In the world of SUVs, the Toyota Highlander has always been known as a reliable choice. It’s not only family-friendly but also combines comfort, modern features, and impressive fuel efficiency. For 2025, Toyota has introduced some updates along with a special edition to keep it attractive. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new in the Highlander.
Design and Style
The Toyota Highlander 2025 comes with a sleek and solid design. Its front grille and LED headlights give it a modern, striking look. The overall body shape feels balanced, stable on the road, yet elegant in appearance. The special 25th Anniversary Edition includes a new “Heavy Metal” color, unique badging, and an exclusive interior tone that sets it apart from other trims.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Highlander is quite spacious, though the third row is more suitable for children than adults. It offers seating for up to eight passengers, with good comfort in the first two rows.
Key features include:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (12.3-inch on higher trims)
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 11-speaker JBL audio system (in premium trims)
- Heated and ventilated seats, wireless charger, and panoramic glass roof
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including lane departure alert, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control
Engine and Performance
The Highlander comes with two engine options:
- Gasoline Engine: A 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 265 horsepower and 310 Nm torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
- Hybrid Engine: A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder paired with electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It uses an eCVT system and now comes standard with all-wheel drive. The hybrid model can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Fuel Economy
- Gasoline (FWD): 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined
- Gasoline (AWD): 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined
- Hybrid: 35 city / 35 highway / 35 combined
The hybrid model clearly stands out for fuel efficiency, making it the economical choice.
Price and Availability
The Toyota Highlander 2025 starts at around $41,270 for the base gasoline model. Higher trims can go beyond $54,000. The hybrid lineup starts at about $47,470, and all hybrid variants now include standard all-wheel drive.
Summary
The Toyota Highlander 2025 remains a dependable midsize SUV—comfortable for families, practical for daily use, and efficient on fuel. The hybrid is ideal for buyers focused on mileage, while the gasoline version works better for those who need extra towing power. Although the third row feels cramped and the turbo engine can be noisy at times, overall, the Highlander continues to be a strong contender in its class.
