MSRP: $40,860
Use the table of contents to jump to a section
Overview
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV designed to address the biggest limitation of the standard Highlander: usable interior space. Although it stretches just four inches longer overall, the Grand Highlander rides on a longer wheelbase that dramatically improves third-row legroom and cargo capacity, turning it into a genuinely family-friendly hauler.
Powertrain choices include a standard 265-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Buyers focused on efficiency can opt for a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter hybrid with 245 combined horsepower, while the Hybrid MAX AWD pairs the turbocharged 2.4L with electric motors for 362 horsepower. Seating for up to eight, a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 make the Toyota Grand Highlander midsize SUV one of the most versatile entries in the segment.
Toyota
What’s New for 2025
Toyota expands the lineup for 2025 with a new entry-level LE trim for both gas and hybrid models, lowering the barrier to entry. XLE and higher trims now include a removable second-row center console when equipped with captain’s chairs. Two new exterior colors, Cement and Heavy Metal, join the palette, while Coastal Cream is discontinued.
The highlight is the new Hybrid Nightshade Edition, based on the Limited trim. It adds blacked-out exterior accents, including 20-inch wheels, roof rails, mirror caps, door handles, and badges, giving the Grand Highlander a more aggressive, sport-oriented look.
Exterior
Bold and contemporary, the 2025 Grand Highlander wears a confident design defined by sharp character lines and fender flares. A wide black grille and standard LED headlights give it strong road presence, while the long roofline flows cleanly toward the rear to preserve proportions despite its three-row packaging.
Upper trims have 20-inch alloy wheels and a foot-activated power liftgate. The Nightshade Edition goes further with black exterior trim throughout. Measuring 201.4 inches long, the Grand Highlander looks substantial without feeling cumbersome in tight urban environments.
Toyota
Interior
Interior space is the Grand Highlander’s defining strength. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while seven USB-C ports on all trims and wireless charging on all but the base trim keep every row connected. Three-zone automatic climate control is standard across the lineup.
The third row is legitimately adult-friendly, offering 33.5 inches of legroom and enough headroom to accommodate taller passengers. Cargo capacity is impressive: 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.9 cubic feet with it folded, and a massive 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Available upgrades on trims not already so equipped include a panoramic moonroof, a digital rearview mirror, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a surround-view camera.
Toyota
Toyota
Price Range and Best Value Trim
| Trim Level | Price |
| Base: LE FWD (Gas) | $40,860 |
| Top: Platinum Hybrid Max AWD | $58,775 |
| Best Value: Hybrid XLE FWD | $45,380 |
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander’s price starts at $40,860 for the gas-powered LE, while the hybrid lineup begins at $44,210. For most, the Hybrid XLE FWD represents the sweet spot. It delivers excellent efficiency at up to 36 mpg combined, along with power heated front seats, the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless charging, and a power liftgate. Available AWD adds $1,600.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Key Specs
Powertrain Options
| Engine | HP | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain |
| 2.4L Turbo I4 | 265 hp | 310 lb-ft | 8-speed auto | FWD / AWD |
| 2.5L NA I4 Hybrid | 245 hp (combined) | N/A | eCVT | FWD / AWD |
| 2.4L Turbo I4 Hybrid MAX | 362 hp (combined) | 400 lb-ft | 6-speed auto | AWD |
Fuel Economy (MPG)
The standard 2.4-liter turbocharged gas engine delivers solid efficiency for a three-row SUV. The 2.5-liter hybrid is the efficiency champion, offering the strongest combined MPG in the lineup and ranking among the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. The 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX prioritizes performance, though it remains competitive given its power advantage.
| Model | City | Highway | Combined |
| 2.5L Hybrid FWD | 37 | 34 | 36 |
| 2.5L Hybrid AWD | 36 | 32 | 34 |
| 2.4L Hybrid MAX AWD | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| 2.4L Turbo FWD (LE/XLE) | 21 | 28 | 24 |
| 2.4L Turbo FWD (Limited) | 21 | 28 | 24 |
| 2.4L Turbo AWD (LE/XLE) | 21 | 27 | 23 |
| 2.4L Turbo AWD (Limited/Platinum) | 20 | 26 | 22 |
Warranty
Warranty coverage is in line with segment norms and includes ToyotaCare complimentary maintenance.
| Coverage | Duration |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Hybrid Components | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 years / 25,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Adult-friendly third-row legroom
- 97.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space
- Three powertrain options, including a 362-hp Hybrid MAX
- Strong standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 safety tech
Cons
- Turbo engine coarse under hard acceleration
- Gas models trail some rivals in fuel economy
- Upper trims push into premium pricing territory
- Light steering lacks feedback
Verdict
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is one of the most well-rounded three-row SUVs available today. Where many midsize rivals treat the third row as an afterthought, Toyota delivers genuine adult comfort and class-leading cargo capacity. The hybrid lineup is a standout, offering both exceptional efficiency and surprising performance, while the gas engine provides solid everyday capability. Add Toyota’s reputation for reliability, comprehensive safety technology, and competitive pricing, and the Grand Highlander emerges as a smart, future-proof choice for growing families.
Competitors
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor