If you’re scouring dealership lots or refreshing browser tabs looking for a Toyota Grand Highlander V6, I have some news that might sting a little. Honestly, you aren't going to find one. It doesn’t exist. Toyota never actually put a six-cylinder engine into the "Grand" version of their famous three-row hauler.
It's a weird spot to be in. For decades, "big SUV" and "V6" went together like coffee and cream. You wanted to move seven people? You bought six cylinders. But when the Grand Highlander debuted for the 2024 model year, Toyota essentially told the V6 to take a hike.
This has caused a ton of confusion. You’ve probably seen some older Highlander models with that bulletproof 3.5L V6 and assumed the bigger, "grander" version would naturally have more of that same power. Nope. Toyota shifted gears entirely, betting the house on turbocharged four-cylinders and high-torque hybrid systems.
Why the V6 actually disappeared
It wasn't just a random whim. Toyota, like basically every other carmaker right now, is under massive pressure to cut emissions. The old 3.5L V6 was a legend—smooth, reliable, and predictable. But it was also thirsty.
In 2023, Toyota officially discontinued the V6 in the standard Highlander, replacing it with a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder. Since the Grand Highlander arrived right after that transition, it never even had the chance to host the old six-cylinder.
Instead of more cylinders, Toyota gave us more options. They basically split the "V6 replacement" into three different paths.
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- The 2.4L Turbo Gas Engine: This is the entry-level setup. It produces 265 horsepower and, more importantly, 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s actually more "get-up-and-go" torque than the old V6 had.
- The 2.5L Hybrid: This is for the "I hate gas stations" crowd. It’s the same basic setup you find in the RAV4, just scaled up. It’s not fast, but it gets around 36 combined MPG.
- The Hybrid MAX: This is the one that’s supposed to make you forget about the V6. It pairs that 2.4L turbo engine with electric motors to pump out 362 horsepower.
Does the four-cylinder feel "cheap" compared to the V6?
This is the million-dollar question. If you’re used to the linear, buttery-smooth climb of a V6, the 2.4L turbo might feel a bit... rowdy. It sounds different. There’s a bit more of a "growl" (and sometimes a bit of a buzz) when you really floor it to merge onto the highway.
However, technology has moved on. The 2026 Grand Highlander models feel surprisingly punchy because turbochargers deliver their power much lower in the RPM range. You don’t have to wait for the engine to scream to get the car moving.
Honestly, the Hybrid MAX is the real successor to the V6 crown. It’s significantly faster than any V6 Highlander ever was. It hits 60 mph in about 6.3 seconds. For a house on wheels, that is genuinely quick.
Real-world towing and the "Missing" V6
A lot of people wanted the V6 for one reason: towing. There’s a lingering fear that a four-cylinder will "explode" if you hook up a 5,000-pound boat to it.
Toyota knew this. That’s why the gas-only 2.4L Turbo and the Hybrid MAX are both rated to tow 5,000 pounds. They haven't lost any capability on paper. The only one that struggles is the base 2.5L Hybrid, which is capped at 3,500 pounds. If you’re pulling a trailer, stay away from the high-MPG hybrid.
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But let’s be real. Towing with a turbo four-cylinder feels different. The engine works harder. You’ll hear it. If you’re towing every single weekend through the Rockies, you might actually miss the relaxed nature of the old V6. For the occasional trip to the lake? You won’t notice much of a difference.
What most people get wrong about the Highlander vs. Grand Highlander
I see people get these two mixed up constantly. The "Grand" isn't just a trim level; it's a different beast.
- The Third Row: In the regular Highlander (the one that used to have the V6), the third row is basically a "kids only" zone. In the Grand Highlander, an actual 6-foot-tall adult can sit back there without their knees hitting their chin.
- The Space: You get nearly 98 cubic feet of total cargo space in the Grand. That is massive.
- The Tech: Since it’s a newer platform, the Grand Highlander gets Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which is a bit more refined than the 2.5+ system found in older Highlanders.
Actionable Advice for Buyers
If you are currently hunting for a "Toyota Grand Highlander V6," here is your reality check and how to move forward:
Stop looking for the V6. It doesn't exist. If a salesperson tells you they have one, they are likely talking about a 2022-or-older standard Highlander, not the Grand.
Drive the Hybrid MAX if you want power. If you’re worried the new engines will feel weak, the MAX powertrain is your solution. It has 400 lb-ft of torque. That's more than enough to make you forget about the old six-cylinder.
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Check the "Nightshade" or LE trims for value. For the 2025 and 2026 model years, Toyota expanded the trim levels. You can now get the "LE" grade if you want the big SUV feel without the $55,000 price tag.
Compare the Lexus TX. If you absolutely must have a six-cylinder engine in this specific chassis, you have to look at the Lexus TX 550h+. It uses a 3.5L V6 plug-in hybrid system. It’s basically a fancy Grand Highlander with the engine you’re looking for, but it will cost you significantly more.
At the end of the day, the lack of a V6 hasn't stopped the Grand Highlander from being one of the hardest vehicles to find on a lot. It turns out, most families care more about the 13 cupholders and the adult-sized third row than how many cylinders are under the hood.
Choose the 2.4L Turbo if you want the lowest starting price. Choose the 2.5L Hybrid if you do 90% of your driving in city traffic. But if you're trying to replace that "V6 feeling," the Hybrid MAX is the only way to go.
Next Steps for Your Search:
Check your local inventory specifically for the Hybrid MAX powertrain if you want performance, or look into the Lexus TX 550h+ if you are unwilling to compromise on having a V6 engine in a three-row Toyota-built frame.