2025 Toyota Highlander

Performance 

The Toyota Highlander is offered with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD) on all models. The non-electrified Toyota Highlander has a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It makes 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the torquiest SUVs in its class. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Fuel economy is in city and highway mileage below:

• FWD models – 22/29

• AWD models – 21/28

Highlander XSE models have sport-tuned suspension. With retuned shock absorbers, higher spring rates, and a rear stabilizer bar, the XSE handles better and more confidently for drivers. It is slightly lower and gives the vehicle a more athletic stance.

Specific models can be equipped with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, which raises the bar of the all-wheel drive system. It has better overall stability and is more responsive, sending as much as 50% of the power to the rear (and then sending more power to whichever rear wheel needs it). All AWD-equipped models also get Multi-Terrain Select, or MTS, which allows drivers to choose between four surface modes: Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal. Depending on your chosen mode, the vehicle’s AWD system will optimize stability and traction for that surface.

Regardless of your chosen model, all come standard with three Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Eco Mode helps to maximize fuel efficiency by cutting throttle sensitivity, among other things. Sport Mode increases throttle response to make the vehicle feel sharper. And Normal Mode gives you a blend of fuel economy and performance.

Exterior

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a striking vehicle with broad lines and a brooding front end that helps it stand out from the rest of the mid-size SUV crowd. Its prominent grille and standard LED headlights (with optional LED projector headlights) look serious and aggressive while maintaining a function-first approach. The chrome-plated twin exhaust tips give the rear end a sporty look and an appealing tone when starting the Highlander.

With the available power-folding side mirrors, you can keep your Highlander from getting bumped in parking lots by other vehicles and passers-by. A hands-free power liftgate is optional. As you approach, the vehicle senses your key fob, and with a slight kick of your foot under the rear bumper, the hatch opens without you ever having to hit a button.

Polished 20-inch alloy wheels, which are standard on XSE, Limited, and Platinum trim, are stylish and classy while maintaining a large tire sidewall for ride comfort.

Exterior Dimensions:  

Wheelbase 112.2 inches  

Overall Length 194.9 (XSE – 197.4)  

Overall Width 76.0  

Unloaded Height 68.1  

Track – Front/Rear 65.3/65.4  

Ground Clearance – 8.0  

Approach/Departure Angle 

FWD 18.1 inches/23.5 inches  

AWD 17.9/23.4  

Interior  

The interior of the Highlander is one of space and function. Depending on the trim you select, you can have seven or eight seats, as the second row can be configured with either captain’s chairs or a bench seat for three occupants. There is plenty of room for all occupants, and the third row is easily accessible whether you get the second-row captain’s chairs or bench seat. Specific models can be optioned with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row outboard seats. If you buy a Highlander XSE, you can opt for two-tone red and black leather-trimmed seats with red accent stitching across the instrument panel. An optional panoramic sunroof gives the cabin a very open and natural feeling with all the light pouring in.

XLE and higher grades have a standard Qi wireless charging pad just below the air conditioning vents, so you won’t have to worry about plugging your phone in to charge while you’re on the go. Limited and higher grades feature a 120V/1500W power outlet in the rear cargo area to plug in electronics such as projectors, generators, and devices.

Interior Dimensions:  

Headroom  

• Front 

• 39.9 inches (w/o moonroof)  

• 38.4 (w/moonroof)  

• 38.4 (w/panoramic)  

• Second Row  

• 39.4 inches (w/o moonroof)  

• 39.4 (w/ moonroof)  

• 37.1 (w/panoramic)  

• Third Row  

• 36.1 inches (All)  

Legroom 

• 42.0/38.7/28.0 inches (First/Second/Third) 

Shoulder Room  

• Front Seats  

• 59.0 inches (w/o shade)  

• 59.0 (with shade)  

• Second Row  

• 58.7 inches (w/o shade)  

• 58.4 (with shade)  

• – Third Row  

• 55.0 inches (w/o shade  

• 55.0 (with shade)  

Hip Room  

• 57.2/57.0/45.6 inches (First/Second/Third) 

