2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander barrels onto the scene promising true three-row utility with 265 horsepower and a robust 310 lb-ft of torque, emphasizing sheer presence at 201.4 inches long. In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid excites with cutting-edge efficiency, offering a 32-mile electric range and a remarkable 35 MPG combined rating, all within a smaller, nimbler footprint. While the Toyota offers slightly more grunt (265 hp vs 268 hp, though torque favors the Toyota at 310 lb-ft), the Hyundai boasts a massive 11 MPG advantage overall, directly impacting running costs. The Grand Highlander’s initial MSRP of $40,860 slightly exceeds the Tucson's $40,075. This comparison pits traditional gasoline space and power against electrified, modern efficiency in a battle of crossover titans.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins due to its superior 35 MPG combined rating and 32 miles of all-electric driving capability for daily errands.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander is the superior family hauler, evidenced by its substantially larger 201.4-inch length providing better interior volume and cargo capacity behind the third row.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander offers significantly higher low-end pull with 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tucson's 271 lb-ft, translating to more immediate acceleration feel.
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson offers superior long-term value by achieving a 35 MPG combined rating while having a lower starting MSRP of $40,075.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You absolutely require maximum physical presence and space, as the Grand Highlander measures 201.4 inches long.
- You prioritize maximum pulling power delivered by 310 lb-ft of torque available in the standard engine.
- You prefer the conventional driving rhythm and refueling simplicity of a non-plug-in vehicle achieving 28 MPG highway.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Minimizing fuel stops is critical, thanks to the 35 MPG combined efficiency and 32 miles of electric range.
- You need true All-Wheel Drive capability paired with advanced hybrid technology.
- A tighter footprint (182.7 inches long) is beneficial for easier urban maneuverability and parking.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 182.7" |
| Width | 78.3" | 73.4" |
| Height | 70.1" | 66.3" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 268 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 271 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 388.5/388.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gal. | 11.1 gal. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | — | 80/73 MPGe |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | — | 77 MPGe |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | — | 32 mi. |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | — | 44 |
| Charging Time (240V) | — | 2.0 hr. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | — | SAE J1772 |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.
How much difference does the electric range make for the 2026 Tucson PHEV commuter?
The Tucson offers a 32-mile electric range, meaning many typical commutes under that distance can be completed entirely on electricity, saving significant gasoline costs daily. This EV capability heavily contributes to its excellent 35 MPG combined rating.
Is the 2025 Grand Highlander significantly bigger than the Tucson?
Yes, the Grand Highlander is substantially larger, measuring 201.4 inches in length compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches. This difference of nearly 19 inches translates directly into superior interior volume and 31.9 cu ft of cargo space when the third row is in use.
Which vehicle delivers better performance metrics despite the MPG gap?
While the Tucson has slightly more peak horsepower (268 hp vs 265 hp), the 2025 Grand Highlander delivers noticeably higher torque at 310 lb-ft versus 271 lb-ft, suggesting it will feel stronger when pulling heavy loads or accelerating from a stop.
How do the MSRPs compare between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid starts slightly lower at $40,075. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander has an MSRP of $40,860, creating a small initial price gap favoring the PHEV.
What is the key tradeoff between the drivetrains offered?
The Grand Highlander is FWD with an 8-speed automatic, suitable for basic reliability on regular unleaded fuel. The Tucson PHEV features AWD and a 6-speed shiftable automatic, providing better traction when using its hybrid or electric power.
Does the smaller Tucson still offer competitive cargo space?
Despite being 18.7 inches shorter overall than the Grand Highlander, the Tucson PHEV still manages a competitive 31.9 cu ft of cargo space, which is significantly more than the Grand Highlander's stated 20.6 cu ft capacity behind the third row.
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