Shopping for a three-row SUV across the Atlantic means navigating two very different markets. If you have your eye on the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander, you might be surprised to learn it is sold in Ireland but not in the UK. This guide unpacks exactly where you can buy it, what it costs, how it compares to the RAV4, and which powertrain delivers the best value for your family.

Starting Price (2024 base): $44,000 (estimated) ·
Seating Capacity: 7 or 8 passengers ·
Available Powertrains: 2.4L Turbo, 2.5L Hybrid, Hybrid Max ·
Fuel Economy (Hybrid): 36 MPG combined (EPA est.) ·
Cargo Space (max): 98 cu ft ·
Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs

Quick snapshot

1Pricing & Trims
2Seating & Space
  • 7 or 8 seats
  • Three rows of adult-friendly seats
  • Up to 98 cu ft max cargo
3Performance
  • 2.4L Turbo (265 hp)
  • 2.5L Hybrid (243 hp net)
  • Hybrid Max (362 hp)
4Regional Availability

The specs below confirm the range of configurations available.

Key specifications across all trims
Specification Value
Starting MSRP (2025, USD) $44,000 (est.)
Seating 7 or 8
Base Engine 2.4L Turbo I4, 265 hp
Hybrid System 2.5L + electric, 243 hp
Hybrid Max 2.4L Turbo + dual electric, 362 hp
Fuel Economy (Hybrid) 36 MPG combined
Length 201.5 in (5118 mm)
Cargo behind 3rd row 20.6 cu ft
The trade-off

Irish buyers get access to the Grand Highlander through Dublin Toyota, but UK residents face a harder limit: Toyota UK has no plans to offer the Grand Highlander. For UK families, the RAV4 remains the largest Toyota SUV available.

Is the Toyota Grand Highlander available in Ireland?

Official Toyota Ireland Statement

According to the official dealer listing from Dublin Toyota (authorised Toyota dealer in Ireland), the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is available for order in Ireland. The listing confirms the 2.4L turbo and hybrid powertrains are offered.

Availability of the 7-Seater Highlander in Ireland

The standard Highlander has already been launched in Ireland as a 7-seater hybrid. The Grand Highlander, being the larger variant, targets buyers who need maximum third-row legroom and cargo space.

Alternative Toyota 7-Seater Models in Ireland

Beyond the Grand Highlander, Toyota Ireland offers the standard Highlander and the Toyota UK Highlander (2.5L hybrid only) in select markets. For Irish buyers, the Grand Highlander adds a third row that comfortably seats adults — a rare feature in this segment.

The upshot

Irish families have a genuine large-SUV option from Toyota. The catch: Irish pricing has not yet been announced, and early orders may carry a premium over US MSRP once import duties and VRT are applied.

How much will the 2025 Grand Highlander cost?

Base MSRP and Trim Levels

The 2025 Grand Highlander starts at $44,000 (estimated) in the US for the XLE model. A new LE trim has been added for 2025 as a value-driven entry point according to TrueCar (independent automotive research firm).

Hybrid and Hybrid Max Pricing

The hybrid lineup in the US starts at $44,210 according to Autoblog (automotive news and reviews). The Hybrid Max, delivering 362 hp, sits at the top with the Platinum trim reaching $55,495 MSRP as reported by CarsDirect (automotive pricing research).

Estimated Pricing for Ireland and UK Markets

Irish pricing has not yet been announced. Based on US MSRP, importing a Grand Highlander to Ireland could push the final price to €55,000–€65,000 after VRT and VAT. UK buyers cannot buy one new through official channels — they would need to import from a right-hand-drive market like Japan or Australia.

Bottom line: The Grand Highlander starts at roughly $44,000 in the US, but Irish buyers should expect a significant premium. UK drivers face a tougher decision: import or choose the standard Highlander.

Is the Toyota Highlander coming to the UK?

Toyota UK’s Current SUV Lineup

Toyota UK currently offers the RAV4, the standard Highlander (2.5L hybrid only according to Toyota UK official model page), and the smaller Yaris Cross. No Grand Highlander appears in the UK lineup.

Why the Highlander is Not Sold in the UK

Toyota UK (official manufacturer site) has featured the Highlander but only as a US-market model. The Grand Highlander’s size — over 5.1 metres long — makes it less suited to narrow UK roads and parking spaces, which likely explains its absence.

Future Possibilities for Large Toyota SUVs in Europe

Toyota has not announced plans to bring the Grand Highlander to Europe. The brand focuses on the RAV4 and smaller hybrids in this region, citing market preferences for more compact vehicles.

Which is bigger, RAV4 or Highlander?

Dimensions: Length, Width, Height

The Grand Highlander measures 201.5 inches (5,118 mm) long, significantly larger than the RAV4. A table clarifies the key size differences:

The numbers below capture the footprint gap.

Size comparison: Grand Highlander vs RAV4
Dimension Grand Highlander RAV4 (2025) Difference
Length 201.5 in 180.9 in +20.6 in
Width 78.4 in 73.0 in +5.4 in
Height 70.3 in 67.1 in +3.2 in
Wheelbase 116.9 in 105.9 in +11.0 in

The pattern: the Grand Highlander is substantially longer and wider, reflecting its three-row design versus the RAV4’s two-row layout.

Interior Space and Cargo Volume

The Grand Highlander offers up to 98 cu ft of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded. Behind the third row, cargo capacity drops to 20.6 cu ft according to Car and Driver (automotive testing authority). The RAV4 provides 37.6 cu ft behind its second row — more space when both vehicles are carrying six or seven passengers.

The implication: families needing three usable rows will find the Grand Highlander’s third-row legroom transforms the experience. The RAV4 cannot seat seven at all.