Cargo Volume  

• Behind front row: 84.3 cu-ft  

• Behind the second row: 48.4 

• Behind the third row: 16.0   

Passenger Volume 

• 144.5 cu-ft (w/o moonroof)

Technology  

Standard on all trim levels are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. When paired with the available 12.3-inch Toyota multimedia touchscreen, you will be able to see Google or Apple Maps clear as day, plus be able to quickly find and change songs, audiobooks, podcasts, or tune to your favorite SiriusXM channels. You can also take advantage of a three-month trial membership to a SiriusXM Platinum Plan when you purchase your Highlander. An available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster provides all the information you need about the Highlander. Colors are vibrant and everything is easy to read. The optional JBL premium sound system with 11 speakers and 1200 watts provides studio-quality sound in the comfort of your Toyota Highlander. It’s like listening to a concert for just you and your passengers. 

If you have children or regularly go on outdoor adventures, you will love Wi-Fi Connect. This mobile hotspot keeps you connected for the purpose of work and play, while allowing your passengers to save their phone data. Up to five USB ports are available for front and rear passengers, ensuring everyone can keep their devices charged while on-the-go.

Toyota Remote Connect uses your smartphone or smartwatch with the downloaded Toyota app to start the engine, lock and unlock your doors, and locate your vehicle if you have lost it in a big parking lot. Suppose you find yourself in a car accident or are having car trouble. In that case, you can use Safety Connect in your vehicle to get 24/7 Toyota Roadside Assistance or Emergency SOS assistance.

Using Drive Connect will help you navigate where you need to go with Cloud Navigation and Intelligent Assistant. Destination Assist lets you talk to a live agent who will direct you to your destination by offering turn-by-turn navigation. Take all of the worrying out of keeping your Highlander properly maintained with Service Connect. Service Connect is a wonderful way to stay updated on your vehicle’s service. You can check your mileage, fuel level, and service history. Set maintenance alerts and receive reminders when your vehicle is ready to be serviced again. You can also have those same reminders sent to a preferred dealer to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Safety  

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the Toyota Highlander the coveted Top Safety Pick+ designation. This designation means the vehicle is one of the safest you can purchase, scoring top marks in crash testing and crash avoidance systems, among other things. The 2025 Toyota Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. 

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection 

PCS w/PD will help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist and give drivers an audio/visual forward-collision warning in certain circumstances. If you don’t react in a timely manner, the system will provide automatic emergency braking.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control 

DRCC and the available Full-Speed Range DRCC are adaptive cruise control systems designed for speeds above 20 mph. They use vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you.

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist 

When white/yellow lane markings or certain road-edge boundary lines are detected at speeds above 32 mph, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) is designed to issue an audio/visual lane departure warning if your vehicle moves outside of your lane without activating the turn signal. If the driver does not attempt to return to his or her lane, the system will provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.

Lane Tracing Assist 

When Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) or available Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar DRCC is enabled, and lane markers are detected, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) uses the lines on the road and/or preceding vehicles to provide active driving assistance and help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

Road Sign Assist 

Using a built-in camera, your Highlander can read road signs and display them on the Multi-Information Display (MID). It can detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, and yield signs and then display them in the gauge cluster display.

Automatic High Beams 

Above 21 mph, the vehicle recognizes when it is too dark outside and automatically turns on the high beams to assist drivers in seeing better. The system will deactivate the high beams once it notices headlights from oncoming traffic, taillights of vehicles in front of you, or overhead road lights.

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert 

When driving, cars can easily get stuck in your blind spots. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) displays an orange icon in the side mirrors when a vehicle drives into the blind spot. When reversing, the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) helps detect vehicles approaching from either side, warning you with side mirror indicators and a warning tone.

Panoramic View Monitor 

The available Panoramic View Monitor uses front, side, and rear-mounted cameras to display a panoramic overhead view when parking or at low speeds. This allows you to park your vehicle in tight spaces.

Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking 

This system warns drivers when it detects nearby obstacles and, if needed, will reduce engine power and apply the brakes in certain situations.