The Familiar Face Gets a Subtle Refresh
Walk up to the 2025 Toyota Highlander and you might have to squint to spot the differences from last year. Toyota has taken the Highlander’s familiar, softly squared-off profile and given it the lightest dusting of updates: new wheel designs, a slightly tweaked front grille, and some fresh paint choices. It’s not an overhaul—more like a gentle reminder that Toyota knows its three-row SUV formula works. In a market where bold design can sometimes backfire (looking at you, Hyundai Palisade's grille), the Highlander opts for evolution over revolution.
Under the Hood: Powertrain Choices Stay Sensible
The 2025 Highlander sticks with what’s worked for years: a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The silky V6 is gone (departed after 2022), and while I miss its creamy note under throttle, the turbo-four feels punchy enough for daily duties. There’s also the hybrid—still one of the segment’s best for real-world efficiency—pairing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors for a combined 243 horsepower.
Acceleration is adequate rather than thrilling. The turbo-four hustles the Highlander from zero to sixty in about seven seconds, which slots it right in line with rivals like the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer’s base engine. The hybrid version is slower off the line but makes up for it at the pump, returning EPA estimates in the low- to mid-30s mpg combined—a clear win over most competitors.
Inside the Cabin: Where Buttons Meet Big Screens
Step inside and you’ll find the Highlander’s cabin is still a haven of straightforward ergonomics. Toyota hasn’t banished physical buttons yet, thankfully, so adjusting climate or volume doesn’t require a crash course in touchscreen navigation. There’s a new (and finally larger) standard 12.3-inch infotainment display on XLE models and above; base L and LE trims get an 8-inch screen that looks a bit lost on such a wide dash.
The interior materials are solid if not luxurious—think more premium-durable than plush-luxury, especially compared to Mazda’s CX-90 or even top-trim Kia Telluride models. There are soft-touch panels where your elbows rest, and everything fits together with typical Toyota tightness. The available panoramic sunroof brings in plenty of light, but taller passengers may wish for more headroom in the third row. I spent an afternoon wedged back there (for science), and it’s tolerable for kids or short trips—but adults won’t be lining up for road-trip duty.
On the Road: Quiet Confidence With No Drama
Driving the Highlander around Detroit’s cracked freeways and suburban arteries, I’m reminded why this SUV remains a bestseller: It does everything expected of it without fuss or fanfare. The steering is light but accurate, with just enough heft to keep things steady on curvy backroads. The ride is tuned for comfort—it soaks up rough pavement better than some rivals (I’m looking at you, Explorer)—and wind noise is minimal even at highway speeds, quieter than Chevy’s Traverse or Ford’s Explorer by my seat-of-the-pants estimate.
The turbo-four emits a muted growl under hard acceleration but fades into silence during cruise. Hybrid models are even quieter around town, with only a faint whir from electric motors when gliding away from stoplights. Braking is predictable, though hybrids can feel slightly grabby as regen blends with friction brakes—something you get used to after a day or two.
Tech That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
Toyota’s latest infotainment system isn’t flashy but gets the job done: responsive touch inputs, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims, and clear graphics that don’t dazzle but don’t distract either. USB-C ports abound, wireless charging is available on most trims, and upper models add JBL audio that sounds crisp if not quite audiophile-grade.
Every 2025 Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0—a suite including adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. These features work smoothly in real-world driving; adaptive cruise handles stop-and-go traffic without abrupt surges or lurches.
Practicality First: Cargo Space and Usability
Cargo room remains one of the Highlander’s strong suits—with all seats up, there’s enough space behind the third row for several carry-ons or a week’s worth of groceries (16 cubic feet). Fold down both rear rows and you’ll open up just under 85 cubic feet—less than what you get in a Honda Pilot or Volkswagen Atlas but still plenty for most families’ weekend projects or IKEA runs.
Cubby storage is smartly distributed throughout—deep door bins that actually hold water bottles upright (a pet peeve of mine), big center console bin with sliding tray, and enough cupholders to keep everyone hydrated on long road trips. Car seat installation is straightforward thanks to accessible LATCH anchors; I managed two boosters and an infant seat without acrobatics.
Ownership Costs: Reliability Still Rules
Toyota’s reputation for reliability isn’t just marketing fluff—the Highlander consistently ranks near the top in long-term dependability surveys from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. Scheduled maintenance costs are below average for the segment; Toyota covers routine maintenance for two years/25,000 miles as part of its ToyotaCare program.
Insurance rates are typically reasonable thanks to strong safety scores. Resale value remains a highlight—Highlanders hold their value better than most midsize SUVs save perhaps for Honda Pilot or Subaru Ascent.
Highlander vs The World: How It Stacks Up
If you want sharp handling or an interior that wows every passenger, look elsewhere—Mazda CX-90 out-corners it while Kia Telluride has more style inside and out. The Honda Pilot offers more third-row space and slightly more cargo volume; Ford Explorer brings more power if you spring for its turbo V6 variants.
But few competitors offer such a balanced blend of comfort, reliability, family-friendly practicality, efficiency (especially hybrid models), and strong resale value—all wrapped in an unpretentious package that doesn’t scream for attention every time you pull up at school drop-off.
The Verdict: Still A Top Contender For Real Families
The 2025 Toyota Highlander isn’t going to surprise anyone—and that’s part of its charm. It delivers exactly what most buyers want from a midsize three-row SUV: comfort without drama, tech that works without confusion, fuel economy that doesn’t punish your wallet (especially if you go hybrid), and ownership costs that never feel like a gamble.
I’d love to see Toyota push boundaries just a little more—maybe more third-row space or some bolder interior options—but as it stands, the Highlander remains a safe bet in an unpredictable world of family vehicles.
