The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid may not be the biggest three-row SUV out there, but it is one of the most fuel-efficient. A somewhat small cargo area and cramped third row are letdowns, but a comfortable ride, a respectable list of features, and lots of available tech make it one of the better SUVs in its class.Read full review
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at Edmunds, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.
Pros
Comfortable ride
Airy and open cabin
Excellent fuel economy
Cons
Third-row is tight, for kids only
Below-average cargo space behind third row
Engine sounds coarse and unrefined at full throttle
What's new
No major changes for 2025
Part of the fourth Highlander generation introduced for 2020
Overview
Toyota has been at the hybrid game longer than most, and the Highlander Hybrid sits right in the middle of its SUV lineup. It's supported by the smaller RAV4 Hybrid on one side and the larger Grand Highlander on the other. This fourth-generation Highlander Hybrid has been around since 2020, and if predecessors are any indication, it may be due for a styling update to keep it in line with its newer siblings.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Offering up to an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, the current Highlander Hybrid is one of the mileage leaders among midsize three-row SUVs. Compared to the gas-only model, you won't have to pay a huge premium to go hybrid, and the savings can be significant enough to recoup the added cost within the first year of ownership. Since both Highlanders deliver a similar driving experience, it really does make more sense to go hybrid.
Competitors to consider
Up until last year, we would have recommended the Toyota Highlander Hybrid for buyers considering a fuel-efficient three-row SUV. With the introduction of the larger Grand Highlander Hybrid, we're suggesting shoppers consider upsizing to get more passenger and cargo space. Outside of these Toyota twins, the Kia Sorento Hybrid offers similar fuel economy (up to 37 mpg combined) but the Ford Explorer Hybrid doesn't come close to matching any of them efficiency-wise. To learn more about the Highlander Hybrid, check out our Expert Rating.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid may not be the biggest three-row SUV out there, but it is one of the most fuel-efficient. A somewhat small cargo area and cramped third row are letdowns, but a comfortable ride, a respectable list of features, and lots of available tech make it one of the better SUVs in its class.
How does the Highlander Hybrid drive? The three-row Highlander has the same hybrid powertrain as the RAV4 Hybrid, though Toyota juiced it up a bit to handle the added weight. Our test Highlander accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. That's certainly respectable considering some SUVs with V6s take as much time and are far less fuel-efficient. Emergency braking power is also on par.
Around turns, this hybrid is surprisingly composed. The Highlander Hybrid isn't as athletic as the hybrid version of the Ford Explorer, but handling isn't usually a strong selling point for three-row SUVs. What's more important is ease of driving, and the Highlander Hybrid nails it. Power is readily available and smoothly delivered, and the brakes are smooth and don't exhibit the grabbiness found in some other hybrids.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Highlander Hybrid? The Highlander Hybrid's ride quality is plush. It smooths over most road imperfections yet remains controlled without much float at higher speeds. The wide front seats are pretty comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs deliver nearly the same level of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats remain one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a very low seat cushion and limited legroom make them a no-go for most adults.
We like the Highlander's excellent climate control system. It's easy to use and can quickly heat or cool the cabin. At highway speeds, the Highlander is nicely insulated from wind and road noise. The gas engine sounds unrefined when you go full throttle, but otherwise it's not intrusive.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The first and second seating rows provide ample space. Unfortunately, the Highlander's third row is one of the most confining by midsize three-row SUV standards. If you're planning on regularly using the full passenger capacity, be sure it meets your needs first.
Adjusting the driver's seat is quick and easy, and there's ample range of adjustment. Tall drivers will likely want the steering wheel to telescope out a little more. Outward visibility, especially for a vehicle this size, is great. The windshield roof pillars are thin, helping you see around turns or in tight parking situations.
The Platinum trim, which is what we tested, also comes with some very useful features such as a camera-based rearview mirror that allows you to see out of the back even if you've fully loaded up the rear cargo area. There's also an available surround-view camera system. It has sharp resolution and can be rotated to look around the vehicle.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $654 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $654 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Limited trim.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid pricing in Ashburn, VA
How’s the tech? In recent years, Toyota has trailed other manufacturers when it comes to tech. This latest Highlander Hybrid makes big strides in the right direction, but it still has some minor drawbacks. The optional 12.3-inch touchscreen is huge (an 8-inch screen is standard) and it responds quickly to inputs. But its high-gloss surface makes it prone to reflections and smudges. Our Highlander Hybrid Platinum tester had five USB charge ports for the first and second rows but none for the third row.
