Toyota Highlander Review 2025 – Price, Interior & More

Have you ever wondered why the Toyota Highlander keeps showing up on “best family SUV” lists year after year? With its reputation for reliability, spacious interior, and hybrid efficiency, it’s no surprise that this midsize SUV remains a top choice for buyers who want a mix of practicality and comfort. But with newer rivals and even Toyota’s own Grand Highlander on the scene, is the Highlander still the smarter buy in 2025? Let’s take a closer look.

Sleek But Strong – A Look at the Design

At first glance, the Highlander strikes the right balance between sporty and sophisticated. Its bold grille, sharp LED headlights, and sculpted body lines give it presence without looking overly aggressive. Compared to the larger Toyota Grand Highlander, this SUV feels more city-friendly yet still big enough for family road trips.

Buyers who value style will also appreciate the available 20-inch alloy wheels and two-tone paint options that make the Highlander look more upscale than its price suggests.

Inside the Cabin – Comfort Meets Technology

Step inside the Toyota Highlander interior, and it immediately feels like a vehicle designed with families in mind. The cabin offers seating for up to eight passengers, though many prefer the seven-seat option with captain’s chairs for the second row.

Highlights include:

• A standard 8-inch or available 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Soft-touch materials and available leather-trimmed seating
• Ample cargo space, though slightly less than the Grand Highlander
• Quiet ride quality, even at highway speeds

For buyers considering a Toyota Highlander used model, the interior quality has been consistently strong across recent years, making it a solid long-term value.

Performance & Driving Experience – Smooth and Confident

Hit the accelerator and you’ll notice the Highlander isn’t trying to be a sports car, but it delivers smooth, predictable power. The standard 2.4L turbocharged engine produces 265 horsepower, offering more punch than the outgoing V6 while improving fuel economy.

For eco-conscious drivers, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a real gem. With its 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid setup, it delivers a combined 243 horsepower and an impressive fuel economy rating that often beats rivals in real-world testing.

Handling is composed, steering is light, and the suspension soaks up bumps without drama. It’s the kind of SUV you’d happily drive cross-country without breaking a sweat.

Fuel Efficiency – Where the Hybrid Shines

Fuel economy has always been a Highlander strong point, especially in hybrid form. Buyers can expect:

• Gas Model: Around 22 MPG city / 29 MPG highway
• Hybrid Model: Up to 36 MPG combined

In a world where gas prices are unpredictable, the hybrid option makes the Highlander a future-proof choice.

Safety & Smart Tech – Peace of Mind Comes Standard

Toyota doesn’t skimp on safety, and the Highlander proves it. Every model comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

In crash testing, the Highlander consistently scores top marks, making it a reliable pick for families who put safety first.

Trim Levels & Toyota Highlander Price

The Toyota Highlander price starts around $39,000 for the base L trim, with higher trims like the Platinum pushing close to $53,000. The hybrid versions generally add about $1,500–$2,000 depending on trim.

Trim highlights:

• L – Affordable entry point, still well-equipped
• LE & XLE – Add more comfort and tech, great value sweet spot
• Limited & Platinum – Premium touches like ventilated seats, JBL audio, and panoramic sunroof

When compared to rivals like the Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride, the Highlander is slightly pricier but offsets this with better resale value and hybrid efficiency.

Pros & Cons of the Toyota Highlander

Pros

• Spacious, family-friendly interior
• Excellent fuel efficiency with hybrid option
• Strong resale value and Toyota reliability
• Packed with standard safety features

Cons

• Third row best suited for kids
• Cargo space smaller than some rivals
• Hybrid not as powerful as gas model

Competitor Showdown – Highlander vs the World

So how does the Highlander compare to key competitors?

• Honda Pilot: More third-row space, but no hybrid option
• Kia Telluride: Stylish and roomy, but lower resale value
• Hyundai Palisade: Luxury feel at a competitive price, but slightly less efficient
• Toyota Grand Highlander: Offers more room and a stronger hybrid max option, but comes at a higher cost

Have you ever wondered whether to go for the Highlander or Grand Highlander? If you prioritize passenger and cargo space, the Grand is worth it. But if efficiency and city maneuverability are bigger priorities, the Highlander remains the smarter buy.

Who Should Buy the Toyota Highlander?

The Highlander is perfect for:

• Families needing a safe, efficient, three-row SUV
• Commuters who want hybrid savings without sacrificing space
• Buyers who value long-term reliability and strong resale value
• Drivers who want modern tech without luxury-car pricing

Final Verdict – Is the Toyota Highlander Worth It?

The Toyota Highlander 2025 continues to prove why it’s one of the most trusted midsize SUVs on the market. With a fuel-efficient hybrid, a family-focused interior, and Toyota’s bulletproof reliability, it offers excellent long-term value.

Sure, some rivals offer more third-row space, but for most buyers, the Highlander hits the sweet spot between size, efficiency, and technology. Whether you’re looking new or shopping for a Toyota Highlander used, this SUV remains one of the safest bets in its class.

For more insights on emerging automakers, check out who makes Jetour cars or see how the Jetour T1 vs T2 compare in the fast-growing SUV market: Jetour T1 vs T2.