The Toyota Highlander has long been a go-to SUV for families and adventurers alike, offering a perfect blend of performance, practicality, and luxury. For 2025, Toyota has stepped up its game, delivering a refined Highlander that checks every box for buyers looking for comfort, versatility, and modern tech in a midsize SUV. Whether you’re a long-time Toyota loyalist or new to the brand, this comprehensive 2025 Highlander buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from features and performance to pricing and trim options—to help you make the best choice for your needs.
A Quick Overview: What’s New in the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander arrives with subtle but meaningful upgrades over its predecessor. Toyota continues to prioritize safety, efficiency, and user-friendly technology, while also enhancing the SUV’s visual appeal with a more muscular stance, sleeker LED lighting, and sharper wheel designs.
Among the biggest highlights:
A new high-efficiency turbocharged engine
Expanded hybrid options
Improved infotainment interface
More premium materials throughout the cabin
Additional standard driver assistance features
Toyota’s goal with the 2025 Highlander is clear: elevate the driving experience without sacrificing the dependability and practicality that drivers love.
Trim Levels: Options for Every Lifestyle
The 2025 Highlander comes in several trim levels, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a daily commuter or a road-trip-ready machine, there’s a model that fits your needs.
L – The base trim doesn’t feel basic. It includes a robust list of standard features like Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, LED headlights, 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and three-zone climate control.
LE – Adds power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring, and more convenience features.
XLE – A popular middle-ground trim with a power moonroof, SofTex-trimmed seats, wireless charging, and upgraded tech.
XSE – Sportier appearance with black accents, sport-tuned suspension, and unique 20-inch wheels.
Limited – A luxury-oriented trim with ventilated front seats, premium JBL audio, navigation, and digital rearview mirror.
Platinum – The top-tier Highlander, boasting panoramic moonroof, head-up display, surround-view camera, and advanced parking features.
Toyota also offers hybrid versions for most trims, giving eco-conscious drivers even more flexibility.
Engine and Performance: A Fine Balance of Power and Efficiency
Gasoline Engine
The 2025 Highlander comes equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine replacing the older V6. This engine delivers a solid 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, offering improved fuel efficiency without compromising on power. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the engine provides smooth acceleration and refined performance, especially on highways.
Hybrid Powertrain
For those seeking even better fuel economy, the Highlander Hybrid is a standout. Its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors delivers a combined 243 horsepower. With up to 36 MPG combined, it’s one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.
Drive Options
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on most trims, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is available and even standard on certain upper trims. AWD models include multiple drive modes such as Snow and Mud to enhance traction in different environments, making it a capable choice for various terrains.
Interior: Where Comfort Meets Practicality
Step inside the 2025 Highlander and you’ll immediately notice the thoughtful design and upscale touches. It can comfortably seat up to eight passengers with a second-row bench, or seven with captain’s chairs. The third row is more suited to children or short trips but folds flat to expand cargo space when needed.
Notable interior highlights include:
Optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (standard on higher trims)
Wireless smartphone integration
Heated and ventilated front seats
Premium materials and customizable ambient lighting
Cargo space is also generous, with up to 84.3 cubic feet of space with both rear rows folded down—plenty of room for suitcases, camping gear, or grocery hauls.
Technology and Connectivity: Smarter Every Year
Toyota has placed major emphasis on upgrading the Highlander’s technology for 2025. It features the brand’s latest Toyota Audio Multimedia System, offering faster processing, intuitive menus, and voice-activated controls. Built-in navigation, over-the-air updates, cloud-based apps, and user profiles make this one of the most intelligent systems on the road.
Every trim includes:
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
USB-C ports throughout the cabin
Wi-Fi hotspot capability
Smart Key System with push-button start
Higher trims also include advanced driver-assist systems and even a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink and integrated garage controls.
Safety: A Top Priority
The Highlander has long been one of the safest SUVs in the segment, and the 2025 model is no different. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes:
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Lane Tracing Assist
Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Road Sign Assist
Proactive Driving Assist
Additional available safety features include:
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking
Panoramic View Monitor
Rear Seat Reminder
Toyota’s commitment to safety is further validated by high ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making the Highlander a smart and secure choice for families.
Price: How Much Does the 2025 Highlander Cost?
The pricing structure for the 2025 Toyota Highlander remains competitive within its segment. Here’s a general breakdown:
L – Starting around $39,000
LE – From $41,500
XLE – Around $44,000
XSE – From $45,500
Limited – Starting near $48,000
Platinum – Tops out around $51,500
Hybrid trims generally add about $1,500 to $2,000 over their gasoline counterparts. AWD adds approximately $1,600 to $1,900 depending on the trim.
While the Highlander may cost slightly more than some rivals, its long-term value, reputation for reliability, and strong resale value make it a smart investment.
Competitors: How the Highlander Stacks Up
In the competitive midsize SUV market, the Highlander faces stiff competition from models like:
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Kia Telluride
Hyundai Palisade
Mazda CX-90
Subaru Ascent
The Highlander stands out with its hybrid availability, better-than-average fuel economy, intuitive infotainment, and Toyota’s bulletproof reliability. While others might offer more aggressive styling or more spacious third rows, the Highlander’s overall balance makes it a winner for many buyers.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a great match for:
Families needing space and safety
Commuters seeking comfort and tech
Road-trippers who want fuel efficiency and cargo room
Buyers looking for long-term reliability and low maintenance costs
Eco-conscious drivers opting for the hybrid version
Whether you’re upgrading from an older SUV, downsizing from a full-size vehicle, or stepping up from a compact crossover, the Highlander offers a perfect midpoint.
Final Thoughts: Is the 2025 Highlander Worth It?
In a word: absolutely.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander refines everything buyers have loved about the model for years—comfort, performance, versatility—while introducing new tech, safety, and hybrid advancements. It’s stylish without being flashy, powerful without being wasteful, and advanced without being complicated.
If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV that promises years of faithful service, packed with features that make every journey more enjoyable, the Toyota Highlander should be at the top of your list.
