2025 Toyota Highlander Expert Review: Drive, Performance & Specs Tested

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a big deal—it’s celebrating a quarter-century on the road! And guess what? It’s still holding onto its title as America’s favorite midsize SUV for eight years straight. That’s quite an achievement, right? It shows how well Toyota gets what American families want in a three-row SUV. This year, the Highlander has some exciting upgrades, like the standard all-wheel drive for all its hybrid models and two bold new colors: Heavy Metal and Cement. Pretty cool, huh?

The midsize SUV market is crowded, and the Highlander isn’t the only player in the game. Take the Hyundai Santa Fe, for example. It’s got a fresh, modern interior and decent hybrid efficiency. Plus, it gives you a bit more legroom in the second row—all without breaking the bank. Then there’s the Honda Pilot, which really shines when it comes to third-row space and performance. But, it doesn’t quite stack up against the Highlander when it comes to hybrid fuel efficiency.

The Kia Telluride is another one to watch. It’s making a name for itself with a more upscale vibe and a roomy third row, which is great for families who need that extra space, even if it sacrifices a bit on fuel efficiency. And let’s not forget about the Mazda CX-90—it’s aiming for a premium feel, boasting a more luxurious interior and punchier performance, but, you know, it does come with a heftier price tag.

Oh, and there’s the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, offering a plug-in hybrid option with about 61 kilometers of electric range. However, it does give up some interior space compared to the Highlander. Each of these rivals has its own strengths, but when it comes down to it, the Highlander strikes a nice balance of performance, efficiency, and reliability that clicks with American buyers.

Toyota’s choice to roll out a limited edition Highlander for its 25th anniversary—just 2,500 units—shows how confident they are in this model’s place in the market. This special edition is based on the Limited trim, and it’s got some cool unique features that make it stand out from the rest, while still keeping all those qualities that have made the Highlander such a hit.

The 2025 Highlander comes with two different powertrains, which is cool because they cater to what different buyers might want or need. First up, there’s the standard gasoline engine. It’s a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that cranks out 265 horsepower and a solid 310 pound-feet of torque. This is a step up from the older V6 engine, and it does improve low-end torque and fuel efficiency without losing any performance. Plus, the engine is coupled with a slick eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and decisively throughout the power band.

If you’re leaning towards a hybrid, there’s a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, giving you a combined output of 243 horsepower. Toyota doesn’t give specific torque numbers for their hybrids, but the electric motors offer that instant torque—you know, the kind that makes the hybrid feel really peppy when you’re driving around town. And speaking of driving, this hybrid uses an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) that’s been improved to reduce that annoying “rubber band” effect you often find with CVTs.

For the 2025 model year, all hybrid versions come with electronic on-demand all-wheel drive as standard, which is a nice upgrade from last year’s optional AWD. This means it can send torque to the front or rear wheels as needed, which helps with traction and stability no matter the driving conditions. The gasoline model still offers both front-wheel drive and a more advanced Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel drive system that can distribute power not just front to rear but also side to side.

In real-world tests, drivers have found the gasoline engine to be especially efficient on the highway. Many report getting around 31 MPG, which is better than the EPA’s estimate of 29 MPG. And if you’re all about efficiency, the hybrid system impresses even more, achieving 35 MPG whether you’re in the city or on the highway. So, if you’re a family trying to keep fuel costs down while still needing a practical vehicle, this could be a solid pick.

The transmission in the gasoline model—it’s worth mentioning. It has smart shift logic. In everyday driving, it focuses on being smooth and efficient. But if you need to pick up the pace? It’s quick to downshift when you want a bit more power. There’s also a Sport mode that amps up responsiveness, holding gears longer and giving you that immediate throttle response when you need it.

When it comes to towing, each powertrain has its own capabilities that you might want to think about. The gasoline model can tow up to 5,000 pounds if you have it equipped right, which is great for larger trailers or boats. The hybrid, on the other hand, has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. While that’s a bit less, it should still handle most family needs, like small trailers or lightweight camping gear. So, there you have it!

