For 25 years, the Toyota Highlander has been a staple of the Japanese automaker's lineup. Highlander is the brand's original crossover SUV and has become one of Toyota’s most popular models. To celebrate this milestone, Toyota is offering a limited number of special 25th Edition Highlanders, exclusively with the automaker’s fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain.
JD Power previously reviewed the non-hybrid 2023 Highlander. This time around, I spent time in this special 2025 Limited 25th Edition Highlander Hybrid.
Photo: Perry Stern
Toyota introduced the fourth-generation Highlander in 2020, featuring significant updates to the chassis and powertrain compared to its previous generation. Updates have continued over the last five years, and there are additional minor changes for the 2025 model year that include:
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has five trim levels: XLE, XLE Nightshade, Limited, Limited 25th Edition, and Platinum. All come standard with AWD. Prices range from approximately $48,000 to around $55,000, including the destination charge.
For this 2025 Highlander review, Toyota provided a test vehicle equipped with Hybrid Limited 25th Edition trim and the following options:
The test vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) was $55,914, including the $1,450 destination charge to ship the SUV to your local dealership from the Princeton, Indiana, assembly plant.
Photo: Perry Stern
When Toyota introduced the Highlander in 2000, it was the first midsize crossover SUV the company had ever offered, based on the Toyota Camry. Now, the automaker's lineup offers a range of crossovers, but with almost 3.6 million units sold in America since its launch, the Highlander is certainly worth celebrating.
While it is odd that this special celebratory edition is a hybrid (the hybrid version of the Highlander didn't arrive until 2005), I’m willing to let it slide. Toyota plans to produce just 2,500 copies of the 25th Edition Highlander Hybrid for the U.S. market.
The Limited 25th Edition Highlander Hybrid comes in either Wind Chill Pearl or, for the first time in the Highlander, Heavy Metal exterior colors. My test vehicle featured the Heavy Metal paint, which stands out beautifully in the sun, complemented by the silver finish on the front and rear lower bumpers and chrome plating surrounding the grille. Special 25th Edition badging on the liftgate and unique 20-inch alloy wheels with a silver finish complete the look.
The special treatment for the 25th Edition continues inside, featuring an upscale interior highlighted by Portobello leather-trimmed front and second-row seats. The front seats feature the “25th Edition” logo embossed on the seatbacks and come with heating and ventilation. They offer nice support, and I found them quite comfortable, even on extended road trips. The second-row captain's chairs were equally nice, featuring ample legroom and headroom, dual USB ports, and rear-seat climate controls.
Access to the third row is relatively easy, thanks to the second-row seats that smoothly fold out of the way. However, the three-passenger third row is relatively narrow, and with only 28 inches of legroom and a low seating position, the space is tight, even for smaller passengers. The larger Grand Highlander might be better if you expect to use the third-row seating regularly.
The special 25th Edition Highlander Hybrid also gets all the high-end features of the Limited trim level, including the power-adjustable front seats, ambient interior lighting, faux wood door trim, wireless phone charger, and a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel. Further reminders of this special anniversary include the 25th Edition illuminated metal front door sills and matching 25th Edition floor mats.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has come a long way since the original model 25 years ago, and the Limited 25th Edition brings the latest high-tech features. Highlighting the cabin is a central 12.3-inch touchscreen display, complemented by a digital gauge cluster of the same size.
Toyota's Audio Multimedia infotainment system features an intuitive design with straightforward navigation. Still, it lacks a Home screen that provides views of multiple features simultaneously. Shortcuts remain static on the left side of the screen, providing quick access to navigation, media, communication, and vehicle settings. However, there is no split-screen option, so only one feature can appear at a time.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring are standard, and a wireless charger is available to keep devices powered. I easily connected my Samsung Galaxy S23+, and Android Auto launched automatically every time I got into the Highlander. Unfortunately, the navigation shortcuts disappear when using Android Auto, and there's no quick way back into the Toyota native system.
