. Similarly, the Kia Telluride, another popular SUV, mirrored this success with a 19% jump in sales year-over-year, reaching 12,177 units. The Kia Carnival minivan also saw an impressive 29% increase compared to the previous August, selling 6,522 units. However, not all models shared in this growth, as sales for the Kia K4/Forte experienced a slight decline, and the Sorento also saw a marginal decrease in units sold.

The electric vehicle segment presents a particular challenge for Kia. Despite the general market shift towards electrification, sales for Kia's EV models, particularly the EV9 and EV6, have faced headwinds. Although EV9 sales showed an August uptick, its year-to-date figures are significantly lower than the previous year. The EV6 also registered a decrease in both August and year-to-date sales. This trend is notable, especially considering that both the EV6 and EV9 are eligible for the substantial $7,500 federal tax credit, suggesting that factors beyond immediate cost savings might be influencing consumer adoption in this segment.

Kia's pricing strategy remains a key differentiator. In an era where affordable new and used vehicles are becoming scarcer, Kia continues to offer a range of models priced under $30,000. The Soul leads this affordable lineup, starting at $20,490, with the Seltos and Sportage also maintaining competitive price points. For sedan enthusiasts, the K4/Forte and the midsize K5 offer attractive options, while the Niro Hybrid crossover caters to efficiency-minded buyers with impressive fuel economy. This commitment to affordability, coupled with continuous improvements in vehicle quality, positions Kia favorably for consumers seeking value without compromising on features.

Kia's impressive sales performance in August, setting a new monthly record, highlights its resilience and strategic strength in a competitive automotive market. While popular family-oriented models like the Sportage, Telluride, and Carnival have been instrumental in this success, the struggles in the EV sector indicate areas for re-evaluation. The brand's commitment to providing affordable yet well-equipped vehicles continues to resonate with consumers, enabling it to defy broader industry trends and secure a significant market presence. Looking ahead, addressing the cooling demand for EVs will be crucial for Kia's sustained growth and long-term market leadership.