The braking system in the 2025 Highlander? Well, it’s been designed thoughtfully to give you solid stopping power no matter the driving situation. You’ve got front-ventilated disc brakes and rear disc brakes that work together along with some fancy stability control systems. This combo? It helps ensure that the braking feels reliable and consistent. And hey, the brake pedal feel? They’ve seriously upped their game for 2025. It’s more progressive now, so you can easily adjust how much pressure you put on the brakes when you’re out and about.

Now, if we’re talking about the hybrid model, the way it blends regenerative and friction braking is, honestly, pretty smooth. Unlike some hybrids that switch between regenerative and mechanical braking in a way that feels kinda jarring, the Highlander Hybrid keeps that pedal feel nice and steady throughout. It makes the whole experience feel more natural, especially for folks coming from regular cars.

This braking system comes packed with some smart features that boost safety and control. There’s this electronic brake-force distribution system that automatically tweaks brake pressure between the front and rear wheels depending on how loaded the vehicle is and the driving conditions. Plus, the brake assist system? It’s clever enough to sense when an emergency braking situation pops up and can slam on the brakes hard even if you haven’t fully pressed down yet.

The Highlander’s automatic hold function, particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic, keeps the vehicle stationary without requiring constant pressure on the brake pedal. This feature seamlessly releases when the accelerator is pressed, making urban driving less fatiguing. The hill-start assist control prevents rollback on inclines, holding the vehicle briefly when transitioning from brake to accelerator.

Every trim level comes with an electronic parking brake that has an auto-hold feature, which totally replaces the old-school hand or foot-operated parking brake. This system kicks in automatically when you put the car in park, and it can be set to disengage all by itself when you buckle up and press the gas.

The Highlander nails that sweet spot between being easy to drive and giving you that engaged feel behind the wheel. You see, the electric power steering has been set up so that it’s super light when you’re parking, but as you pick up speed, it gets more substantial and offers better feedback. This clever design means the Highlander can weave through tight spaces but also feels solid on the highway.

About the suspension – it’s got MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link setup in the back. This combo offers a comfy ride without losing that essential body control. It’s interesting how the suspension is tuned; it does a great job of shielding passengers from those pesky road bumps without making everything feel too soft or like you’re floating. Toyota really focused on the dampers, which helps keep that annoying bouncing feeling at bay, something you might notice in bigger SUVs.

If you opt for the XSE trim, you’re getting a sportier suspension that ramps up the driving experience without making it a rough ride. They’ve added stiffer springs and adjusted the shock absorbers to cut down on body roll when you’re taking corners, but it still feels good for everyday driving. Plus, the sport-tuned steering on the XSE gives you a bit more weight and quicker reactions, making you feel more connected to the car.

For those going with all-wheel drive, you’re in for a treat. The torque distribution systems are advanced, working together with the suspension to boost stability and handling. The Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system in gasoline models can shift up to 50% of the available torque to the rear wheels and even balance it between the left and right rear wheels as needed. This helps with handling, whether you’re on dry roads or facing some wet conditions.

The suspension design incorporates hydraulic bushings at key points to minimize the transmission of road vibrations into the cabin. This attention to detail results in a quiet, composed ride that remains one of the Highlander’s strongest attributes. The vehicle’s stability control system works seamlessly with the suspension, making subtle adjustments to help maintain vehicle control without feeling intrusive.

The base model features 18-inch wheels with 235/65R18 all-season tires that provide a good balance of comfort, noise suppression, and all-weather capability. Higher trim levels, including the XSE and Limited models, upgrade to 20-inch wheels with 235/55R20 tires that offer enhanced handling response while maintaining reasonable ride comfort.

The 25th Anniversary Edition features unique 20-inch machined aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle Touring all-season tires. These tires have been specifically selected to complement the vehicle’s capabilities, offering good wet and dry performance along with reasonable snow traction. The larger wheel diameter and lower profile tires on the 20-inch setup provide improved steering response and a more premium appearance, though they do result in a slightly firmer ride compared to the 18-inch configuration.

All Highlander models come equipped with a temporary spare tire, providing peace of mind in case of a flat tire situation. The tire pressure monitoring system has been updated to provide individual tire pressure readings for all four wheels, helping drivers maintain optimal tire pressure for both safety and fuel efficiency.

