2025 Toyota Highlander Review The 2025 Toyota Highlander brings an unexpected combination of luxury, power and a wealth of features but packaged in a way that looks far more expensive than the sticker price indicates. Spacious and packed with technology, this new SUV is already turning heads and raising the bar in its segment when it comes to performance options.
There’s no mistake with the new Highlander from Toyota. It captures contemporary style yet robust ruggedness, which people expect from any SUV. The 2025 version is a finely tuned retreat on wheels yet is practical, efficient, and up for day-to-day adventures.
Performance: Power and Efficiency United
2025 Highlander: What’s New Under the Hood The 2025 Highlander has two powerful powertrain options. The gasoline model is powered by a 2.4-lite turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers about 265 horsepower and a substantial 310 lb-ft of torque. This power is routed through an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission, providing the Highlander with smooth and responsive performance whether on the highways or city streets.
Those who want more mileage, the hybrid model utilizes a 2.5‑liter engine combined with two electric motors to produce a total output of 243 horsepower.The hybrid variant gets a solid 35 mpg according to Toyota making this a great option for those who want to save money at the pump while still getting plenty of power.The offer of all-wheel-drive (AWD) is there, too.
More premium trims such as XSE, Limited, and Platinum are equipped with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, which intelligently distributes power for enhanced cornering and traction. The towing capacity is also impressive the turbo version has a towing capacity of 5,000 lb, which is great for pulling trailers or heavy loads.Legroom is well thought out: even the third row is usable for adults on relatively short journeys, while the second row provides comfortable elbow- and shoulder-room.
LUXURIOUS INTERIOR COMFORT AND SPACE
Inside, the 2025 Highlander is more premium than ever. Toyota has fashioned the interior using soft-touch surfaces and padded areas, and with tailored styling. The SUV comes in either seven or eight-passenger configurations, based on whether you opt for captain’s chairs or a bench seat in the second row.
Space is generous. With the seats folded down as needed, the Highlander can carry up to 2,387 liters of cargo behind the front row that is a massive storage space for everyday use or for long trips with the family. Comfort is improved courtesy of such items as dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control and a selection of leatherette (SofTex) seats in the upper trims, which appear very polished and upscale.
There is a power moonroof on the hybrid version, adding to a bright and upscale atmosphere. These services help with emergency assistance, vehicle tracking, and maintenance alerts, adding to the overall peace of mind for the owner.
Technology and Infotainment: Smart and Connected
When it comes to tech, the Highlander doesn’t hold back. At the heart is Toyota’s new Multimedia system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to stay connected without having to plug in. The system also has a modern and simple-to-use interface, which users can operate via touch, voice, or gestures just like they would with a smartphone.
Drivers have access to a multi-information display (MID) that can be customized to show important vehicle information such as fuel economy, turn-by-turn directions, driver-assist system alerts and more.Once you get to the higher trims, like the XSE, you get an even better and more premium digital experience, which includes a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster for that futuristic look and feel. Connectivity is more than just infotainment. Connected services such as Safety Connect, Service Connect and Remote Connect are available.
Safety Advanced and Comprehensive
The fact that the 2025 Highlander takes safety so seriously is not surprising. All models include Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a collection of intelligent driver-assist features.Characteristics of the forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and lane departure alert with steering assistance. Plus it’s got blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, tire pressure monitoring and a pod of eight airbags for good measure.
Star Safety System Toyota’s Star Safe System is standard as well, which includes vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes for a safer and more manageable ride even when the roads get tough. All these safety precautions make driving a very confidence inspiring experience in the Highlander.
Value for Money: Surprising Affordability
Yet one of the most surprising things about the 2025 Highlander is the value it offers in terms of features and build quality. The base model of which starts at roughly CA$65,000, according to Toyota’s Canada release, which is very competitive for a three-row SUV with such luxurious trim.
When you look at the Highlander versus other SUVs in this class particularly the premium or luxury competitors it provides a great deal and doesn’t put the price into a very high bracket. And you can have all that really high performance, cutting-edge safety, premium interior materials, the most current tech without an exorbitant price tag.
If a hybrid model is available for buyers, going for a hybrid not only reduces fuel costs, but also provides savings in the long run. You don’t have to compromise on practicality for efficiency, either, thanks to the AWD system, towing capacity, and rugged construction.
Driving Experience: Smooth Yet Engaging
The Highlander’s turbocharged engine is plush, but spirited on the road. Due to torque being available at the relatively low rpm, the acceleration feels really strong and confident when merging in or overtaking. But it’s also comfortable enough for daily driving or highway cruising.
The Highlander is distinctly quieter at lower speeds in its hybrid form, which can be attributed to its electric motors. The switch from electric drive to petrol is unobtrusive and the fuel efficiency is a great bonus on the long distance or city drive. The AWD system dynamics ensure that the car is stable even at the winding road, and the drive mode selection allows you to customize your driving by choosing between maximum efficiency and exhilarating driving.
It handles well and all three rows can feel comfortable passengers. The suspension is firm enough to soak up the road imperfections, and the solid chassis rigidity that Toyota derives from the TNGA platform allows you to tackle corners with confidence.
Practicality: Space and Usability
This SUV was designed not only to be stylish and powerful, but to handle the real-life needs of a family. It has room for as many as eight, which makes it a good option for families, group travel, or even business use when you need to carry more passengers. The second row captain’s chair option provides a more upscale experience and adds easier access to the third row.
Cargo space is just as good flexing your muscles. You can fold down either the third or second row to create lots of space to haul large stuff. Weekend trips or grocery shopping just got easier thanks to the Highlander’s clever storage features and substantial cargo bay.
The cabin’s storage options are just as practical: the glove box is generously sized, there are door pockets, cup holders and overhead bins. The power liftgate adds convenience when you’re loading heavy or bulky things.
Why It Stands Out: The Top Features
What really makes the 2025 Highlander special is the combination of luxury, performance and practicality and not being too expensive. Its turbo engine is punchy when it needs to be, and the hybrid is efficient. The construction feels upscale, but the price stays grounded.On top of that, the technology is current: infotainment, connected services, safety systems all of it runs smoothly and feels modern.
The inside cabin solid, comfy and polished not cheap or minimalistic. Toyota clearly engineered this SUV to hit the mass market: families (you get three rows of seats), tech-geeks, thrill seekers and drivers that are hyper-focused on efficiency.Yet for all those merits, the Highlander doesn’t seem like it’s going overboard to be a luxury vehicle. It is logical and functional, yet smart and sensible.