Toyota Grand Highlander

Importing a used Toyota Grand Highlander from the USA

The Toyota Grand Highlander is one of the more compelling three-row imports because it barely exists outside North America. Toyota built it specifically for American families who found the regular Highlander's third row too tight, and it is manufactured in Indiana. That combination — a genuinely roomy seven- or eight-seat SUV, sold almost exclusively in the US, and built on American soil — is exactly what makes it worth a look for a German buyer. If you want to import a used Toyota Grand Highlander from the USA, the appeal is space, Toyota's hybrid engineering, and a customs origin that can work in your favour when it is properly documented.

Generations at a glance

The Grand Highlander is new: it launched for the 2024 model year as a larger companion to the long-established Highlander rather than a replacement for it. Toyota stretched the platform to create a bigger cargo hold behind the third row and a third row adults can actually use, addressing the main complaint about the standard car. Because the model is so recent, the used market consists of low-mileage 2024 and 2025 examples, many coming off short leases or dealer demo duty. There is no old generation to navigate; every Grand Highlander you find is from this first, current design.

Powertrain lineup

Toyota offers three distinct powertrains. The base engine is a 2.4-litre turbocharged four (Toyota's T24A-FTS) making around 265 hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic. Next is a conventional hybrid using a 2.5-litre four for roughly 245 hp system output through an electronic CVT. The headline is the Hybrid MAX: a 2.4-litre turbo combined with electric drive for about 362 hp and strong towing, running through a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on lower trims, with all-wheel drive available and standard on Hybrid MAX. For import buyers, the standard hybrid is the efficiency choice, while the Hybrid MAX is the one to pick if you want genuine performance and towing capability.

Trims in the US market

The Grand Highlander comes only as a five-door, three-row SUV. Trims run from XLE through Limited to Platinum, with the sportier Nightshade appearance package on some builds. Higher trims bring a large central touchscreen, a panoramic roof, ventilated leather seats, a head-up display, a JBL sound system, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features under Toyota Safety Sense. Because American buyers favour Limited and Platinum, imported cars often arrive very well equipped.

The used market stateside

Supply is still building, since the model is only a couple of years old, but low-mileage examples are increasingly available at auctions and franchised used lots across the country. Cars from dry southern and western states arrive rust-free, which helps at inspection. Given the model's age, most used Grand Highlanders have modest mileage and remaining factory warranty in the US, though warranty terms do not transfer to Germany. We quote no euro prices here; each car's condition, powertrain, and history define its case.

Who should import one

This is the SUV for a family that has outgrown a mid-size crossover but does not want a body-on-frame giant. It suits buyers who want three usable rows, Toyota's proven hybrid drivetrains, and a US-built car whose origin can support a favourable customs outcome. If a roomy, efficient, well-equipped seven- or eight-seater is the goal, the Grand Highlander is a strong import candidate.

Key specifications

How reliable is it?

The Grand Highlander is too new for a long-term track record, but its building blocks are familiar. The 2.5-litre hybrid system is closely related to units Toyota has run for years and is regarded as very dependable, which bodes well for Grand Highlander reliability. The 2.4 turbo four is a newer engine; keeping to oil intervals and using the correct grade matters, as it does with any modern turbo. The Hybrid MAX is the most complex powertrain and the least proven, so documentation of servicing is worth having. Early owner reports and technical bulletins have covered software updates for the infotainment and driver-assistance systems rather than mechanical failures. As always with a fresh model, the sensible move is to buy a well-documented car and stay current on any manufacturer software updates. There are no widely established chronic common problems yet, which is itself a reassuring sign.

What US models do differently

A US Grand Highlander uses American lighting without a rear fog lamp, headlights aimed for right-hand traffic, an mph-led cluster, and US-band infotainment. It was never sold with a diesel; the range is petrol and hybrid only, matching what you would import. Connected services and maps are US-configured. A German workshop addresses these points during the approval process.

Seven steps to your import

Select the specific SUV and confirm condition and powertrain; run a VIN and origin check (a Grand Highlander built in Indiana carries a VIN beginning with 5, indicating US assembly); pay via escrow or a secured method; book ocean freight, typically roll-on/roll-off or container from a US port to Bremerhaven or a comparable terminal; clear customs on arrival; present the car for TÜV and individual approval (§21 StVZO) where needed; and register it locally. USCar Trader coordinates each stage as your intermediary, without owning the car or taking a margin on it.

Customs, taxes and costs explained

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

Two separate charges apply. The German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) of 19% always applies to an imported used Grand Highlander, calculated on the customs value plus freight and any duty. The customs import duty depends on origin. Because the Grand Highlander is built in Princeton, Indiana, it is generally of US origin, and US build often enables the 0% import duty under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 (in force 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2029, direct transport required) — provided that US origin is proven through the VIN and plant documentation. This is never automatic or guaranteed: the origin must be established for the individual car, and the 19% import VAT still applies regardless.

German TÜV and registration

Expect straightforward conformity work: adding or activating a rear fog lamp, correcting headlight aim for left-hand traffic, confirming the odometer reads and displays correctly in km, and checking marker lighting. Where a COC is obtainable, registration is faster; otherwise, an individual approval documents compliance. Registration then proceeds normally.

The buyer checklist

Confirm the VIN matches the car and title and that it indicates US assembly. Pull a Carfax or AutoCheck report for accidents, title brands, and odometer consistency. Inspect for any rust or underbody damage despite the car's youth. Ask for service records, especially on turbo and Hybrid MAX cars. Verify the title is clean rather than salvage or flood. Check all screens, cameras, and driver-assistance features function. Confirm both keys and any software updates are present.

Questions and answers

Is it worth importing a used Toyota Grand Highlander from the USA?

Often yes, because the model is barely available outside North America and its US build can support a favourable customs outcome. Value still depends on the individual car and total landed cost.

Which powertrain should I choose?

The 2.5 hybrid is the efficiency pick and the most proven; the Hybrid MAX offers strong performance and towing; the 2.4 turbo is the value option. Pick based on your priorities and available service records.

Can the Grand Highlander qualify for 0% import duty?

It can. Built in Indiana, it is generally of US origin, and US build often enables the 0% duty when origin is proven via VIN and plant records. It is never guaranteed, and 19% import VAT still applies.

Will 19% import VAT always apply?

Yes. The 19% German import VAT applies to every imported used car and is calculated separately from any customs duty.

How reliable is the Grand Highlander?

It is too new for a long record, but its hybrid components are proven and dependable; buy a well-documented car and keep software current.

How is it different from the regular Highlander?

The Grand Highlander is larger, with a more usable third row, more cargo space behind it, and the availability of the powerful Hybrid MAX drivetrain.

Can a US Grand Highlander pass German TÜV?

Yes, after routine conformity work such as a rear fog lamp and headlight aim, followed by individual approval where no COC is available.

Is USCar Trader a Toyota dealer?

No. USCar Trader is an independent broker and intermediary for used US vehicles, with no manufacturer partnership and no margin on the car.

Ready to look at cars? Browse Toyota in the Carhub, compare the standard Toyota Highlander and the compact Toyota RAV4, or view current Grand Highlander listings.