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2025 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2025 Toyota Highlander’s biggest change is standard Electronic On-Demand AWD across the hybrid lineup. This is otherwise a light update, not a redesign.
About the 2025 Toyota Highlander
4th generation (2020-2026), late-cycle update year with a 25th Edition Hybrid special model
Toyota positions the Highlander as a midsize three-row SUV that blends car-like road manners with family-SUV usefulness. Its core pitch is easy everyday driving, flexible seating for up to eight, a well-finished cabin, and strong efficiency if you choose the hybrid. Compared with roomier or flashier rivals, the Highlander's identity is more about comfort, familiarity, safety, and a straightforward family-focused experience than dramatic styling or maximum third-row space.
The gas LE is the straightforward eight-passenger family trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full safety suite. XLE adds everyday comforts such as heated seats and a moonroof, while XSE brings a sport-tuned suspension and a more aggressive look. Limited and Platinum focus on upscale features, and the new Limited 25th Edition Hybrid adds anniversary details and an exclusive Portobello leather interior.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Electronic On-Demand AWD becomes standard on every hybrid trim. The hybrid powertrain leaves the LE trim, and Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD becomes standard on the gas XSE. Gas engines and transmissions otherwise carry over.
Styling
The Limited 25th Edition joins the lineup as a Hybrid Limited-based anniversary model with unique exterior accents, special badging, and an exclusive Portobello leather interior. The LE Nightshade trim leaves the lineup.
Tech
The gas XSE gains a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with Sport Mode startup graphics.
2025 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Hybrid / Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22–35 mpg | 21 mpg | 22–35 mpg | 21–35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29–35 mpg | 28 mpg | 29–34 mpg | 28–34 mpg | 35 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 265 hp | 243–265 hp | 265 hp | 243–265 hp | 243–265 hp | 243 hp | 243 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 175–310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 175–310 lb-ft | 175–310 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | ||
| Rear Legroom | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7–8 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||
| Side Steps | |||||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Memory Front Seats | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
The biggest change is that every 2025 Highlander Hybrid trim has standard Electronic On-Demand AWD. The system uses a separate rear electric motor to help drive the rear wheels when needed.
Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander redesigned?
No, the 2025 Highlander is not redesigned. It remains part of the fourth generation introduced for 2020 and receives a light mix of drivetrain, trim, and equipment updates.
What is the 2025 Highlander Limited 25th Edition?
The Limited 25th Edition is a new Highlander Hybrid anniversary model based on the Limited trim. It has standard AWD, unique exterior accents and badging, Portobello leather with special embroidery, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and a surround-view camera.
Is a 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE offered?
No, the hybrid powertrain is no longer offered on the LE trim for 2025. The 2025 hybrid lineup starts with the XLE, while the LE remains part of the gas lineup.
What changed on the 2025 Toyota Highlander XSE?
The 2025 gas XSE gains a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with Sport Mode startup graphics, and Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD is standard. It retains its sport-tuned suspension and sport-focused exterior details.
2025 Toyota Highlander Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2025 Toyota Highlander.
4.5
2025 Toyota Highlander
(13 reviews)
“Toyotas are very reliable and the Hybrid gets great gas mileage. We are a Toyota family!”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — Celebrate The Best Of Toyota Highlander With Limited 25Th Edition Hybrid
- pressroom.toyota.com — Elevate The Journey With Toyotas New Highlander Hybrid Nightshade
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2026 Toyota Highlander Gets Standard All Wheel Drive Across The Lineup
- toyota.com — 2025 / Section / Features
- toyota.com — 2025 / Section / Features