2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Performance

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid drivetrain begins with a 2.5-liter DOHC inline-four. Added to it are two front and one rear permanent magnet synchronous motors, which draw power stored in a Nickel Metal Hydride battery. The rear motor means that all Highlander Hybrid models come standard with electronic on-demand all-wheel drive. Total system power adds up to 243 horsepower. The system is paired to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with sequential shift mode. Together, the system has an EPA mpg rating of 35 in both the city and highway for XLE grades, with Limited, Platinum, and the Limited-based 25th Edition getting 34 on the highway. However, the city and combined ratings remain at 35 mpg.

The Highlander Hybrid has four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts, trailing wishbone, and a stabilizer bar up front. At the rear is multi-link geometry with a stabilizer bar. As a hybrid, the model has both regenerative and friction brakes. For the latter, the Highlander Hybrid is equipped with generously sized 13.3-inch discs for both the front and rear.

Exterior

Like its non-electrified counterpart, the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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. Polished 20-inch alloy wheels, standard on Limited through Platinum trims, are stylish and classy while maintaining a large tire sidewall for ride comfort.

A hands-free power liftgate is available. 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. With the available power-folding side mirrors, you can keep your Highlander from getting bumped in parking lots by other vehicles and passers-by. The two lowest trims—LE and LE Nightshade—have been discontinued.

Exterior Dimensions (inches):  

Wheelbase 112.2

Overall Length 194.9

Overall Width 76.0

Unloaded Height 68.1

Track – Front/Rear 65.3/65.4

Ground Clearance 8.0

Approach/Departure Angle: 18.1/22.7

Interior  

The interior of the Highlander Hybrid model line is one of space and function. Seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs is standard (with available second-row bench seating on the XLE allowing eight passengers). There is plenty of room for all occupants, and the third row is easily accessible. Specific models can be optioned with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats. An optional panoramic sunroof gives the cabin an open and natural feeling with all the light pouring in.

All hybrid models come standard with a 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 (inches) 

• Front Row 38.4  

• Second Row 39.4 (w/ moonroof)  

           37.1 (w/panoramic)  

• Third Row 36.1 inches (All)  

Legroom (inches) 

• Front Row 42.0 

• Second Row 38.7 

• Third Row 28.0

Shoulder Room (inches. with shade)

• Front Row 59.0 

• Second Row 58.4  

• Third Row 55.0

Hip Room (inches) 

• Front Row 57.2 

• Second Row 57.0 

• Third Row 45.6

Cargo Volume (cu-ft) 

• Behind front row:     84.3  

• Behind second row: 48.4  

• Behind third row: 16.0

Passenger Volume (cu-ft) 

• 139.8 (w moonroof)  

• 136.3 w/panoramic 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 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, displaying 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.