All Highlanders come standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids. We like the natural operation of the adaptive cruise control, but we found the lane departure warning slightly too sensitive and the lane centering ineffective at highway speeds.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? Cargo space is a bit of a mixed bag with the Highlander Hybrid. Behind the third row, there's only 16 cubic feet of space, which is a bit less than what the Ford Explorer provides. Behind the second row, it expands to a better-than-average 48.4 cubic feet. The liftover height is about average for a midsize SUV.
There's decent space for your things, with a few useful shelves across the dash. If you have a phone charging on the wireless pad in the center bin, you have to remove it to access the space beneath. We didn't find it that cumbersome, but you might.
Got small children? You can easily install a large rear-facing car seat in the second row thanks to the generous amount of fore-and-aft movement of the available captain's chairs. The car seat anchors are also easy to locate and access for all types of seats, though there are no anchors in the third row.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The top trims for the all-wheel-drive Highlander Hybrid get an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined. Front-wheel-drive versions are a little more efficient at 36 mpg combined.
On our real-world evaluation route, we observed 33 mpg from our test vehicle. That's really good for a big three-row SUV, though it's obviously slightly below the EPA estimates.
Value
8/10
Is the Highlander Hybrid a good value? The Highlander's interior is solidly put together with soft, padded surfaces where they matter most. Toyota's hybrids have a track record for running long and strong, so odds are high this Highlander will serve you loyally. Toyota's warranty coverage is pretty common for the class with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. Hybrid components are covered for eight years/100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery for a generous 10 years/150,000 miles. The first two years of scheduled maintenance are also free.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The Highlander Hybrid isn't something we'd choose for a winding road but it's no less composed than the lighter, non-hybrid version of itself. It's something you'd look forward to taking a long trip in, though, and some might consider that fun. The Highlander's new styling gives it a more aggressive vibe overall, but we're not sold on the bold details traveling down the side of the car. To us it looks overdone, but to each his or her own.
Which Highlander Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
Toyota hasn't released official information on the 2025 Highlander Hybrid as of this writing. We'll update our recommendation if anything changes, but based on last year's Highlander Hybrid we suggest going with the midrange XLE trim. It offers a good mix of features like heated front seats, a hands-free liftgate, wireless phone charging and a sunroof without sending the price soaring to the levels of the Limited and Platinum trims.
2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
We've now owned our 2024 Highlander Hybrid Platinum for 4 weeks, and, so far, couldn't be happier! I was happy to discover that the regular Highlander Hybrid is still available (the Grand is too big for us).
What we love:
- The quiet all-electric drive under 20 mph
- VERY PLEASED with the additional sound attenuation (acoustic noise-reducing front side windows) Toyota added. The loud … acceleration roar of the 2022 I test-drove is largely gone
- The “Car” display option that shows how the energy flows, from the ICE and two electric motors to the batteries and wheels
- The 12.3” main Display and the 12.3” digital instrument panel unique to the Platinum trim – with clear, sharp images that display useful trip, safety and navi information. The main screen menus are reasonably intuitive (even without a Home button)
- The Cloud-based navigation now rivals Google Maps – although ETAs are initially inflated. After the free 12-mo. trial this requires a $15/mo. subscription; we’ll see if it’s worth keeping
- The seamless, wireless switching from Android Auto (for me) and Apple CarPlay (for my wife), based on whose phone is detected
- The improved location of the wireless charging tray in the center dash area (in the 2022 it was in an awkward lift-up tray in the center console). This has enabled removal of a windshield-mounted wireless charger that partially obstructed forward-left view
- The ECO drive mode which emphasizes electric motor usage, most appropriate for our driving style (we’re both retired, drive about 11k miles a year, north and south, and certainly won’t need Trail or Sport modes)
- MPG: The instrument panel showed 33.7 mpg after 800 mostly city miles. But then I drove 100 highway miles, and watched it drop to 32.0 – the opposite of a gas-only car. I estimate a fuel savings of about $3800 over 6 years of expected ownership (at forecasted fuel costs)
- The Head-Up display! Never had this – find it helpful to see the speed limit, car speed, and Eco-indicator reflected at a focal point just beyond the windshield
- Folding side mirrors -- also with blind-spot indicators, defoggers, turn signal lights, and auto backup adjusting. Should save us from unwanted parking lot encounters with people or cars
- The fixed rail mount points shifted rearwards about 8”, making rear-loading of kayaks easier, and our Yakima crossbars still fit (though I did need new landing pads molded to fit the modified flush rails)
- Several USB-C&A charging ports, forward and aft (my wife has wallet on the back of her iPhone, so wireless charging won’t work for her)
- A slide-open, lighted center console storage compartment – easy to get at without lifting the armrest and helpful to find items that tend to get lost in the large space
- The color! The exterior is a steel-blue “Moon Dust” and the interior is the same beige we like. We’re happy that we didn’t have to settle for dark colors in sunny Florida
- A Consumer Reports score of 85 and a reliability rating of 75/100 – both the highest for 3-row midsize SUVs (CR gives you the best unbiased road test, reliability and owner satisfaction scores)
What we’re mixed about:
- Rear-window visibility is diminished by the smaller glass area due to the more streamlined roofline (side view mirrors and the 360-degree display view compensate for this)
- The digital panoramic rear-view lever-activated mirror – while handy when the cargo area is loaded to the gills, the camera-fed display suffers from loss of depth-of-field, glare, and the dizzying constant motion of cars and scenery
- The driver’s seat height adjustment doesn’t go as high – or maybe it’s that the hood is higher due to an extra hood hump on both driver and passenger sides. It was a noticeable when we initially got the car, but even my wife who is only 5’3” seems to be okay with the diminished road visibility
- The HomeLink buttons have been moved to the rear-view mirror, but the new menu-driven programming requires a working remote – which we did not have! (Got a new remote and then it was a snap)
- Automatic Profile switching to auto-adjust driver’s seat settings based on who is driving, doesn’t work (requires entering a passcode). No big deal, we just press our memory seat button on the door
- Hands-free rear hatch opening: Car must be locked and foot must be swung quickly under the sensor on the left side of rear bumper. We probably won’t use this – it’s easier to just press the button under the handle, which works whether car is locked or not.
