Electric Cars

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid stands out as a compelling option in the competitive mid-size SUV market, particularly for those prioritizing efficiency and spaciousness. This vehicle seamlessly combines a comfortable driving experience with versatile passenger and cargo capacity, making it an ideal choice for family journeys and daily commutes. Its dual hybrid powertrain offerings allow consumers to select between exceptional fuel savings and robust performance, catering to diverse needs and preferences. While delivering a refined ride and a modern cabin, the Grand Highlander Hybrid faces strong rivals that might offer a more upscale ambiance, yet its practical advantages solidify its position as a highly capable and appealing SUV.

Toyota's latest Grand Highlander Hybrid for 2027 emphasizes a blend of family-friendly features, impressive fuel efficiency, and a comfortable ride. This three-row SUV offers two distinct hybrid powertrains: a 245-horsepower standard hybrid for optimal mileage and a more potent 362-horsepower Hybrid Max for those desiring quicker acceleration. The vehicle’s interior is designed with practicality in mind, boasting a roomy cabin with generous space for up to eight passengers and substantial cargo capacity. The XLE trim is particularly recommended for its comprehensive suite of features, including heated front seats, a large infotainment display, and advanced driver-assistance technologies, all contributing to a safe and convenient driving experience.

Powertrain Options and Driving Dynamics

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provides consumers with two distinct hybrid configurations, allowing a tailored driving experience based on individual priorities. The standard hybrid system, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivers a combined output of 245 horsepower, making it the top choice for maximizing fuel economy. Alternatively, the Hybrid Max powertrain, which integrates a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, boasts a formidable 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, offering significantly brisker acceleration, albeit with slightly reduced fuel efficiency. Both options ensure a smooth and controlled ride, perfect for varied driving conditions from city errands to long-distance travels.

Drivers can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive for the standard hybrid, while the Hybrid Max comes exclusively with all-wheel drive, enhanced by an additional electric motor on the rear axle. The standard hybrid utilizes a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), whereas the Hybrid Max employs a six-speed automatic transmission. In performance tests, the Hybrid Max achieved 0-60 mph in a quick 5.6 seconds, while the standard hybrid completed it in 7.8 seconds, demonstrating a notable difference in acceleration capabilities. Despite its impressive power, the Grand Highlander Hybrid maintains a comfortable ride quality, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. Its handling is competent and predictable, though some might find the steering feedback to be on the lighter side. The vehicle also offers robust towing capacities, with the standard hybrid capable of hauling 3500 pounds and the Hybrid Max increasing that to 5000 pounds, aligning with other popular three-row SUVs in its class.

Interior Comfort, Technology, and Safety

The interior of the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is engineered to provide enhanced space and comfort, surpassing the standard Highlander model. It features three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers with a bench seat in the second row, or seven passengers with optional captain's chairs. Notably, the third row offers increased legroom and shoulder room, making it genuinely usable for adults, a significant improvement for family-oriented buyers. Beyond passenger comfort, the vehicle excels in cargo versatility, providing 21 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a voluminous 98 cubic feet with both rear rows stowed, easily accommodating luggage for extended trips.

Technologically, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is well-equipped, featuring a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Toyota’s latest software, offering seamless integration with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Lower trims include a 7.0-inch digital gauge display, while higher trims upgrade to a larger 12.3-inch version. Practical amenities like a wireless smartphone charging pad are standard on most models. For audiophiles, an optional 11-speaker JBL stereo system is available on premium trims. Safety is paramount, with all models receiving Toyota’s TSS 3.0 suite of driver-assistance features, which includes blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition. Additionally, buyers benefit from Toyota's standard warranty package, which includes two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance and an extended eight-year/100,000-mile warranty specifically for hybrid components, ensuring peace of mind.

A modified Porsche 911 GT2 RS, enhanced with the Manthey performance package, has achieved a new benchmark lap time at Road Atlanta, decisively surpassing the previous record by more than two seconds. This impressive feat underscores the transformative impact of Manthey's specialized upgrades on Porsche's already high-performance 911 models.

While a standard Porsche 911 is recognized globally as a formidable and engaging sports car, the pinnacle models, identified by the 'GT' designation, represent the zenith of Porsche's engineering. However, even these top-tier vehicles possess further untapped potential, which Manthey Racing — a firm with partial ownership by Porsche, specializing in racing and tuning — aims to unlock.

Manthey offers bespoke kits for various high-performance 911 trims. These modifications focus not on increasing engine power or reducing weight, but rather on refining the vehicle's suspension and aerodynamic properties. The result is a substantial enhancement that transforms an already track-focused machine into an even more potent and precise instrument for circuit driving. This strategy was vividly demonstrated when Porsche brought three Manthey-equipped 911 GT cars to Road Atlanta, where they collectively reset performance expectations.

During the testing session, professional racing driver Joerg Bergmeister piloted a 2019 911 GT2 RS fitted with the Manthey Kit to an astounding lap time of 1:22.649. This time was 2.2 seconds quicker than the prior record, which was set by an unmodified GT2 RS. Bergmeister lauded the car's capabilities, remarking on its extraordinary downforce, cornering speeds comparable to GT-class race cars, exceptional suspension absorption over track curbs, and superior braking performance.

To further highlight the efficacy of the Manthey upgrades, Porsche also deployed a 911 GT3 and a GT3 RS, each equipped with their respective Manthey kits. Both vehicles recorded significantly faster lap times compared to their standard counterparts. Notably, the 2025 911 GT3 RS with the Manthey Kit achieved a lap time of 1:23.032, establishing it as the quickest naturally aspirated production car to conquer the demanding circuit.

The Manthey Kit represents a considerable investment for owners of an already high-priced automobile, with costs ranging from approximately $70,000 to $150,000, depending on the specific 911 model and the extent of the chosen upgrades. For enthusiasts dedicated to achieving incrementally faster lap times and for whom financial considerations are secondary, this upgrade path offers a clear route to elevating their track performance from highly skilled amateur to an elite competitor.