The Toyota Highlander 2025 continues its legacy as one of the most trusted family SUVs on the road. For this model year, Toyota has balanced its reputation for reliability with a fresh sense of style and upgraded technology. Whether you are hauling kids to soccer practice or heading out for a weekend mountain getaway, the 2025 Highlander is designed to make the journey as smooth as the destination.
This year is particularly special as it marks the 25th Anniversary of the Highlander. To celebrate, Toyota has released a special edition model and made several key updates across the lineup, including making All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on more trims and modernizing the interior screens.
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| Feature | Gas Model Details | Hybrid Model Details |
| Engine | 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder | 2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 265 hp | 243 Combined hp |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | e-CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 22 City / 29 Hwy MPG | 35 City / 35 Hwy MPG |
| Seating | 7 or 8 Passengers | 7 or 8 Passengers |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Starting MSRP | Approx. $39,520 | Approx. $46,020 |
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Design & Style
The 2025 Highlander moves away from the “boxy” look of traditional SUVs, opting for sculpted lines and a bold front grille that feels more athletic. New for this year are striking paint colors like Heavy Metal and Cement (exclusive to the XSE).
The special 25th Edition Hybrid is the star of the design show, featuring silver-painted accents on the bumpers and rockers, along with exclusive 20-inch silver wheels. Across all trims, the LED lighting is sharper, providing better visibility and a more “expensive” look. The Nightshade edition also remains a popular choice for drivers who prefer blacked-out wheels, mirrors, and trim for a stealthier vibe.
Engine & Performance
Toyota offers two distinct ways to power your drive:
- The Turbo Gas Engine: The standard 2.4L turbo engine is punchy, offering 310 lb-ft of torque. This makes it great for towing trailers or merging quickly onto the highway.
- The Hybrid System: The Hybrid version is all about efficiency. It uses a 2.5L engine paired with electric motors.While it has slightly less horsepower than the gas version, the trade-off is incredible fuel savings.
A major change for 2025 is that All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is now standard on all Hybrid models and the high-end gas trims like the XSE and Platinum, ensuring you have grip in rain or snow without needing to pay extra for the upgrade.
Ride & Handling
The Highlander is built for comfort. Its suspension is tuned to soak up potholes and road vibrations, making it feel more like a luxury car than a rugged truck. If you choose the XSE trim, you get a sport-tuned suspension that feels a bit firmer and more responsive around corners. For those who venture off-road, the Multi-Terrain Select system allows you to choose between Mud/Sand and Rock/Dirt modes to optimize traction.
Features & Tech
Inside, the “screen acreage” has grown. The 2025 model features a massive 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen on higher trims, which is bright and easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you can ditch the messy cables.
For the driver, a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster (standard on XSE and above) provides a high-tech view of your speed and safety alerts. Families will love the “Driver Easy Speak” feature, which uses a microphone to broadcast the driver’s voice to the third-row passengers through the rear speakers—no more shouting!
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
If you choose the Hybrid, you are looking at an impressive 35 MPG combined. For a three-row SUV that can carry seven or eight people, this is a top-tier performance that beats most competitors. The gas-powered version is no slouch either,offering about 25 MPG combined, which is very competitive for a non-hybrid in this class.
Price & Variants
The 2025 Highlander comes in several trims to meet different needs:
- LE: The entry-level value king.
- XLE: Adds heated seats and a wireless charger (the “sweet spot” for many).
- XSE: Sporty styling and tighter handling.
- Limited/Platinum: Full luxury with leather, JBL audio, and a panoramic roof.
- 25th Edition Hybrid: Collectible styling with unique Portobello leather interior.
FAQs
1. Does the 2025 Highlander have 7 or 8 seats? It offers both. Lower trims typically have a second-row bench (8 seats),while higher trims often feature captain’s chairs (7 seats) for easier access to the back.
2. Is there a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version? Currently, the standard Highlander is a traditional hybrid (no plug needed). If you want a plug-in, you may want to look at the Toyota Grand Highlander or RAV4 Prime.
3. What is the difference between the 2024 and 2025 models? The 2025 model adds the 25th Edition Hybrid, makes AWD standard on hybrids, introduces new colors, and upgrades the digital screens on more trims.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a “can’t-go-wrong” vehicle. It doesn’t try to be the fastest or the flashiest, but it is arguably the most reliable and efficient 7-seater on the market. With the new 25th Edition celebrating a quarter-century of success, it’s clear that Toyota has perfected the formula for the modern family SUV.