- AWD: We don’t need this as this car never sees Winter snow. But it also adds a second electric motor in the rear. So, net-net it’s a plus, and as all 2024 Hybrids seem to come with AWD, we really had no choice
- Somewhat higher step-up height and cargo platform (~2”?), to make more room for the hybrid’s batteries stored under the passenger compartment
- The ambient lighting that added $449 to the price. It’s kind of cool and helpful at night, and has a separate app to change the colors, but I’m sure the cool factor will wear off quickly
What we don’t like:
- NO DISCOUNTS! The Hybrid, and especially the Platinum trim, still need to be special-ordered, and thus command MSRP, plus whatever add-ons your local distributor decides to install (we did get the dealer to remove the way over-priced $699 ToyoGuard Platinum (2 oil changes, 4 tire rotations in years 3-5, roadside and rental assistance which we get from AAA). Thankfully, gone is the $$$ upcharge that dealers were adding to MSRP during the post-Covid years
- The pull-up cup holder between the second-row captain seats is replaced by a fixed plastic holder bolted to the chassis, losing the convenience of extra storage / passage space between the seats. I found a video on removing it and fashioned an all-weather cover for the bolt area by carving up the old cargo area matt
- The cheap fabric carpeting that added $499 to the car price. But no worries, these are now covered and better protected with new WeatherTech “HP” mats (softer, more flexible upgrade from the ones in our 2018)
- Gone is the “open rear windshield“ button when you just need to pop something small into an already full cargo area. Oh well, we’ll get used to this
- Incomplete User Manuals: The car documentation comes only with a “short version” of the Owner’s Manual, and is missing the 300-page Mutlimedia Owner’s Manual.
What’s the same as in our 2018:
- The same comfortable, perforated leather, heated and ventilated seats
- The same very handy under-dash storage bins we’ve loved for cellphone, keys, little miscellaneous stuff we want to keep accessible on long drives. Theres also a useful deeper tray forward of the gear shift next to the USB ports for little stuff
- Rain-sensing wipers and auto-high beams (both only on the Platinum trim)
- The same power panoramic moonroof (which we mainly use to let more light into the car or block the hot sun}
- Same great JBL sound (11 speakers, with a woofer installed in a left side cargo area panel, in place of a storage nook). New tweeter speakers on the front dash pillars enhance high frequencies, helpful for hearing voices, both in music and on the phone
- The same accurate dual and 2nd row Climate Control – though new dash controls require some relearning.
All-in-all, we are delighted with our new car and highly recommend it to anyone with space needs similar to ours wanting to take a step toward greener driving.
very satisfying choice
5 out of 5 stars
Ghan, 04/05/2023
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
The Honda Odyssey with 200,000 miles in 9 years was a really good car. When the time came, I had to choose a new car, and I decided to buy a hybrid car. The reason for this is that the fuel efficiency is good, the engine operates only when necessary, so there is little noise, and as a result, the life of various parts is long, and I liked the fact that the brakes last a long time through … regenerative braking. However, Honda didn't have much choice of hybrid vehicles, so I chose Toyota's vehicle, which is the strongest in hybrid technology.
I chose the Highlander as it is a vehicle that I often drive for work, is good for riding with my family, can carry a lot of luggage, and does not have any problems on snowy roads and mountain roads in winter.
The results were beyond expectations.