The interior of the 2025 Highlander shines when it comes to both function and comfort—plus, it’s decked out with some premium materials and finishes. Take the dashboard, for example; it has this nice horizontal layout that opens up the cabin, and you’ll find soft-touch materials everywhere you’d normally put your hands. Oh, and if you’re eyeing the 25th Anniversary Edition, you’ll notice some cool unique touches like special embossed headrests and illuminated door sill plates that add a bit of flair.

Now, right in the center of it all is the available 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, which just sits there looking all proud on the dashboard. Sure, some competitors are going for even bigger screens, but the Highlander strikes a nice balance with its size—it’s big enough to be useful without feeling overwhelming. And don’t worry, if you’re on one of the lower trims, the standard 8-inch display still works just fine and fits in nicely with the overall design.

Moving on, there’s a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that comes standard on the XSE and higher trims, which gives the driver’s view a modern vibe. You can customize this display in different ways, so it can show anything from traditional gauges to navigation instructions and even the status of driver assistance systems.

When it comes to materials, they do change a bit depending on the trim level. The higher-end models flaunt some attractive Portabello leather upholstery with contrast stitching, which feels soft and looks like it’ll hold up well over time. Meanwhile, the lower trims sport a mix of SofTex synthetic leather and fabric. They still manage to feel premium, but they’re also built to last.

The interior lighting has been thoughtfully designed with ambient lighting in higher trims that create a pleasant atmosphere during night driving. The 25th Anniversary Edition includes special puddle lights that project the anniversary logo onto the ground when the doors are opened, adding a unique touch to the nighttime experience.

As for the dashboard controls, they’re laid out logically with physical buttons and knobs for the functions you use most, so you won’t be fumbling around while driving. The center console offers decent storage options, although that sliding-lid design on the main compartment might take a little getting used to if you’re used to the traditional lift-top style. Overall, it’s a well-thought-out space!

The 2025 Highlander shows off Toyota’s knack for what you might call refined aggression. You’ve got these sharp lines and bold details that somehow balance out the classic SUV vibe. Take a look at the front—it’s got this unique grille that changes depending on the trim. If you check out the XSE, for instance, it has a more aggressive mesh pattern, while the 25th Anniversary Edition features some cool chrome accents that really pop.

Now, for 2025, Toyota’s added a couple of new colors: Heavy Metal and Cement. It’s nice to see them playing with a more modern palette, right? The Heavy Metal finish is impressive, actually. It has this depth that changes in different lighting, which helps it stand out in a crowded parking lot without being too over-the-top.

When it comes to lighting, they’ve gone all in with LEDs. You’ll find LED headlights, daytime running lights, and fog lights standard on every trim. The headlight design? It’s got this signature look that makes the Highlander super recognizable at night. The only part that isn’t LED is the rear turn signals, which still use those good old-fashioned bulbs.

From the side, it keeps that classic SUV shape but adds some modern flair, like the floating roof effect thanks to the blacked-out C-pillars. The 25th Anniversary Edition stands out with its special badges and those unique 20-inch wheels that just fit the overall design perfectly. Plus, there’s some chrome trim around the windows and along the lower body that gives it a nice premium feel without going overboard.

Moving to the back, you’ll notice a long roof spoiler that not only looks good but also helps with airflow, making it feel more contemporary. Sure, the exposed rear wiper might mess with the sleek look a bit, but hey, it’s practical for maintenance. And those dual exhaust outlets on the gas models? They’re nicely integrated into the rear bumper design. Meanwhile, the hybrids keep it neat with hidden exhausts. Overall, it’s a well-thought-out package!

The 2025 Highlander steps things up with its tech package, which is all about the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. Honestly, this is a big leap forward in how we interact with our cars. You can use natural language voice commands now—not just for the radio or music, but for climate controls, navigation, and a whole bunch of other car functions. The voice recognition is impressive too; it understands normal speech really well, so you don’t have to memorize a bunch of specific phrases.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration has been seamlessly implemented, allowing for quick connection and stable operation throughout drives. The system’s wireless functionality eliminates the need for cables while maintaining reliable connectivity. The interface remains responsive and intuitive, with minimal lag between inputs and actions.

