2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

Performance  

It has been standard practice for the better part of a century for a vehicle model line to have a basic powertrain sufficient for most needs and then to offer one or more higher-power engines for those who desire them. But for the most part, models offering a hybrid drivetrain offered just that: a hybrid drivetrain. But hybrids are such a part of Toyota DNA now that on the Grand Highlander, the table has turned. In addition to just one non-electrified offering, it offers two hybrid powertrains. The recipe is the same. The base hybrid is more than sufficient for the Grand Highlander to carry out its duties. But for those who perhaps live in mountain areas, engage in towing, or simply appreciate quicker acceleration, it offers a more powerful Hybrid MAX upgrade. 

The first of two hybrid drivetrains can be found on the new LE, XLE, Limited, and new Nightshade grades. It starts with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four, which, combined with the Toyota hybrid system, produces 245 net combined horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Power is managed by a continuously variable transmission feeding the front wheels. A rear-mounted electric motor on all-wheel-drive (AWD) models provides power for the rear wheels. EPA-estimated city/highway/combined mpg is 37/34/36 for front-wheel drive and 36/32/34 for all-wheel drive. 

The Hybrid MAX combines the 2.4-liter turbo engine of the non-electrified Grand Highlander with a two-motor hybrid system for AWD to produce 362 net combined horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 400 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-3,000 rpm. It is paired with a Direct Shift six-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels in all cases with a full-time electronic all-wheel drive system. The EPA-estimated city/highway/combined mpg for this arrangement is 26/27/27. The maximum towing capacity for this drivetrain is 5,000 pounds (versus 3,500 pounds for the base hybrid).  

Drive Mode selections of Sport, Snow, Eco, and Normal come with every drivetrain. All Platinum and Limited Hybrid MAX grades have Multi-Terrain Select with three modes, including Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Normal modes, for improved off-pavement ability in various conditions.   

Exterior  

The Grand Highlander Hybrid exterior appears identical to the non-electrified models with a deft mix of design cues from the Highlander and Sequoia. A double-layered, purposeful trapezoidal grille sets the tone. The track is the same as the Highlander, but more upright side surfacing widens the cabin interior. The tall windows and black B- and C-pillars create an unbroken window line back to the body-color rear pillar, free of any “floating roof” design gimmicks.  

A new Hybrid Nightshade Edition grade gets added for 2025. Like other Toyota Nightshade models, this model dips all its exterior trim in black, including its 20-inch wheels, roof rack, mirror caps, rear spoiler, lower bumpers, badging, and other trim. The Hybrid Nightshade Edition is based on the Hybrid Limited and is only available with the 2.5-liter hybrid drivetrain. A new base LE trims gets added as well. 

Interior  

The interior dash flows from door to door with a standard high-mounted 12.3-inch multimedia display taking up the center and easy-to-see-and-reach physical climate controls just below. The upper and lower dash sections diverge in front of the passenger to provide a convenient shelf. A low-profile electronic transmission selector makes reaching for the cupholder easy for the driver, and the center console is wide enough for separate armrest pads for both driver and passenger.  

Wide rear doors provide easy access to the second and third rows, all of which can accommodate adults for a lengthy trip. Behind them, there is room for seven carry-on suitcases. Fold both sets of seats down for 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space.  

Technology  

The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen is backed by Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system, which augments the multimedia experience with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and the ability to download over-the-air updates. With Intelligent Assistant, speaking “Hey Toyota” awakens the system for voice-activated commands, including searching for directions, adjusting audio controls, changing cabin temperature, and more. Available cloud navigation uses the latest map, traffic, and routing information, including a Google-powered POI search. Drivers can also use Destination Assist, which provides 24/7 access to live agents.  

Available Wi-Fi Connect includes a one-month trial subscription that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices, turning the Grand Highlander Hybrid into an AT&T Hotspot. Adding to the already robust offering of audio playback ability with HD Radio, USB data, and a SiriusXM Platinum Plan three-month trial subscription, Wi-Fi Connect also enables Integrated Streaming, providing customers the ability to link their Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control. Limited and Platinum grades will please the audiophile with a JBL Premium Audio system with 11 speakers. The system’s Clari-Fi technology breathes life into compressed digital music formats, enhancing the audio experience.  

Safety and Driver Assistance  

The Grand Highlander Hybrid comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of safety and driver assist features, which includes:  

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) – This is designed to help drivers mitigate or avoid frontal collisions by detecting a vehicle or a pedestrian in certain situations. Using a camera and radar, PCS w/PD provides both audible and visual alerts, and if the driver doesn’t react, the system may apply the brakes automatically. System improvements over TSS 2.5+ include enhanced intersection support that, in certain circumstances, includes detection of an oncoming vehicle in more than one lane and a vehicle approaching from a lateral direction.  

• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist – This system is designed to issue an audio/visual lane departure warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If the driver does not take corrective action, the system is also designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist includes the detection of certain 3D objects, like guardrails, that may be used to help define the lane. 

• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) – This adaptive cruise control system is designed to be set at speeds above 20 mph and use vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a choice of four distances from the vehicle ahead of you. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle and vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps the system to provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes. 

• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) – When DRCC is enabled, and lane markers are visible, LTA detects and uses the lines on the road and/or preceding vehicles to provide active driving assistance and help keep the vehicle centered and in its lane. An emergency driving stop system has been added to LTA. To help detect a driver who is inattentive or non-responsive, such as during a medical emergency, this feature can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver doesn’t respond to alerts to take control. 

• Road Sign Assist (RSA): TSS 3.0 expands sign detection capabilities to include certain intersection and warning signs, such as pedestrian crossings. 

• Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) – This is designed to support the driver by providing gentle braking, steering, and distance control between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. 

 Also standard is a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which informs you of vehicles approaching from either side when backing out of a parking space or driveway. You will also be entitled to a 10-year free trial subscription to Safety Connect, which includes:  

• Emergency Assistance Button (SOS)  

• 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance  

• Automatic Collision Notification  

• Stolen Vehicle Locator