2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2024 Buick Envista

The 2024 Buick Envista, while sharing its platform with the Chevy Trax, took a distinct styling path with its "crossover coupe" design, reminiscent of luxury models like the BMW X4 and X6. This design choice, characterized by a sloping roofline, slightly compromised rear visibility but was deemed acceptable. The front-end styling, inspired by the Buick Wildcat EV concept, featured a split lighting design with daytime running lights positioned above the actual headlights, which were integrated into vertical elements flanking the grille. This sleek design was a first for Buick, setting the Envista apart from models like the Envision and Encore GX, which adopted similar styling as part of their mid-cycle refreshes. The interior, while similar to the Trax, offered a more streamlined look with softer materials, though some textures felt cheap. The cabin was a step up from the Trax, maintaining the entry-level vehicle expectations.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid pursued a conservative design, drawing inspiration from the popular RAV4, resulting in a larger version with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with the Platinum trim adding a layer of luxury. Despite the use of glossy hard plastics, the controls were logically laid out, and the climate system was user-friendly. However, the infotainment interface had a small volume knob and lacked a tuning knob, which could be frustrating. The Grand Highlander’s design choices aimed to balance practicality with a touch of sophistication, appealing to families seeking a spacious and functional SUV.

The 2024 Buick Envista was powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This setup, shared with the Trax, delivered power smoothly, mimicking the feel of a larger engine. Unlike its predecessor, the Buick Encore, the Envista did not offer an all-wheel-drive option, distinguishing it from the Encore GX. The suspension system varied with wheel size, with models featuring 19-inch wheels equipped with a Buick-exclusive Watts Link rear suspension for improved ride quality. The Envista handled road imperfections well, though it felt unsettled on less-than-perfect straightaways. Overall, it provided a quieter and more comfortable ride compared to the Trax, aligning with Buick's premium brand image.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate swiftly, aided by a traditional six-speed automatic transmission that avoided the droning common in CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg compared to the Hybrid's 36 mpg, it offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. During testing, it averaged 23.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Hybrid Max's acceleration was smooth, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag, and the ride quality was soft and isolating. However, handling was secure only up to a point, with early tire squeal and wide nose pushes in corners. Visibility was excellent, though the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2024 Buick Envista, with its coupe-like design, was 14.2 inches longer than the Buick Encore, with a 5.7-inch wheelbase stretch, enhancing interior space. Rear-seat legroom increased by three inches, and shoulder room grew by two inches in both rows, though headroom decreased slightly due to the roofline. The seats were comfortable for the price point, and the car-like design offered good outward visibility. However, cargo space was limited, with 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 42 cubic feet with them folded, less than the Trax and comparable to a Honda Civic hatchback.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating across three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding an upscale feel. The second-row captain’s chairs allowed easy access to the third row, which was comfortable for adults and tall teens. Cargo space was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.9 cubic feet with it folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with the second row down, nearly matching the Sienna minivan. However, unlined storage areas could contribute to cabin noise.

The 2024 Buick Envista came standard with an 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument cluster, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The interface was user-friendly, retaining physical controls for climate and audio, though the center stack's tilt favored the driver. Optional tech features were limited, with no head-up display available, but the standard offerings were impressive for the price range.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with higher trims offering a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Toyota Connected Services provided additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was easy to use, though the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously and the low-contrast font were drawbacks. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and surround-view camera system, with the JBL premium audio system exceeding expectations.

The 2024 Buick Envista's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist, mirroring the Chevy Trax's offerings.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver-assistance technologies. Proactive Driving Assist was standard, though it could be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.