Now, if you look at the available 12.3-inch touchscreen, it’s got great visibility and makes accessing different functions a breeze. They’ve really thought about how to position it, so you get minimal glare and it’s easy for both the driver and front passenger to reach. You can even customize the layout to suit your own preferences—how cool is that?

Then there’s the JBL audio system, which is top-notch. With 11 speakers placed just right, the sound quality inside the cabin is fantastic. You can expect clear and balanced audio no matter where you sit, thanks to some smart tuning that takes the interior acoustics into account. The subwoofer placement is also on point, giving you that rich sound without making the cabin feel cramped.

If you’re into off-roading or just dealing with different weather conditions, the multi-terrain select functionality on the AWD models is a nice touch. It lets drivers fine-tune how the vehicle performs based on the surface—whether it’s mud, sand, rocks, or snow. Each mode tweaks things like throttle response and stability control to help you out in tricky situations.

The digital instrument cluster, which comes standard on XSE and higher trims, is pretty versatile. You can switch up the display to fit whatever driving scenario you’re in. The 12.3-inch screen provides clear info on everything from vehicle status to navigation and driver assistance, and you can customize what you see to keep your focus on what matters most at the moment.

Moving to comfort, the Highlander nails it with its thoughtfully designed features. The front seats are super comfy, with eight-way power adjustments for the driver and four-way for the front passenger. In the higher trims, you get this luxurious Portabello leather that strikes a perfect balance between softness and durability. Lower trims use a solid mix of SofTex and fabric, so you still get comfort and durability.

When it comes to climate control, Toyota thought of everything for all three rows. The tri-zone automatic climate control lets everyone set their own temperature. Plus, the air vents are placed just right, with overhead vents for the back passengers, ensuring everyone gets a nice flow of air. And it runs quietly, so you can enjoy a peaceful ride without annoying air noise.

They’ve also packed in a bunch of convenient features for everyday use. The wireless charging pad is cleverly located to keep your devices secure while you drive, and there are USB-A and USB-C ports scattered throughout the cabin, making sure everyone can keep their devices charged up. It’s all about making it easy for those in the second and third rows to stay connected.

Storage hasn’t been overlooked either. The center console is designed with various compartment sizes, perfect for everything from small items to bigger gadgets. The sliding cover for the center console is a nice change from the usual lift-top designs—it makes grabbing stuff way easier without having to reach it awkwardly.

Sound management is another highlight of the Highlander. With acoustic glass and sound-deadening materials, the cabin is surprisingly quiet. You really notice the difference on the highway, where wind and road noise are much lower than in many other SUVs out there.

Also, there’s a hands-free power liftgate with a kick sensor on XLE and higher trims, which is a lifesaver when your hands are full. The smart key system with push-button start also includes trunk release, making daily tasks a bit easier.

For those in the second row, there are manual sunshades that do a great job of blocking out heat and glare, without the fuss of power systems that can sometimes be a hassle. Plus, if you opt for higher trims, you’ve got heated and ventilated front seats, along with heated second-row seats, ensuring everyone stays comfy no matter the weather.

The 2025 Highlander takes Toyota’s dedication to safety to the next level, building on its solid reputation with the new Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system. This upgraded safety package is pretty impressive—it’s got a pre-collision system that’s been fine-tuned to detect pedestrians better, especially in those busy urban areas where hazards pop up all the time. We mean, the way it spots pedestrians even when it’s dark out or catches cyclists during the day shows Toyota’s seriousness about keeping people safe in real-world situations.

If we talk about adaptive cruise control, it’s been smoothed out a bit for different types of traffic. It keeps a steady distance from the car in front without those jarring stops or starts. And when traffic gets heavy? It can bring the Highlander to a full stop, which is a relief in stop-and-go situations. This just makes those long drives a little less tiring since it helps keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

The lane tracing assist and lane departure alert? They’re well thought out. They help keep the vehicle centered in its lane but still let you steer naturally. It’s like they found a sweet spot between being helpful and not annoying. And if you start to drift a bit, the steering assist gives gentle nudges to keep you in line—without being pushy, you know?