Toyota has wisely kept a separate physical volume knob on the right side of the display screen, although I would prefer it within easier reach of the driver. Climate functions are separate from the display, providing quick and easy access to seat heat and ventilation, as well as large knobs for adjusting the dual-zone cabin temperature.
Alternatively, the Toyota infotainment system has a good natural-voice interface that's part of the brand's subscription-based connected services package. Uttering the phrase "Hey, Toyota," activates the system, which can complete various tasks simply by asking. These include setting a destination, making a phone call, sending a text message, or adjusting the cabin temperature.
The 25th Edition Highlander's technology isn't just for comfort and convenience. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems. In addition to automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, the Highlander Hybrid features adaptive cruise control (ACC) with lane-centering assistance.
Also standard on the 25th Edition is a surround-view camera, which uses multiple cameras to create an overhead view of the Highlander—ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces or positioning the vehicle perfectly between the lines in a parking space.
Photo: Perry Stern
Toyota's hybrid systems have advanced considerably since the company introduced its first Prius to America, around the same time the Highlander first arrived. Powering the 2025 Highlander Hybrid is a next-generation hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors—two in the front and one in the rear—for a combined output of 243 horsepower with standard AWD.
While the non-hybrid Highlander offers more power, the primary reason for choosing the hybrid is its superior fuel efficiency. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieves an estimated 35 mpg combined—11 mpg better than the standard AWD Highlander. During my drive in the Highlander Hybrid, the trip computer indicated a fuel economy of 33.2 mpg.
For those who haven't experienced one, a hybrid powertrain commonly starts and stops the gasoline engine as needed throughout the drive. Toyota has years of experience building hybrid systems, and this latest version in the Highlander delivers incredibly smooth transitions between operating the gasoline engine and running on pure electric power.
While I wouldn't call the Highlander Hybrid quick, it does deliver reasonable performance that's more than adequate for most driving situations. When the light turns green, the Highlander gets going well, but the throttle response when already moving is slow. This means you must plan accordingly, especially when passing a slower vehicle on a two-lane road. Full throttle at 45 mph produces high RPMs and considerable engine noise, but not much acceleration to match.
Selecting Sport mode helps considerably with power delivery, but doesn't make the Highlander sporty. Ultimately, sporty driving isn't the Highlander Hybrid’s primary goal; the efficient crossover is better suited for running errands in town, commuting on the highway, or driving peacefully through the countryside.
The SUV's ride is solid, with the suspension doing a nice job smoothing out the bumps common to the roads in Southeast Michigan. Except when under hard acceleration, the Highlander Hybrid delivers a quiet ride. Even rough, gravel roads don't upset the crossover, and the AWD system provides excellent traction on loose surfaces.
While cruising on Interstate 94 outside Ann Arbor, Michigan, I engaged the ACC with lane centering. With the speed set to 70 mph, the system kept pace with the vehicle ahead while providing light steering input to keep the Highlander centered in the lane.
The ACC provided excellent performance when a slower vehicle cut in front of me, slowing quickly and smoothly without any jarring motion. When I came upon a traffic jam, the system brought the Highlander to a complete stop, then started up again when cars began moving. The system isn't hands-free but manages well with just a light hold of the wheel.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Toyota Highlander has come a long way since its introduction 25 years ago. With exclusive features, advanced technology, and the brand's latest hybrid powertrain, the Limited 25th Edition Toyota Highlander Hybrid celebrates this groundbreaking model's significant place in the brand’s story.
While the stylish exclusivity of the 25th Edition is certainly a plus, you may also want to consider the Highlander Hybrid Platinum, which offers more features for a similar price. Other popular midsize crossover SUVs providing similar features and efficiency include the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid.
Alternatively, for a similar experience with more space, consider the larger Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. However, with its comfortable cabin, confident ride, and smooth powertrain, the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid remains an excellent choice for efficient family transportation.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry remains passionate about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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