Read the complete 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid review — explore its performance, design, features, fuel efficiency, and real user experience. Find out if it’s the right SUV for your family.
Introduction
The automotive world has seen tremendous innovation in the SUV segment over the past few years, and Toyota continues to lead the charge with its impressive lineup. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid represents a significant leap forward in what modern family transportation should deliver. This three-row SUV isn’t just bigger—it’s smarter, more efficient, and packed with features that make daily driving and long road trips equally enjoyable. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling multiple schedules or someone who values comfort and reliability, the Grand Highlander Hybrid deserves serious consideration. Let’s dive deep into what makes this vehicle stand out in a competitive market and whether it’s the right fit for your family.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine (Base Hybrid) | 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle 4-Cylinder + 2 Electric Motors |
| Horsepower (Base) | 245 hp combined net |
| Torque (Base) | 175 lb-ft |
| Engine (Hybrid Max) | 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder + Electric Motor |
| Horsepower (Hybrid Max) | 362 hp combined net |
| Torque (Hybrid Max) | 400 lb-ft |
| Transmission (Base) | Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) |
| Transmission (Hybrid Max) | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Base Hybrid FWD) | 37 city / 34 highway / 36 combined |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Base Hybrid AWD) | 36 city / 32 highway / 34 combined |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Hybrid Max AWD) | 26 city / 27 highway / 27 combined |
| Towing Capacity (Base) | 3,500 pounds |
| Towing Capacity (Hybrid Max) | 5,000 pounds |
| Length / Width / Height | 201.4″ / 78.3″ / 72.1″ |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gallons |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 passengers |
| Starting MSRP | $44,210 (LE Trim) |
| Warranty | 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain |
Exterior Design Review
The 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid makes an impressive statement the moment you lay eyes on it. This isn’t just a bigger Highlander—Toyota has completely reimagined the exterior with cleaner lines, a more sophisticated stance, and a presence that commands attention on the highway. The overall design feels premium and purposeful, perfectly balancing athleticism with family-friendly practicality.
The front end showcases Toyota’s modern design language with a bold grille that’s larger and more prominent than the standard Highlander. On Hybrid Max models, you’ll notice a distinctive gray-painted front grille that adds visual aggression and hints at the power lurking beneath the hood. The headlights are LED units that look sharp and modern, while the available daytime running lights (DRLs) give the SUV an upscale appearance that stands out in traffic.
Alloy wheel options range from 18 to 20 inches depending on trim level, and they’re genuinely attractive—no cheap-looking designs here. The wheels play a significant role in the vehicle’s overall visual appeal, and Toyota got this right.
The body build quality is excellent. The doors close with a satisfying thud, panel gaps are minimal and consistent, and the paint looks deep and rich across all available colors. Two new colors for 2025—Cement and Heavy Metal—join the traditional lineup, giving buyers more choices to match their personal style. The road presence is undeniable. At 201 inches long and nearly 79 inches wide, this is a substantial vehicle that turns heads in parking lots and on highways.
Interior Review
Step inside the Grand Highlander Hybrid, and you’ll immediately notice Toyota has elevated the interior design significantly. The dashboard features a more symmetrical, modern layout that feels both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This isn’t cluttered with unnecessary buttons and controls—everything is thoughtfully organized for maximum ease of use.
Dashboard quality varies by trim level, but even the base LE model features solid materials with a combination of soft-touch plastics and genuine leather accents on higher trims. The Limited and above models upgrade to genuine leather seat surfaces, while the Platinum trim introduces premium touches throughout. The synthetic Softex material used on base trims is surprisingly soft and pleasant to the touch.
Seating and comfort are genuinely exceptional. The second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims are supportive and adjustable, offering heated functionality (ventilation on Platinum). What really sets the Grand Highlander apart is the third-row space—Toyota didn’t skimp here. Adults can actually sit comfortably in the third row without feeling cramped, a feat that many three-row SUVs fail to achieve. The bench seats recline, and you have the flexibility to choose between seven-passenger (captain’s chairs) or eight-passenger (bench) configurations.
Rear space is abundantly roomy, with 39.4 inches of headroom in the third row—enough for even tall passengers to sit upright without ducking. With the third row down, you get an impressive amount of cargo space, and with all rows folded, the Grand Highlander transforms into a mobile warehouse.
Storage solutions are plentiful. There are cup holders throughout the cabin, door pockets on every door, a center console with additional storage, and multiple USB-C ports (seven of them across the cabin) to keep devices charged. The second-row captain’s chairs on Limited models now feature a removable center console, making it easier to access the third row—a thoughtful design improvement for 2025.
AC performance is handled by a standard tri-zone climate control system that maintains different temperatures for different zones. Cooling and heating capacity is generous, ensuring passengers in all three rows stay comfortable regardless of the season.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display is the centerpiece of the tech experience. It’s large, responsive, and easy to navigate. The interface is intuitive without being overly complicated, and updates from Toyota are frequent to address any issues that arise.
Connectivity features include standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which connect seamlessly without requiring cable connections. The integration feels native to the system, and switching between the Toyota interface and Apple CarPlay is seamless.
Interior materials on the Platinum trim include wood-grain accent trim throughout the dashboard, center console, and door panels, adding a touch of elegance. Some owners love this choice, while others prefer the cleaner look of base models. Either way, the overall fit and finish are excellent.
Performance & Driving Experience
The 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid offers buyers a meaningful choice: prioritize fuel efficiency with the base hybrid, or opt for the powerful Hybrid Max system. Both deliver satisfying driving experiences, just with different philosophies.
City driving with the base hybrid is relaxed and effortless. The 245-horsepower hybrid powertrain provides sufficient punch for daily urban commuting, with smooth acceleration off the line. The electric motors supplement the gas engine seamlessly, providing instant torque response when you need it. However, don’t expect neck-snapping acceleration—this is a relaxed, comfortable powertrain designed for efficiency rather than thrills.
For those who want more spirited performance, the Hybrid Max powertrain delivers the goods. With 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, this system hits 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds—genuinely impressive for a three-row SUV. The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine provides lower-end grunt, while the electric motors fill in any gaps in the power delivery. This version feels responsive and energetic, making highway merges and passing maneuvers feel effortless.
Highway performance in the base hybrid is solid if unspectacular. The CVT transmission does an admirable job of keeping the engine in its efficient operating range, though some drivers find CVTs less engaging than traditional automatics. The Hybrid Max, equipped with a proper six-speed automatic, offers a more traditional (and many argue, more satisfying) driving experience on the highway.
Gearbox behavior on the base model is smooth and nearly imperceptible during shifts—you barely notice the transmission at work. The Hybrid Max’s six-speed automatic feels more deliberate, with slight (but not jarring) shift