Now, the blind spot monitoring has a nice update for 2025 too. It’s better at detecting vehicles and gives clearer alerts. You’ll find the warnings on the side mirrors and on the dashboard, so they’re easy to see. This helps when you’re changing lanes or backing up.

The 360-degree camera system is awesome for those tight parking spots. You get different views right on the infotainment screen, including a bird’s eye perspective that makes parking a breeze. Plus, the camera quality has improved, which is great for low-light situations.

Also, there’s this handy road sign assist feature that keeps you up to speed with changing limits and other important signs. Automatic high beams adjust themselves when there’s oncoming traffic, which is just one less thing to worry about while driving. These features come together to create a solid safety net, helping you stay engaged without being overwhelmed.

On the security front, the Highlander comes packed with a comprehensive airbag system. You’ve got front, side, and curtain airbags to protect everyone in all three rows. And the car’s structure? It’s built with high-strength steel in key spots, making a sturdy safety cage while still keeping the vehicle light for better efficiency.

The 2025 Highlander brings a refined driving experience, striking a great balance between comfort, efficiency, and capability. Inside, it’s like stepping into a peaceful oasis. The noise isolation is just exceptional! You hardly hear any outside sounds, which makes daily commutes or even long road trips so much more enjoyable. The use of acoustic glass along with sound-deadening materials does a fantastic job of keeping the wind and road noise at bay—definitely gives it that premium feel.

About the hybrid powertrain – It runs so smoothly, that you hardly notice when it switches between electric and gasoline power. Seriously, it’s almost seamless—no annoying vibrations or loud noises to disrupt the ride. Sure, the EV mode doesn’t have a huge range, but it’s super handy in quiet places like parking lots or neighborhoods where you really want to keep the noise down.

When it comes to the gasoline engine, especially the 2.4-liter turbocharged version, it delivers strong torque, which translates to confident acceleration no matter the driving situation. The power delivery is smooth and linear, with hardly any turbo lag, so you get great responsiveness when you hit the gas. Plus, the eight-speed automatic transmission is smartly programmed, keeping the engine at just the right speed without any unnecessary gear hunting.

Handling is where the Highlander shines too—it manages to balance comfort and control really well. The steering gives good feedback and is surprisingly light when you’re parking, so maneuvering this larger SUV feels easier than it looks. If you go for the XSE trim, the sport-tuned suspension enhances handling without sacrificing ride comfort, making for a more engaging drive for those who enjoy that sort of thing.

The all-wheel-drive system operates smoothly, almost like you don’t even notice it’s working—yet it does a fantastic job managing traction in different conditions. For the gasoline models, the Dynamic Torque Vectoring system can shift power between the rear wheels, which boosts stability when you’re cornering and gives you more confidence in bad weather.

As for the brakes, they feel well-calibrated, offering just the right amount of resistance to make smooth stops a breeze. The regenerative braking system in the hybrid model is also nicely integrated. It feels natural, so you don’t have to change how you brake—just a seamless experience overall.

About the second-row seating in the 2025 Highlander- It’s flexible and, honestly, quite comfy! If you go for the captain’s chairs, you’ll find they offer solid support. You can slide them back and forth, and they even recline a bit. That means there’s a decent amount of legroom and headroom, which is great news for adults on those longer road trips.

Getting into the third row? Toyota thought that through pretty well. The second-row seats can slide and fold forward, making it easier to hop back there. Sure, the third row is probably better for kids or just for adults now and then, but Toyota’s done some smart things to make it cozy enough. You’ve got dedicated air vents and cup holders back there, which is a nice touch.

If you’re eyeing the bench seat option in certain trims, it’s a good way to boost total passenger capacity to eight. That bench has a 60/40 split design, which is handy for mixing up passenger and cargo space. The middle seat might feel a bit firmer than the side ones, but it’s still serviceable for adults on shorter trips.

As for the goodies in the second row, you won’t be left wanting. There are plenty of USB ports—both Type-A and Type-C—so everyone can keep their devices charged up. Plus, if the sun’s shining a bit too brightly, the manual sunshades are there to help. And hey, the climate controls are separate back there, letting rear passengers dial in their own comfort without bugging the front.

