2025 Toyota Highlander: The 2025 Toyota Highlander continues its reign as one of America’s most popular three-row midsize SUVs, delivering a proven blend of reliability, efficiency, and practical family features. For the 2025 model year, Toyota made minor refinements, focusing on technology accessibility and ensuring the lineup remains highly competitive.
Key Powertrain and Performance Details
Contrary to the provided text, Toyota has generally replaced the 3.5L V6 engine in the standard Highlander with a more efficient turbocharged four-cylinder. The 2025 Highlander offers two primary engine options in the USA:
| Powertrain Option | Engine Type | Horsepower (HP) | Combined Fuel Economy (Est. MPG) | Towing Capacity (Max.) |
| Standard (Gas) | 2.4L Turbo Inline-4 | 265 HP | 24–25 MPG | 5,000 lbs |
| Hybrid | 2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid System | 243 net HP | Up to 36 MPG | 3,500 lbs |
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V6 Update: The previously mentioned 3.5L V6 is no longer offered in the standard Highlander; the 2.4L Turbo engine replaces it, offering slightly less horsepower but more torque (310 lb-ft) for better low-end performance and the same 5,000 lb towing capacity.
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Transmission: Both the gasoline and hybrid powertrains use an automatic transmission (8-speed automatic for gas, eCVT for hybrid).
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Hybrid Efficiency: The 2.5L Hybrid remains a fuel economy champion, delivering an impressive 36 MPG combined (FWD), making it a favorite for fuel-conscious families.
Technology and Interior Highlights
The 2025 model focuses on integrating premium features across more trims:
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Infotainment: Standard on XSE and higher trims is the 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lower trims typically feature an 8-inch screen.
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Driver Display: A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster (driver information display) is now standard on XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims, providing customizable vehicle information.
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Spacious Cabin: The Highlander maintains its three-row flexibility with seating for up to eight, prioritizing comfort in the first two rows. Cargo capacity is flexible, maxing out at over 84 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Safety and Driver Assistance
All 2025 Highlanders come standard with the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) suite, which includes:
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Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
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Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
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Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
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Lane Tracing Assist
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Automatic High Beams
Estimated Pricing and Trims (USA)
Pricing for the 2025 model year shows minor adjustments reflecting the competitive market and feature distribution:
| Variant | Estimated Starting MSRP (USD) | Key Powertrain |
| Highlander LE | ~$40,320 | 2.4L Turbo |
| Highlander XLE | ~$43,470 | 2.4L Turbo |
| Highlander XSE | ~$47,140 | 2.4L Turbo |
| Highlander Limited | ~$47,575 | 2.4L Turbo |
| Highlander Platinum | ~$52,725 | 2.4L Turbo |
| Highlander Hybrid XLE | ~$46,820 | 2.5L Hybrid |
| Highlander Hybrid Limited | ~$51,275 | 2.5L Hybrid |
| Highlander Hybrid Platinum | ~$54,475 | 2.5L Hybrid |
The 2025 Toyota Highlander solidifies its position by offering excellent fuel efficiency in the hybrid model and strong performance from the new turbo engine, all wrapped in a dependable, family-friendly package.