2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Review

With the new Grand Highlander LE Grade, shoppers can get the premium ride with its 8-power seating at its most affordable price.  Plus they can choose whether they want the gas-powered variant or the all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain. 

The LE cabin has many valuable amenities, including the full-size Toyota touchscreen and 3-zone climate controls. Exterior standards include power-heated side mirrors and a power liftgate. Also standard, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes remarkable technological aids to help the family driver keep this large 3 row SUV out of harm’s way. 

For those who love a designer touch, the Hybrid Limited Nightshade Edition is sure to fit the bill. The exterior wears special blacked-out accents, a black rear spoiler, and unique black wheels. 

The Grand Highlander Nightshade Edition has leather-trimmed upholstery, two rows of heated seats, and front ventilated seats.  A 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster pair up for a contemporary cockpit.  With Clari-Fi to refine the sound, JBL Premium Audio puts 11 speakers around the cabin. 

The 2025 Grand Highlander shopper benefits from three remarkable choices.  The standard engine generates a healthy 265 horsepower, allowing it to rush from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 7.5 seconds.  If you prefer the hybrid engine, you’ll find it almost as speedy with 245 horsepower and fast-acting electric torque.

Meanwhile, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max represents a powerful capability that is a Toyota first for a midsize SUV.  Output is 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Helping to cover your daily driving, this big ride manages a 27 mpg combined rating.  The gas powered models earn 24 mpg while the Grand Highlander Hybrid earns an estimated 36 mpg combined.

Shoppers who expect to tow will be pleased to know that the hybrids can pull up to 3,500 pounds. Even better, the Hybrid Max and the gas-powered models can pull up to 5,000 pounds. 

Shoppers can add Dynamic Torque Control AWD to the gas models. Electronic On-Demand AWD can do even more on the Grand Highlander Hybrid. This adds the ability to transfer control as much as 20:80 between the front and rear wheels. 

Stepping up, the full-time electronic all-wheel drivetrain is built into the Hybrid Max.  To provide balanced acceleration as well as the ability to move power quickly, the front mounted hybrid motor and rear-mounted e-Axle electric motor can move between front- and rear-power splits with ease. 

A 70:30 split allows for exciting rear-wheel drive maneuverability. Of course, the 20:80 split can be achieved whenever needed for weather conditions or difficult terrain. Multi-Terrain Select off-road modes are rated for rock & dirt, mud & sand, or snow. 

With premium materials used to construct every inch of the cabin, drivers and their families will find well-cushioned seating and numerous soft touches. 

You can choose SofTex on the XLE, leather upholstery on the Limited and Platinum or ultrasuede-and-leather on the Hybrid Max.  Grand Highlander interior colors include light gray, black, or Portobello.

Spaciousness is excellent on every row. 2nd-row passengers enjoy 39 inches of legroom.  Even the exterior is designed with the interior seating in mind. The rear door opening is especially wide and expertly angled to make it easier for third-row passengers to reach their seat. 

The driver has an 8-way power chair. Second-row passengers have their own air conditioning panel and accessible USB C Ports. The second-row Captain’s Chairs come with a removable tray that not only has cup holders, but it has a smartphone storage slot. Third-row passengers have their own smartphone storage space and USB ports. 

Limited and Platinum Grand Highlanders have up to two rows of ventilated seats, always a favorite in Phoenix.  Plus a panoramic sunroof is available to help families make the most of our temperate winters.

The 2025 Grand Highlander has a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen. Controls are conveniently centered around it as part of its ergonomic design. Drive Connect, which is complimentary for the first year, offers Cloud Navigation and Intelligent Assistant. Standard and available features include:

12.3-in Touchscreen, 7-in MID display

12.3 Digital Gauge Cluster (Avail)

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

HD Radio with playback

4G Wi-Fi Connect (AT&T Hotspot)

Sirius XM Connectivity

Over the Air Updates

1,500 Watt Outlets (Hybrid/Hybrid Max)

With a Wi-Fi subscription, the system allows you to use Integrated Streaming. Users can link Amazon Music or Apple Music subscriptions. 

For fast getaways, the vehicle has push button start and an available Digital Key. Remote Connect lets you cool off the cabin and start up the vehicle before you cruise off on a hot Phoenix summer day. Starting with the XLE, the Grand Highlander cockpit includes a wireless charger.

Toyota covers all the bases with its extensive suite of crash avoidance and driver assistance. These tech tools and toys do more every year. For instance, the improved lane departure system can recognize guardrails and other 3D objects. The forward-looking pre-collision system has added intersection support as part of the new Toyota Safety Sense.

Not only does the vehicle have Pedestrian Detection and a corresponding autobrake assist, but the road sign system now recognizes more signs, including pedestrian crosswalk signs. For parking, a front and rear sensor system can trigger a corresponding autobrake. 

Offering to take on some of the stress of a boring drive, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control can be used at speeds as little as 21 mph. Lane Tracing Assist and an emergency driving stop are partners to make it more capable and safer. Available Traffic Jam Assist adds to what this system can do.

Drivers can benefit from a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror. Taking care of parking, there’s an available 360-degree camera system.  

With hybrid ingenuity, these big SUVs offer an excellent driving experience as well as good fuel economy. It all comes at a better price than luxury counterparts. Shoppers would easily pay twice as much for the Cadillac Escalade without getting any extra benefits.

Toyota’s reputation for reliability and durability indicate that this ride will be a good investment.  Furthermore, a rich package follows a Grand Highlander lease or loan:

Drive Connect -- 1 year complimentary subscription

Scheduled Maintenance -- up to 2 years

Roadside Assistance -- up to 2 years

Powertrain Warranty -- up to 5 years

Hybrid Technology -- up to 8 years

It’s time to put all this information to the test. You need to try out the Toyota Grand Highlander for yourself.  See how it fits your family and whether it’s technologies meet your high standards.

At Earnhardt Toyota dealership serving Phoenix, our staff is focused on customer services. We keep costs down with competitive financing and No Bull prices. Our goal is your 100 percent satisfaction.