Toyota has eight types of big cars, and the 2025 Highlander is kind of in the middle when it comes to size. It has three rows of seats, which makes it good for families with lots of kids, unlike the smaller RAV4. The Highlander first came to the U.S. in 2001 as a five-seater but later got a third row. It’s been around for a long time compared to other similar cars. The 2025 model didn’t change much from the 2024 one. However, this article aims to give an overview of the 2025 Toyota Highlander.
Overview of the 2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that can seat up to eight people and comes in five versions: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. All models have a 265-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The LE starts with basics like LED headlights and a power liftgate, while the XLE adds extras like a sunroof and heated seats. The XSE has a sportier look and feel, while the Limited focuses on luxury with features like leather seats and a bigger touchscreen. The Platinum is the top-of-the-line model with even more luxury items, like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system.
Engine, transmission, and performance
The 2025 Toyota Highlander gives you two engine options: a regular gasoline engine or a hybrid one. The gasoline version has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The hybrid version has a smaller engine but two electric motors, giving it a total of 243 horsepower. It’s a bit slower than the gas version but much more fuel-efficient. Both versions provide a stable and predictable ride and handling, and the hybrid faces competition from other brands like Ford, Hyundai, Mazda, and Kia, but the Toyota Highlander comes out on top in terms of fuel economy.
Fuel Economy
The regular gasoline Highlander gets around 25 miles per gallon on average, with slightly lower numbers in the city and higher on the highway. If you choose the all-wheel-drive option, it’s a bit less efficient. On the other hand, the Highlander Hybrid is much better on fuel, averaging around 36 miles per gallon overall, with similar numbers for city driving. Again, if you go for all-wheel drive, it’s a bit less efficient but still impressive
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The first and second rows of seats in the Highlander are spacious, but the third row is quite tight compared to other SUVs in its class, like the Kia Telluride or Volkswagen Atlas. Finding a comfortable driving position is easy, but taller drivers might wish for more adjustment range from the steering wheel. The Highlander has good visibility, helped by thin front roof pillars and useful tech features like the camera-based rearview mirror and surround-view camera system. However, some of the tech menus can be confusing. The ride quality is smooth and comfortable, even over bumps, and the front seats are comfortable for long drives. However, the third-row seats aren’t great for adults. The climate controls are straightforward, and the tri-zone system works well. The only downside of the four-cylinder engine compared to the V6 is that it’s not as refined-sounding during acceleration. Otherwise, the Highlander is pretty quiet and free of vibrations or wind noise, even at higher speeds.
Infotainment and connectivity
The LE and XLE versions have an 8.0-inch screen for the infotainment system. However, you can upgrade to a 12.3-inch screen on the XLE, which is standard on the Limited and Platinum models. The Platinum also comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, while the others have regular analogue gauges with a small 7-inch info screen. There’s a basic six-speaker audio system, but you can opt for an 11-speaker JBL audio setup on the XSE or get it as standard on the Limited and Platinum. Every model has SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa features. Plus, wireless smartphone charging is included from the XLE trim onwards, and navigation is available on the XSE and comes standard on the top two trims.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features.
Toyota has made sure that all its cars, including the Highlander, come with lots of safety features. The standard package includes things like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, recognizing traffic signs, and automatic high-beam headlights. Key safety features for the Highlander include standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross-traffic alert, and standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.
Price of the 2025 Toyota Highlander in Nigeria
The price of the 2025 Toyota Highlander is estimated to be around $40,000, which is about 58 million naira in Nigeria. However, with the cost of the SUV and its clearance, the price could go as high as 70 million naira.
