The 2025 Highlander is a highly anticipated release in the Toyota lineup. As one of the top-selling mid-size SUVs, the 2025 Toyota Highlander offers a combination of luxury, performance, and practicality. Whether you’re interested in the hybrid version, need a family-friendly vehicle, or want to know more about its towing capacity and safety features, this article covers everything you need to know about the 2025 Highlander.
What’s New in the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
The 2025 Highlander brings several new features and updates compared to previous models. From technology enhancements to improved performance, this year’s model promises to be one of the most refined Highlanders to date. Toyota has focused on both upgrading the driving experience and ensuring the vehicle meets the needs of modern families.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Features and Performance Review
One of the standout options in the 2025 Highlander lineup is the hybrid model. Toyota has long been a leader in hybrid technology, and the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid continues that tradition with impressive fuel efficiency and eco-friendly performance.
Key Features of the 2025 Highlander Hybrid:
- Fuel Efficiency: The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid boasts an estimated fuel economy of 36 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious drivers.
- Engine and Powertrain: It comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 243 horsepower. The combination offers a smooth and responsive driving experience while being significantly more fuel-efficient than the gas-only version.
- All-Wheel Drive Option: For those who live in areas with rough terrain or winter conditions, the hybrid model comes with an all-wheel-drive option, ensuring better traction and stability.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combines the performance of a traditional SUV with the benefits of a hybrid engine, making it perfect for those who want both power and efficiency.
Performance Review:
- Acceleration and Handling: The hybrid model provides quick acceleration for its size. It’s not as fast as some sportier models, but it delivers smooth, comfortable handling for daily driving.
- Ride Comfort: The ride is comfortable, with a suspension that absorbs bumps and road imperfections well. Whether you’re driving on highways or city streets, the 2025 Highlander Hybrid offers a quiet, pleasant ride.
- Off-Road Capability: While the Highlander Hybrid isn’t a true off-roading vehicle, it performs well on dirt roads and light trails, especially when equipped with all-wheel drive.
Best 2025 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels for Families
When choosing the best 2025 Toyota Highlander for your family, it’s essential to consider the trim level that best suits your needs. The Highlander comes in several trim options, each offering different features and configurations. Here are some of the top trims for families:
1. 2025 Toyota Highlander XLE
- Key Features:
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable front seats with memory function
The XLE trim is perfect for families who want a good balance of luxury and practicality. It comes with a host of convenience features that make family trips more enjoyable, such as a large infotainment screen, comfortable seating, and more cargo space.
2. 2025 Toyota Highlander Limited
- Key Features:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen display
- JBL premium audio system
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof
For families who want more luxury and advanced technology, the Limited trim is a great choice. It adds premium features like a larger touchscreen, a high-quality sound system, and an upgraded climate control system, making it an excellent choice for long drives and road trips.
3. 2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum
- Key Features:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic moonroof
- Hands-free liftgate
- Adaptive headlights
If you’re looking for a fully-loaded version with the latest tech and comfort, the Platinum trim has everything you could want. It’s the highest trim and offers a premium driving experience with a host of features that ensure your family enjoys maximum comfort and convenience.
2025 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity and Safety Ratings
The 2025 Highlander also excels in its towing capacity and safety features, making it a solid choice for families who need an SUV that can handle heavy-duty tasks.
Towing Capacity:
- Maximum Towing Capacity: The 2025 Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This makes it an ideal choice for families who need to tow boats, trailers, or other heavy loads.
- Towing Features:
- Tow/haul driving mode to optimize towing performance
- Trailer sway control for added stability
- Integrated towing receiver for easy trailer hookup
Safety Ratings:
Toyota has always been a leader in safety, and the 2025 Highlander is no exception. The SUV has earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- Top Safety Features:
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) suite of advanced driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard and available parking sensors for added convenience
These features help make the 2025 Highlander one of the safest SUVs on the road today, providing peace of mind for families.
Comparison Table: 2025 Toyota Highlander Trims and Features
| Feature | Highlander XLE | Highlander Limited | Highlander Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Screen Size | 8-inch | 12.3-inch | 12.3-inch |
| Leather Upholstery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Premium Audio System | No | JBL Premium Audio | JBL Premium Audio |
| Moonroof | No | Power Tilt/Slide | Panoramic Moonroof |
| Seating Capacity | 8 seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Safety Features | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ |
FAQs About the 2025 Toyota Highlander
1. What is the fuel efficiency of the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers impressive fuel efficiency, with an estimated 36 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
2. How much can the 2025 Highlander tow?
The 2025 Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when equipped with the appropriate towing package.
3. Which trim level is best for families?
The 2025 Highlander XLE is often considered the best option for families due to its combination of features, comfort, and affordability.
4. Does the 2025 Toyota Highlander have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, the 2025 Highlander includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most trim levels, ensuring seamless connectivity for your smartphone.
5. Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander safe?
Yes, the 2025 Toyota Highlanders comes with a wide range of standard and available safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ and excellent crash test ratings.
Conclusion
The 2025 Toyota Highlanders is a standout option for those in the market for a versatile, family-friendly, and capable SUV. Whether you’re looking for a hybrid with exceptional fuel economy, a model with top-tier safety ratings, or an SUV that can tow heavy loads, the Highlander delivers on all fronts. Its impressive range of features, spacious interior, and reliable performance make it one of the best mid-size SUVs in 2025.
By choosing the right trim and features for your needs, you’ll have a vehicle that keeps your family comfortable, safe, and ready for any adventure.
