The 2025 Toyota Highlander continues to be a crowd favorite in the mid-size SUV segment, thanks to its winning combination of practicality, comfort, and legendary reliability. With its spacious interior, versatile features, and smooth ride, the Highlander remains a top choice for families, commuters, and road trip enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re navigating your daily commute, heading out on a cross-country adventure, or simply running errands around town, the 2025 Highlander delivers a well-rounded, comfortable experience.
Let’s dive into everything the new model has to offer — from performance to design to the latest tech upgrades.
What’s New for 2025
Toyota has given the 2025 Highlander a thoughtful refresh. This year brings subtle but impactful updates, including a more refined exterior look, upgraded technology, and even more standard features across the lineup. Buyers will also notice the introduction of new trim options that cater to a wider range of preferences.
The Highlander Hybrid sees notable improvements too, with better efficiency and updated tech that makes it an even stronger option for eco-conscious drivers. Add in a redesigned front grille and new wheel designs, and the 2025 Highlander feels both familiar and excitingly modern.
Exterior Design
The 2025 Highlander’s updated exterior design blends boldness with sophistication. Its wide stance, sculpted body lines, and refreshed front grille give it a strong, confident road presence. Sleek LED headlights add a sharp, modern touch, while aerodynamic styling not only looks great but also enhances efficiency.
Buyers can choose from a vibrant palette of colors — ranging from timeless neutrals to more adventurous hues — and customize their Highlander further with available 18- or 20-inch wheels that add sporty flair. Whether cruising downtown streets or winding through scenic highways, the Highlander’s updated design ensures you’ll turn heads.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside, and the 2025 Highlander welcomes you with a roomy, upscale cabin designed around comfort and flexibility. Seating for up to eight passengers is available, depending on the trim, and second-row captain’s chairs are an option for those seeking extra comfort.
Quality materials are used throughout the cabin, from soft-touch surfaces to premium trim finishes. Higher-end models, like the Limited and Platinum trims, spoil you with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a host of luxury touches that make every drive feel special.
For those who love a bit of fresh air and natural light, an available panoramic sunroof adds an extra layer of openness. Plus, with flexible cargo space — especially when the third-row seats are folded flat — the Highlander can easily accommodate everything from groceries to camping gear.
Performance and Engine Options
The 2025 Highlander gives drivers two strong powertrain options:
-
3.5L V6 Engine: The standard 3.5-liter V6 produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It offers brisk acceleration, a smooth ride, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity — perfect for weekend getaways with a boat or trailer in tow. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it’s available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
-
Hybrid Powertrain: Eco-conscious drivers will appreciate the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid setup, which combines with two electric motors to produce 243 total system horsepower. Offering excellent responsiveness and refined driving manners, the hybrid Highlander also shines with fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
Both the V6 and hybrid models deliver a composed, quiet ride with well-balanced suspension tuning that soaks up bumps and rough roads with ease.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is a major highlight, especially for the Highlander Hybrid. While the V6 offers competitive ratings at an estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, the hybrid model raises the bar significantly with its 36 mpg city / 35 mpg highway estimates.
Compared to rivals like the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer, the Highlander stands out with its blend of strong performance and superior efficiency, making it an excellent choice for drivers who want to save money at the pump without sacrificing practicality or driving enjoyment.
Technology and Infotainment
Toyota has equipped the 2025 Highlander with the latest tech to keep you connected and entertained on every journey.
-
Standard 8-inch touchscreen: Features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
-
Available 12.3-inch touchscreen: On higher trims, offering a larger, more intuitive interface.
-
Wireless charging: Keeps devices powered up without cluttering the cabin with cables.
-
Premium JBL audio system: Available for audiophiles who want a rich listening experience.
Convenience tech includes Toyota’s Smart Key System with push-button start, an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display that projects key info directly onto the windshield — keeping your eyes on the road where they belong.
Safety Features
Safety remains a cornerstone of the Highlander’s appeal. Every 2025 model comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which includes:
-
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
-
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Lane Tracing Assist
-
Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Additionally, the 2025 Highlander features a rear-seat reminder as standard — a thoughtful touch for families — and continues to earn top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, reinforcing its reputation as one of the safest SUVs on the market.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Toyota Highlander builds on its strong foundation with smart updates, offering drivers more style, tech, efficiency, and comfort than ever before. Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid, a family road trip champion, or a reliable daily driver, the Highlander checks all the right boxes. With its refined ride, spacious interior, and industry-leading safety features, it’s easy to see why the Highlander remains a top choice for so many.