2025 Toyota Highlander
2. Overview
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV focused on family use, with safety and convenience features that vary by trim.
3. Exterior Design
The Highlander's design is refined and somewhat understated. It lacks the aggressive, boxy styling of some competitors, opting instead for smooth lines and an elegant front grille that looks premium without being flashy.
4. Interior & Comfort
The cabin is a fantastic place for families. It features high-quality soft-touch materials, thoughtful storage solutions (including a shelf built right into the dashboard), and tri-zone climate control standard on the base LE trim.
5. Engine & Performance
Toyota dropped the V6 engine a few years ago. The 2025 model is powered by a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder. While it makes less horsepower (265 hp) than the old V6, it produces significantly more torque (310 lb-ft), making it feel much punchier around town.
6. Fuel Economy
The turbo-four improves efficiency over the old V6, returning an EPA-estimated 22 City and 29 Highway MPG for the FWD model. This is very competitive for a non-hybrid 3-row SUV.
7. Technology & Infotainment
An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard on the LE trim, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Five USB ports ensure that kids in the back can keep their devices charged on long road trips.
8. Safety Features
Safety is where the Highlander truly excels. It is consistently an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and it comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes advanced features like intersection support and emergency steering assist.
9. Practicality
It offers seating for up to 8 people. However, the third row is notoriously cramped, best reserved for small children. Cargo space is tight behind the third row (16 cu-ft), but fold it down, and it opens up beautifully.
10. Driving Experience
The Highlander drives smaller than it is. The suspension is tuned for supreme comfort, absorbing potholes and road imperfections effortlessly. The cabin is also incredibly well-insulated from wind and road noise.
11. Reliability
Built in Indiana, the Highlander is a staple of Toyota's lineup and is known for easily surpassing 200,000 miles with basic maintenance.
12. Pros
- Extremely comfortable, quiet ride
- Outstanding safety ratings
- Punchy turbocharged engine
- High resale value and reliability
13. Cons
- Cramped third-row seating
- Less cargo space behind the 3rd row than rivals
- Styling is a bit conservative
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 | 194.9 in L × 76.0 in W × 68.1 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? Families who want a safe, comfortable, and reliable 3-row SUV but don't need massive third-row space.
Is it worth buying? Yes. It holds its value better than almost any other midsize SUV on the market.
Final recommendation: The 2025 Toyota Highlander may suit families that do not need maximum third-row space. Compare the exact seating layout and cargo capacity with your requirements.