I'm amazed that a vehicle this large can get 40 mpg when driven on fuel economy. And the interior design, functions such as wireless Android Auto, spacious interior space, and quiet driving really give me new pleasure every day.
I don't have much interest in cars and I don't enjoy driving much, so even if I buy a new car, I feel good for a while at first because it's a new car, but I think it's the first time I've ever enjoyed driving like this.
I don't change cars often. So, through a lot of research, I choose a car that I can ride without problems for a long time, and I am sure that the Toyota Highlander is exactly what I wanted.
Thank you Toyota
It Is NOT All That
3 out of 5 stars
Bobbyg, 05/07/2024
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
First Toyota. It is noisy (wind and road noise), tinny and...Unless you subscribe (after one year) to their connected service...every time you get in the car..a MARKETING Screen pops up and says Experience Drive Connect. You CANNOT (I confirmed with Toyota Customer Service) get to the Toyota map (gee...I paid for that nav system and that large screen). You have to use Apple Car Play. … I’d just like to see the map...I don’t need live traffic...Complete rip off...and I am shocked Toyota does this. Mine is a Limited Hybrid
Value is Questionable
2 out of 5 stars
steveo, 07/10/2023
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
We purchased the 2023 Highlander Platinum AWD Hybrid. The gas mileage started at 28MPG. This is a far cry from EPA ratings but understand there are variables that come into play. That being said, I am now up to 32.6 so it is improving but question if it will ever get better since I have been stuck on this mileage for a while now.
The heated seats are weak at best in the winter as … are the fan cooled seats in the summer. Very disappointing.
The premium sound system is also a disappointment. Just not the dynamic system I expected for Highlander.
The seating is OK but for the money we paid, I should have waited for the new Lexus. A much better value, much more comfortable and a much better vehicle in general.
I do not recommend this vehicle as a value. We were just too quick to purchase and recommend others to shop around a bit as this is a very crowded category of vehicle.
By the way, did I mention I am still waiting for my second ignition key 8 months after I purchased the car. Chip shortage was the excuse. OK, I can be patient but 8 months? That is ridiculous.
Keep looking including the Lexus Hybrid which is priced around the same.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the Highlander Hybrid since its last redesign.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Toyota Highlander: 3-Row Hybrid SUV Battle
NOTE: This video is about the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but since the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has always been the go-to choice for shoppers looking for a midsize 3-row hybrid SUV, but it faces stiff competition in the way of the bold new Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. In this comparison test video, Edmunds’ Clint Simone takes a deep dive into both SUVs, exploring their fuel economy, interiors, driving experiences, and value propositions to… determine which is the better buy.
Toyota has been at the hybrid game longer than most, and the Highlander Hybrid sits right in the middle of its SUV lineup. It's supported by the smaller RAV4 Hybrid on one side and the larger Grand Highlander on the other. This fourth-generation Highlander Hybrid has been around since 2020, and if predecessors are any indication, it may be due for a styling update to keep it in line with its newer siblings.
Edmunds spotlight: Efficient and affordable
Offering up to an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, the current Highlander Hybrid is one of the mileage leaders among midsize three-row SUVs. Compared to the gas-only model, you won't have to pay a huge premium to go hybrid and the savings can be significant enough to recoup the added cost within the first year of ownership. Since both Highlanders deliver similar driving experiences, it really does make more sense to go hybrid.
Competitors to consider
Up until last year, we would have recommended the Toyota Highlander Hybrid for buyers considering a fuel-efficient three-row SUV. With the introduction of the larger Grand Highlander Hybrid, we're suggesting shoppers consider upsizing to get more passenger and cargo space. Outside of these Toyota twins, the Kia Sorento Hybrid offers similar fuel economy (up to 37 mpg combined) but the Ford Explorer Hybrid doesn't come close to matching any of them efficiency-wise.
Edmunds says
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid brings impressive efficiency to the three-row midsize SUV class, but we suggest also checking out the newer and larger Grand Highlander Hybrid if fuel economy is a top priority.
FAQ
Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Highlander Hybrid both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 Highlander Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Highlander Hybrid has 16.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid:
No major changes for 2025
Part of the fourth Highlander generation introduced for 2020
To determine whether the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Highlander Hybrid. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Highlander Hybrid's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Highlander Hybrid and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 Highlander Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Highlander Hybrid is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The least-expensive 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $46,020.
Other versions include:
XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $46,020
XLE Nightshade 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $47,020
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $50,475
Limited 25th Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $52,680
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $53,675
What are the different models of Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
If you're interested in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the next question is, which Highlander Hybrid model is right for you? Highlander Hybrid variants include XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), XLE Nightshade 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and Limited 25th Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of Highlander Hybrid models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more