Seating Capacity Comparison

The Grand Highlander seats 7 or 8 passengers depending on second-row configuration. The RAV4 seats 5. This difference alone decides the choice for larger families.

Is the Grand Highlander a 7 or 8 seater?

Standard Seating Configuration

The Grand Highlander comes standard with 7-passenger seating using captain’s chairs in the second row. An optional second-row bench expands capacity to 8 passengers across all trim levels, as confirmed by Car and Driver (independent reviews).

Second-Row Options: Bench or Captain’s Chairs

Buyers choose between two configurations: captain’s chairs (7 seats, easier third-row access) or a 60/40 split bench (8 seats, higher maximum occupancy). The bench adds one seat but makes third-row entry tighter.

Comparison with Competitors

The Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot also offer 7- or 8-passenger seating. The Grand Highlander distinguishes itself with hybrid fuel economy — up to 36 MPG combined — which neither the Telluride nor Pilot can match.

What to watch

Irish buyers should check whether the bench option will be offered locally — Dublin Toyota may import only the 7-seat version initially, which limits flexibility for large families.

Powertrain options: which one fits your driving?

2.4L Turbo (standard)

The base engine delivers 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque across all trims according to Edmunds (automotive data provider). EPA fuel economy for the gas model: 21 city / 28 highway MPG.

2.5L Hybrid (245 hp net)

The hybrid system combines a 2.5L 4-cylinder with electric motors for 245 hp total, as detailed by Dublin Toyota Hybrid Review (dealership technical analysis). EPA combined fuel economy reaches up to 36 MPG.

Hybrid Max (362 hp)

The top-performance Hybrid Max pairs the 2.4L turbo with dual electric motors, producing 362 hp. EPA fuel economy drops to 27 MPG combined, but towing capacity remains up to 5,000 lbs as reported by Stephen Wade Toyota (dealer research centre).

The numbers below show how each powertrain trades off efficiency for capability.

Powertrain comparison across all three options
Powertrain Horsepower Fuel Economy (combined) Towing Capacity Base Price Premium
2.4L Turbo 265 hp 24 MPG 5,000 lbs Base MSRP
2.5L Hybrid 243 hp 36 MPG 3,500 lbs +$2,000 est.
Hybrid Max 362 hp 27 MPG 5,000 lbs +$4,000 est.

The trade-off: maximum efficiency from the Hybrid, or maximum power and towing from the Hybrid Max. The standard turbo sits as a middle ground for budget-conscious buyers.

Timeline: when can you expect the 2025 Grand Highlander?

  • Late 2024: 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander announced with pricing and specs
  • Early 2025: First deliveries begin in the US and select markets including Ireland
  • Mid-2025: Hybrid Max variant becomes widely available
  • Late 2025: 2026 model year information released with minor updates

Clarity: what we know and what’s unconfirmed

Confirmed facts

  • Grand Highlander is a 7- or 8-seater SUV
  • Hybrid and Hybrid Max powertrains are available
  • The vehicle is sold in Ireland through Dublin Toyota
  • 2025 model carries over the same design and powertrains from 2024

What’s unclear

  • Exact Irish pricing for 2025 model
  • UK launch of either Highlander or Grand Highlander
  • Full trim-level specifications for Irish market

Expert perspectives: what reviewers are saying

“The 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid delivers 36 MPG combined while still offering genuine three-row seating — a rare combination in this segment.”

Car and Driver (automotive review outlet)

“The Grand Highlander is available now at Dublin Toyota with both the 2.4L turbo and hybrid powertrains.”

— Dublin Toyota (authorised Irish dealer)

“The Highlander is not offered as a Grand Highlander in the UK market; the standard Highlander remains a 2.5L hybrid-only option.”

— Toyota UK (manufacturer’s official site)

Final take

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander occupies a sweet spot for families who need genuine three-row space with hybrid efficiency. For Irish buyers, the path is clear: order through Dublin Toyota and expect a premium over US prices. For UK drivers, the choice is starker: import from another right-hand-drive market or settle for the standard Highlander. UK families should test the standard Highlander hybrid now — it is available, efficient, and the closest option without Grey imports.

For those interested in the hybrid variant specifically, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offers detailed specs, pricing, and trim comparisons.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fuel economy of the Grand Highlander Hybrid?

The 2.5L Hybrid achieves up to 36 MPG combined according to EPA estimates cited by TrueCar (automotive data provider).

Does the Grand Highlander have a third row?

Yes, it offers three rows with seating for 7 or 8 passengers depending on second-row configuration.

What is the warranty on the 2025 Grand Highlander?

Toyota’s standard warranty applies: 3 years / 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain, and 10 years / 150,000 miles hybrid battery cover.

Is the Grand Highlander available in all-wheel drive?

Yes, all-wheel drive is available across all trims and powertrains. Front-wheel drive is standard on base trims.

How does the Grand Highlander compare to the Kia Telluride?

The Grand Highlander offers superior fuel economy (36 MPG hybrid vs ~23 MPG combined for Telluride) but the Telluride has a lower starting price and a more spacious third row.

What is the towing capacity of the Grand Highlander?

Towing capacity is up to 5,000 lbs for the 2.4L Turbo and Hybrid Max, and 3,500 lbs for the standard Hybrid.

Is the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max worth the extra cost?

If you need maximum power and towing capacity, yes. The Hybrid Max adds roughly $4,000 over the base turbo but delivers 362 hp and retains 5,000 lbs towing.

When will the 2025 Grand Highlander be available in Ireland?

According to Dublin Toyota (Irish dealer listings), the 2025 model is available for order now with deliveries expected in early 2025.