2025 Toyota Highlander Model Research

What’s New for 2025

While the 2025 Toyota Highlander doesn't undergo a major redesign, it receives subtle upgrades to stay fresh in a competitive market. Expect refinements in safety tech, infotainment responsiveness, and small styling tweaks. Toyota continues to focus on offering value, comfort, and fuel economy-especially with its hybrid trims.

If you're wondering if this is the "Grand Highlander," it's not-the 2025 Highlander remains its own midsize SUV, ideal for drivers who want something slightly smaller and more affordable than its extended cousin.

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2025 Highlander Trims

Toyota keeps the trim lineup consistent and strategic:

  • LE - A solid entry-level model featuring LED headlights, Toyota Safety Sense, and three-zone climate control.
  • XLE - Adds comfort like a power moonroof, SofTex-trimmed seating, wireless phone charging, and a power liftgate.
  • XSE - For drivers who like a sportier type of car, this trim offers a unique front grille, sport-tuned suspension, and interior accents.
  • Limited - Moves into luxury territory with leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, and a premium JBL audio system.
  • Platinum - Tops the range with a panoramic view monitor, 12.3-inch displays, a digital rearview mirror, and head-up display.

Hybrid models are available starting from the XLE trim and up, including Limited and Platinum. The LE trim is not offered as a hybrid for 2025.

Engine, Performance, and MPG

The 2025 Highlander runs on a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive.

Fuel economy comes in at an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway for front-wheel drive, and 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway with all-wheel drive-respectable numbers for a three-row midsize SUV.

The Highlander Hybrid, available starting at the XLE trim, pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing a total of 243 horsepower. It delivers an excellent 35 mpg combined, and for 2025, all hybrid models come standard with all-wheel drive-a new upgrade!

Interior

The Highlander offers seating for up to eight passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available on most trims. Interior quality is strong across the board, featuring soft-touch materials, thoughtful storage options, and user-friendly tech.

Upper trims like the Limited and Platinum elevate the cabin with leather-trimmed seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, ambient lighting, and ventilated front seats. You'll also find a power moonroof and premium JBL sound system as you move up the trim ladder.

As for space, cargo capacity measures:

  • 16.0 cubic feet behind the third row
  • 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row
  • 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded

As you can see, there's plenty of room for groceries, gear, or road trip essentials.

  

Safety & Tech

Every 2025 Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes:

  • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
  • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
  • Lane Tracing Assist
  • Road Sign Assist
  • Automatic High Beams

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is also now standard across all trims, further boosting peace of mind.

Infotainment features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple USB-C ports, cloud-based navigation (on higher trims), and a digital rearview mirror on the Platinum. Touchscreens range from 8 inches on lower trims to 12.3 inches on the Limited and Platinum.

 
 

Highlander Limited vs XLE

If you're stuck deciding between the XLE and Limited, here's what separates them:

  • XLE brings excellent value with a moonroof, power-adjustable seats, SofTex upholstery, and solid tech features.
  • Limited upgrades to leather-trimmed seating, ventilated front seats, a JBL premium audio system, memory settings for the driver's seat, and a hands-free power liftgate.

In essence, the XLE is the smart buy for families on a budget who still want style and features, while the Limited caters to buyers who want a touch of luxury without stepping all the way up to Platinum.

Highlander Hybrid

With a combined 243 horsepower and up to 35 mpg, the Highlander Hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient midsize SUVs in its class. It's now standard with all-wheel drive, making it ideal for snow-prone regions or weekend explorers.

And since it's available on multiple trims, you don't have to compromise on features to go green-you can still enjoy all the creature comforts of the gas model while saving money at the pump.

Warranty Info

  • Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
  • Hybrid Battery Warranty: 10 years/ 150,000 miles
  • Roadside Assistance: 2 years / unlimited miles
  • ToyotaCare (no-coast maintenance): 2 years / 25,000 miles