New 2025 Toyota Highlander – Bold, Spacious & Feature-Packed Family SUV

The Toyota Highlander has long been a favorite in the three-row SUV category, thanks to its dependability, comfort, and family-focused practicality. For 2025, Toyota has taken things up a notch. With a bold new look, advanced hybrid powertrain options, and a cabin loaded with intuitive technology, the 2025 Toyota Highlander is built for families who want more than just space—they want style, capability, and peace of mind on every journey. Starting at $40,320, this SUV continues to prove why it’s among the top contenders in its segment.

Performance & Powertrain

The 2025 Highlander gives buyers the choice between a turbocharged gasoline engine and Toyota’s proven hybrid setup.

• Gasoline Engine (LE trim):
  • 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
  • 265 horsepower & 310 lb.-ft. torque
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Up to 5,000 lbs. towing capacity
  • Estimated mileage: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined mpg
• Hybrid Powertrain (XLE Nightshade & Platinum trims):
  • 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine with dual electric motors
  • 243 combined horsepower
  • AWD available
  • Estimated mileage: 35 city / 34 highway / 35 combined mpg

The hybrid models focus on efficiency without compromising comfort, making them perfect for long-distance family drives. Meanwhile, the turbo engine ensures smooth acceleration and stronger towing performance.

Driving Experience

Toyota has designed the Highlander to cater to a variety of lifestyles:

• Drive Modes: Sport, Eco, Normal, Snow, and Trail modes (depending on trim) allow drivers to adapt to different conditions.
• All-Wheel Drive: Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD provides better grip by sending power to the wheels that need it most.
• Suspension: Sport-tuned suspension on higher trims like the XSE improves handling for those who enjoy a more spirited drive.

The Highlander’s blend of power and comfort ensures that whether you’re tackling city commutes, highway stretches, or weekend getaways, it delivers a smooth and confident ride.

Exterior – Sophisticated Yet Bold

The 2025 Highlander’s design strikes a balance between elegance and muscular SUV styling. A sculpted body, sharp LED headlights, and available 20-inch alloy wheels create a commanding presence on the road.

Key exterior highlights include:

• LED projector headlights with Daytime Running Lights
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Hands-free power liftgate with jam protection
• Black mesh or chrome-accented grilles (depending on trim)
• Roof rail options in black or silver finishes
• Dual chrome-tipped exhaust for a sporty flair

ALSO READ: New Toyota Fortuner 2025 – Ultimate SUV Price, Mileage, Iconic Features, Colours

Interior – Comfort Meets Technology

Inside, the Highlander offers a spacious cabin that can seat up to 8 passengers. Families will love its blend of premium finishes and practical touches.

Highlights include:

• Available leather-trimmed seats with heating & ventilation
• 7-passenger option with second-row captain’s chairs
• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™
• JBL® Premium 11-speaker audio system (on higher trims)
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Ambient interior lighting for a premium feel
• Ample cargo space: 84.3 cu. ft. with rear seats folded

Toyota also ensures passenger convenience with multiple USB ports, wireless charging, and smart storage solutions.

Colours Available

The 2025 Highlander is offered in a wide variety of exterior shades, giving buyers plenty of choices to match their personality:

• Heavy Metal*
• Wind Chill Pearl
• Midnight Black Metallic
• Celestial Silver Metallic
• Magnetic Gray Metallic
• Cypress
• Blueprint
• Ruby Flare Pearl
• Cement
• (Premium colours may cost extra.)

Safety First

Toyota equips the Highlander with its Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, ensuring maximum protection for you and your family.

Key features include:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Parking Assist with Automatic Braking
• Eight airbags standard
• Panoramic View Monitor (360-degree camera on higher trims)

Add in Toyota Care’s 2-year/25,000-mile maintenance plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, and ownership feels even more reassuring.

Price & Variants

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is available in multiple trims:

• LE (Gasoline, FWD): Starting at $40,320
• Hybrid XLE Nightshade (AWD): Starting at $47,820
• Hybrid Platinum (AWD): Starting at $54,475

Toyota Highlander vs Rivals

When compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer, the Highlander stands out for its:

• Better fuel efficiency (especially in hybrid trims)
• Toyota’s unmatched reliability reputation
• Family-friendly cabin space and tech features
• Strong towing capabilities (up to 5,000 lbs.)

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available fuel-efficient hybrid with 35 mpg
• Spacious and flexible seating for up to 8 passengers
• Premium tech features with 12.3-inch infotainment screen
• Strong safety package (TSS 2.5+) standard
• 5,000-lb towing capacity

Cons

• Third-row seat is tighter compared to some rivals
• Hybrid models have lower towing capacity (3,500 lbs)
• Base price slightly higher than some competitors

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Toyota Highlander blends power, practicality, and advanced features in one stylish package. Whether you’re looking for a reliable family hauler or an SUV that makes long road trips enjoyable, the Highlander ticks all the right boxes. With its hybrid efficiency, spacious interior, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, it’s a smart investment for families in 2025.

Frequently Ask Questions