Toyota shakes up the lineup for the 2025 Highlander three-row crossover SUV by cutting the base hybrid model and adding a special edition and standard all-wheel drive to the hybrid variant, Toyota disclosed Tuesday.
Pricing increases marginally for 2025, with the base 2025 Highlander starting at $40,970, which is a $365 increase from the 2024 model year when factoring in the higher destination fee of $1,450. Toyota has not announced pricing for the 2025 Grand Highlander, which is a larger, roomier version of the three-row SUV that launched in 2024.
The 2025 Highlander now comes in five trims across either a gas or hybrid model. It is believed that the Highlander will be replaced by a three-row electric crossover, slated to start production next year in Kentucky and to launch as a 2026 model, while the Grand Highlander carries on with combustion and hybrid options.
The gas-only Highlander has a 2.4-liter turbo-4 (265 hp, 310 lb-ft of torque) with an 8-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. Available all-wheel drive adds $1,600 on base LE, XLE, and Limited grades, but it’s now standard on XSE and Platinum trims.
Other than that, the combustion-only model mostly carries over.
Every 2025 Highlander comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, and automatic high beams. Standard convenience features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver seat, three-zone climate control, five USB ports (four USB-C), and 18-inch alloy wheels. It seats eight passengers.
The $44,020 XLE adds a hands-free power tailgate, a sunroof, heated front seats, synthetic leather, and second-row captain’s chairs to seat seven passengers total.
For $47,790, the XSE grade comes only with all-wheel drive and adds sportier looking elements. Upgrades include LED projector headlights, 20-inch black alloy wheels and more black exterior trim pieces and a bit more bling inside, such as ambient lighting.
The $48,225 Limited adds a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats trimmed in leather, fake wood trim, acoustic gront glass, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and 11-speaker JBL sound.
The Platinum tops the gas lineup at $54,130. It has more exterior chrome, a panoramic glass roof, adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a 10-inch head-up display, and heated second-row seats.
The base LE and LE Nightshade have been cut from the lineup and all-wheel drive is now standard for the Highlander Hybrid, resulting in the 2025 Highlander XLE Hybrid AWD starting the bidding at $47,450. That’s at least $5,000 more than last year’s base Highlander Hybrid LE but it comes better equipped, with the XLE gear listed above.
Every Highlander Hybrid now comes with AWD and a 2.5-liter inline-4 connected to Toyota’s familiar three-motor hybrid system that makes 243 hp. It earns 35 mpg combined, while heavier Limited and Platinum models with larger 20-inch wheels get 34 mpg.
A new 25th Edition exclusive to the Highlander Hybrid marks two and a half decades since the 2001 model year launch of the first-generation Highlander. The first Highlander Hybrid launched as a 2006 model, following the game-changing Toyota Prius, and has led the charge for efficient three-row SUVs that are now all the rage.
Celebrating its silver anniversary, the 25th Edition features silver-finished 20-inch wheels and silver exterior trim. It also features a smattering of “25th Edition” logos, a surround-view camera system, and leather upholstery. The 25th Edition costs $54,130, which is $995 less than the range-topping 2025 Highlander Platinum Hybrid.
Made in Indiana, the 2025 Highlander goes on sale this November.
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