When you look at the materials used for the seats, it’s clear Toyota put thought into durability without skimping on comfort. In the higher trims, you’ve got Portabello leather that feels great and helps with temperature control. Meanwhile, the SofTex and fabric mixes in the lower trims still manage to offer good breathability and wear resistance.

Now the third row? It’s a bit snugger, but it’s designed to be usable for those times when you need the extra space. You’ll find cup holders, some storage spots, and USB ports in certain configurations, which is nice. They’ve even optimized the seat back angle to make it as comfy as it can be, given the space limitations.

The 2025 Highlander shines when it comes to cargo space—it’s been designed with all sorts of loading situations in mind. So, when all the seats are in use, there’s still a handy 16 cubic feet of space behind the third row. This area is well-shaped, and the low-load floor? It makes loading and unloading a breeze.

If you fold down the third row, you’re looking at 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s a nice flat-load floor that’s just perfect for those larger items. Honestly, the seats fold down so easily, you won’t break a sweat switching between passenger and cargo modes. Plus, with that 60/40 split in the third row, you can mix and match how you want to use the space.

And get this—if you fold both rear rows down, the Highlander gives you a whopping 84.3 cubic feet of cargo room. Ideal, right? The flat load floor and wide opening mean you can slide in even the bulkiest items without a hassle. Oh, and the power liftgate with hands-free operation? Super handy when your hands are full!

You’ll also find some neat features in the cargo area, like multiple tie-down points, and a hidden storage compartment under the floor. That little spot is perfect for keeping valuables or emergency supplies safe while keeping the main area looking tidy.

About that power liftgate—it’s great because you can actually program the opening height to fit different garage sizes or just your own preferences. And the memory function? It’s a lifesaver, preventing any accidental bumps into low obstacles while still giving you easy access to the cargo.

If you’re eyeing the 25th Anniversary Edition, you’ll get a special all-weather cargo mat that comes with some cool commemorative branding. It not only protects the cargo area but also adds a unique flair that makes it stand out from the regular models. The material is tough, too, while still looking upscale!

When you think about the 2025 Toyota Highlander, there’s a lot to unpack. It’s not just about the sticker price; you’ve got to look at what you get for your money, how much it’ll cost you in the long run, and how it stacks up against other options out there. So, kicking things off, we’re looking at a starting price of just under $40,000 for the base models. If you want all the bells and whistles, you could be looking at around $52,000. That definitely puts the Highlander right in the thick of the midsize SUV crowd.

Now, if we zoom in on the XLE trim, it stands out as a great option. Why? Well, it comes loaded with features like a hands-free power liftgate, heated front seats, and wireless charging. It’s a sweet spot—balancing comfort, tech, and safety without breaking the bank like the top-tier trims do.

The hybrid powertrain option, while commanding a price premium, presents a compelling long-term value proposition through significant fuel savings. With a combined fuel economy rating of 35 mpg, the hybrid system can potentially offset its higher initial cost through reduced fuel expenses over several years of ownership.

Toyota’s got a strong name for itself when it comes to reliability and resale value, which definitely boosts the Highlander’s appeal. The history of dependability, along with a solid warranty and two years of free scheduled maintenance, gives you a nice peace of mind for the long haul.

Then there’s the 25th Anniversary Edition. They’re only making 2,500 of these, so yeah, it comes with a pricier tag. But it’s got some unique styling and special features that might catch the eye of collectors or anyone looking for something a bit different. While it mostly spruces up the looks, the limited numbers could help it hold its value better down the road.

When we talk about competition, the Highlander really holds its own. It’s got a well-rounded package of features, performance, and efficiency. Sure, some other SUVs might give you more room in the third row or have a more modern interior, but when you look at Toyota’s overall reputation for quality combined with the Highlander’s family-friendly design, it’s definitely worth a look.

Safety is another big plus. All trim levels come with a solid set of standard safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. This means you get advanced driver assistance tech without having to shell out extra for fancy packages. It’s a big part of what makes the Highlander’s pricing make sense, especially for families looking for reassurance.

If you’re considering the hybrid, here’s something neat: all-wheel drive is standard on those models. No extra charge for that feature, which is a major win, especially if you live in an area that sees its fair share of rough weather. So, even though the hybrid starts off at a higher price, this perk boosts its overall value.