2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
2. Overview
The standard Highlander was great, but families kept asking for a usable third row and more cargo space. Toyota listened, and the result is the 2025 Grand Highlander—a vehicle that fixes every single complaint about the standard model.
3. Exterior Design
The Grand Highlander features a more squared-off, boxy design than the standard Highlander. It looks more like a traditional SUV, with a blunt front fascia and a longer, flatter roofline designed to maximize interior headroom.
4. Interior & Comfort
The cabin is vast. Toyota packed it with thoughtful touches for large families, including an astonishing 13 cupholders and 7 USB-C ports. Even on the new base LE trim, a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen and tri-zone climate control come standard.
5. Engine & Performance
Power is delivered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. While it is hauling a larger vehicle, the torque is plentiful enough to make merging onto the highway stress-free.
6. Fuel Economy
Given its massive size, the fuel economy is respectable. The standard gas engine returns an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined, which is competitive for the large 3-row crossover segment.
7. Technology & Infotainment
Toyota nailed the tech integration. The 12.3-inch screen runs the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto flawlessly. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is also standard.
8. Safety Features
Safety is robust, featuring standard Blind Spot Monitoring and Proactive Driving Assist, which can gently apply the brakes as you approach curves or traffic ahead.
9. Practicality
This is the entire reason the Grand Highlander exists. Unlike the standard model, the third row can actually fit adults comfortably. Furthermore, even with the third row raised, you still get 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space—enough to fit seven carry-on suitcases.
10. Driving Experience
Despite being larger, it drives exceptionally well. The steering is light, making it easy to maneuver in parking lots, and the suspension is tuned to glide over road imperfections, delivering a serene highway experience.
11. Reliability
Built on a stretched version of Toyota's proven TNGA-K platform, the Grand Highlander brings the same expectation of bulletproof reliability as its smaller sibling.
12. Pros
- Massive, genuinely usable third row
- Excellent cargo space even with all seats up
- Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Thoughtful family features (tons of cupholders and USB ports)
13. Cons
- Can feel bulky to park in tight spaces
- Higher starting price than the standard Highlander
- Turbo engine can sound strained under heavy loads
14. Comparison Guidance
Motor Lens does not currently maintain verified, vehicle-specific competitor recommendations for this review. Compare vehicles with a similar body style, price range and powertrain, then verify current specifications and availability before deciding.
15. Specifications
| Engine / Motor | Inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Power | 265 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Dimensions | 201.4 in L × 78.3 in W × 70.1 in H |
16. Image Gallery
17. Editorial Approach
Motor Lens Editorial Team
Editorial overview based on the vehicle information maintained in the Motor Lens dataset; it does not represent a personal road test.
No numerical category score is published because the project does not currently store a documented scoring method or vehicle-specific test record.
18. Final Verdict
Who should buy this car? Large families who frequently use the third row but don't want the truck-like driving dynamics of a Sequoia or Tahoe.
Is it worth buying? Yes. The premium over the standard Highlander is more than justified by the massive increase in interior space.
Final recommendation: The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander offers a larger three-row cabin than the related Highlander. Buyers should compare seating comfort, cargo needs and trim-specific equipment.
