Toyota New Highlander SUV First Look: Hey folks, if you’re juggling a house full of kids, gear for weekend getaways, and a commute that feels like a marathon, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the SUV that’s got your back—literally, with all that third-row legroom. Toyota’s stretched-out take on the Highlander family favorite is back for year two with a shiny new entry-level LE trim and a slick Nightshade edition for the hybrid crowd, making it easier than ever to snag one without skimping on style or smarts.
Starting at just $43,320 for the base gas model, this seven-seater (or eight, if you swap in the bench) delivers that perfect mix of plush comfort, punchy performance, and efficiency that keeps the pump runs rare. It’s not just bigger than the standard Highlander; it’s smarter too, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 watching every angle. For busy parents from the Midwest to the coasts, this Grand Highlander feels like the ultimate upgrade—practical enough for soccer shuttles, fancy enough for date nights. Let’s roll through what makes it a standout.
Power Options: From Everyday Zip to Hybrid Hustle
Toyota gives you three ways to power this beast, so you can pick your flavor without regret. The base setup’s a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder cranking 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque—plenty for merging onto the freeway or towing up to 5,000 pounds of trailer. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive for those slick winter mornings. Want greener? The standard hybrid blends a 2.5-liter engine with electric motors for 245 horses and an EPA-rated 36 mpg combined, stretching over 600 miles on a tank. Top dog is the Hybrid Max, a 2.4-liter turbo-hybrid packing 362 hp for quicker launches (0-60 in about 6 seconds) and 27 mpg if you’re easy on the pedal.
No matter the choice, it’s smooth and responsive—Toyota’s eCVT in the hybrids makes traffic feel effortless, while the gas model’s got that low-end grunt for hill climbs. For us Americans who haul everything from Home Depot hauls to holiday luggage, these powertrains nail the balance: capable without being thirsty, reliable without the drama. Early drivers are raving about the quiet cabin and how it handles like a smaller rig, even loaded up.
Design and Space: Big on Room, Easy on the Eyes
The 2025 Grand Highlander stretches to 201 inches long, giving it that commanding presence without turning your garage into a puzzle. Up front, a bold grille and slim LED headlights set a premium tone, while the sides flow with clean lines and 18- to 20-inch wheels that add some wheel-well swagger. The Nightshade trim blackens out the accents and wheels for a stealthy vibe, and all models get roof rails ready for bikes or cargo boxes. Inside, it’s a family fortress: 33.5 inches of third-row legroom means adults aren’t folding like lawn chairs, and the second row slides up to 23 inches for flexible space—opt for captain’s chairs or a bench to fit seven or eight.
Cargo’s a dream too: 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row swells to 57.9 with it folded, and a max of 97.5 for those big-box store runs. Materials feel upscale—soft-touch dash, available leather, and tri-zone climate that keeps the peace. It’s got that “Toyota tough” build with a quiet ride, thanks to extra sound deadening, making it ideal for cross-country quests or just dodging rush-hour rage.
Tech and Safety: Smarts That Make Life Simpler
Hop in, and the Grand Highlander’s cockpit is a tech playground that’s easy to love. Every trim rocks a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus seven USB-C ports to keep devices buzzing. A seven-inch digital gauge cluster is standard (12.3-inch on top trims), and wireless charging means no more cord hunts. Crank up the optional 11-speaker JBL system for road-trip anthems, or use the voice assistant to dial in navigation without lifting a finger. The panoramic moonroof floods the space with light, turning drives into feel-good escapes.
Safety’s baked in deep with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0: Adaptive cruise with lane centering eases highway slogs, automatic emergency braking spots peds or cyclists, and blind-spot monitoring covers your flanks. Parking sensors and a surround-view camera (on higher trims) make tight spots a breeze, earning it five-star NHTSA ratings. It’s not overbearing tech; it’s the kind that anticipates your needs, like Traffic Jam Assist for stop-and-go sanity. For parents or pros, this means fewer worries and more “we made it” high-fives.
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Digging the details? We’ve rounded up the essentials in this handy table—think of it as your cheat sheet for trim shopping.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.4L Turbo (265 hp); Hybrid (245 hp, 36 mpg); Hybrid Max (362 hp, 27 mpg) |
| Seating & Cargo | 7-8 passengers; 20.6-97.5 cu ft cargo |
| Dimensions | 201 inches long, 80 inches wide, 7.3″ clearance |
| Tech | 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio (opt.), wireless CarPlay |
| Safety | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, 5-star NHTSA rating |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Starting MSRP | $43,320 (LE gas FWD) |
These specs spotlight why it’s a segment crusher—versatile, value-packed, and victory-bound.
Why the 2025 Grand Highlander Feels Like Home on Wheels
Look, in a sea of three-row SUVs, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander stands tall by keeping things real: It’s got the space for your crew, the power for your plans, and the luxury touches that make every trip a tad special. With the new LE trim dropping the entry price and the Nightshade adding edge, it’s more accessible than ever—plus that two-year free maintenance is a wallet win over rivals like the Telluride or Palisade. Resale holds strong, and hybrids dodge the gas blues, making it a long-haul champ.
If you’re stateside and plotting a family fleet refresh, these are hitting dealers now—test one soon before the holiday rush. It’s the SUV that says, “Yeah, we can do this.” Loaded up for Yellowstone yet? Share your adventure dreams below; I might steal a few for my next road trip.
