The 2025 Highlander is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating configuration, perfect for larger families. What makes it special is versatility. Highlander is big, spacious, and comfortable, but also powerful and fuel-efficient.
The introduction of a selection of fresh color options is expected, alongside the availability of a new trim level, designed to update the lineup. Notably, an expansion of standard features across the various 2025 Highlander models is likely to bring extra value to consumers seeking the latest convenience and safety options.
Table of contents
Engine & Performance
| Specification | Gasoline Engine | Hybrid Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4-liter turbo-four | 2.5-liter four-cylinder with dual electric motors |
| Horsepower | 265 hp | 243 hp |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Drive Configurations | Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy (mpg) | Combined: 25<br>City: 21<br>Highway: 29 | Combined: 36<br>City: 36<br>Highway: 35 |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | N/A | Marginally slower than gasoline counterpart |
| Additional Features/Notes | Powerful and fuel-efficient | Seamless transition between electric and gasoline |
| Nearly matches gasoline counterpart in acceleration | ||
| Eco-friendly with high fuel efficiency |
The 2025 Toyota Highlander features a potent 2.4-liter turbo-four engine generating 265 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Drivers can choose between front- and all-wheel drive options, with the latter slightly reducing fuel economy but offering enhanced traction.
With a combined mileage of 25 miles per gallon (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway), the Highlander excels in efficiency. In 2023, engineers replaced the V6 engine, sacrificing power for better gas mileage.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Highlander Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors, delivering 243 horsepower. Its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) allows seamless transitions between front- or all-wheel drive configurations. Impressively, the hybrid matches the acceleration of its gasoline counterpart, achieving 36 mpg combined.
While speculation surrounds a potential plug-in hybrid model, Toyota remains tight-lipped.
Trim Levels
For those considering buying the 2025 Toyota Highlander, the lineup offers a range of models to suit various preferences. Starting from the LE, it serves as the approachable gateway to Highlander’s squad.
Advancing up the ladder, the XLE adds more features tailoring to comfort and technology enthusiasts, while the sportier XSE injects an athletic twist. Luxury seekers will find the Limited model draped with high-end conveniences.
The crown jewel of the lineup is the Highlander Platinum, which presents the ultimate experience with top-tier accessories and features.
Each model is available with a hybrid powertrain, offering a blend of efficiency and performance. The Grand Highlander excludes the LE trim and XLE option.
Color Options
In 2025, Toyota is revamping the color options for the Highlander, offering a refreshed palette that caters to diverse tastes and preferences. Classic hues such as Midnight Black Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, and Magnetic Gray Metallic make a return, providing timeless choices for those who prefer understated elegance.
For those seeking a touch of flair, exclusive shades like Ruby Flare Pearl and Moon Dust add a touch of sophistication to the lineup. Additionally, earthy tones such as Cement offer a more grounded aesthetic, perfect for those who prefer a subtle yet stylish look.
The Highlander’s distinctive Wind Chill Pearl and deep Opulent Amber hues maintain their presence in the 2025 lineup, adding a sense of luxury and refinement to the vehicle’s exterior.
Excitingly, Toyota introduces a new addition to the color palette with Cypress, offering a fresh and contemporary option for drivers looking to make a statement on the road.
For even more variety, the Grand Highlander variant extends its palette with Storm Cloud and Coastal Cream paints, providing additional options for customization and personalization.
2025 Toyota Highlander Price & Release Date
The new Toyota Highlander is making debut by late summer, with introduction without delays due to only minimal updates. The base model of this SUV is projected to start slightly below the $40,000 mark.
For those interested in additional efficiency, the hybrid engine is an upgrade that costs approximately $1,500 to $1,700, varying by chosen trim.
The starting cost of the Grand Highlander will be around $45,000, and a more potent I-Force hybrid engine will cost you another 10 grands.
