2025 Toyota Highlander

Price Range: $40,320 - $52,725

Good

The 2025 Toyota Highlander gets high marks for its fuel-efficient engine, smooth ride quality and many standard driver assist features. We recommend it, but be aware that the Highlander's third-row seat isn't as roomy as those in other top SUV competitors.Read full review

Rank #12

17 Midsize 3-row SUVs

Shop vehicle inventory at dealers near you

See other years

Toyota Highlander for Sale

Pricing

Select year

Select a type

Edmunds suggests you pay

$38,508

Prices based on sales in VA thru 3/2/26

Final assembly in USA

Pros

Comfortable, quiet ride
Easy to see out of
Above-average fuel efficiency for a three-row SUV

Cons

Third row is kids-only
Not much cargo space behind the third row

What's new

No significant changes for 2025
Part of the fourth Highlander generation introduced for 2020

Toyota Highlander Video Shorts

by Edmunds Test Team

Overview

Written by automotive expert Keith Buglewicz

3/9/2026

Toyota offers eight different SUVs, and the 2025 Highlander sits square in the middle in terms of size. With three rows of seats, the Highlander is better suited for growing families than the smaller RAV4, although families with bigger kids might want to consider the larger Grand Highlander that debuted last year. It's been five years since this latest Highlander generation debuted. For the 2025 model year little has changed, with just a minor tweak here and there to features and colors.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$164/mo

$199/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds spotlight: Comfort and efficiency

Even though the Toyota Highlander's EPA-estimated max 25 mpg in combined city and highway driving is only slightly better than other SUVs in its class, it can save you quite a bit at the pump over time. In Edmunds' testing, we easily exceeded that estimate. If you want even better economy, take a look at the Highlander Hybrid, which is reviewed separately. The Highlander also gets high marks for overall comfort thanks to its generously cushioned seats, smooth ride quality and quiet interior. Combined with the strong fuel economy figures, that makes for a great road-trip vehicle or daily commuter.

Competitors to consider

Although the Highlander gets high marks for efficiency, it's outshone by the dominant Kia Telluride and related Hyundai Palisade. They're both more enjoyable to drive, deliver a few more features for the money, and are more spacious and refined inside. With the introduction of the Grand Highlander last year, the standard Highlander isn't even the best midsize three-row SUV in Toyota's lineup. Be sure to check out our full rating of the Toyota Highlander below to see if it's the right SUV for your needs.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Jonathan Elfalan

Good

6.4

out of 10

We drove the 2025 Toyota Highlander on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

7.5/10

How does the Toyota Highlander drive? At Edmunds' test track, our four-cylinder all-wheel-drive Highlander test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, which is quicker than most V6-equipped three-row midsize SUVs.

The Highlander's ride quality is pleasantly plush. Large and small road imperfections are smoothed over thanks to the compliant suspension, yet it avoids feeling floaty or vague at high speeds.

The Highlander can stop quickly and confidently as well as negotiate a twisty road. Body roll is controlled through turns, and the available AWD system enhances handling balance and provides extra traction in slick conditions.

We give the Highlander high marks for outward visibility. The thin front roof pillars help you see around turns. The standard rearview camera image is exceptionally blurry, but the available 360-degree camera is high-def. All Highlanders come with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids. We like the adaptive cruise control, but we found the lane departure warning slightly too sensitive in the standard mode and not sensitive enough in the low mode.

Comfort

6.7/10

How comfortable is the Toyota Highlander? It's easy to find your preferred seating position, but taller drivers might wish for more extension range from the telescoping steering wheel. The Highlander's front seats are comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs (which our test vehicle had) provide nearly the same level of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats are one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a narrow space, and a cushion mounted low to the floor make the third row ill-suited for adults, although that's addressed by the larger Grand Highlander, which is reviewed separately.

The climate controls are easy to use, and the standard tri-zone system provides ample heating and cooling capacity, which helps make up for the mildly effective seat heat and ventilation. Otherwise, our complaints are few. There are no vibrations, squeaks or wind noise to speak of, even at highway speeds. Road noise is minimal.

A large rear-facing car seat is easily accommodated in the second row thanks to the generous fore-and-aft movement of the available captain's chairs. Anchors are easy to locate and access for all types of child safety seats, though there are no anchors in the third row.

In-cabin tech

7.6/10

How’s the tech? Toyota used to trail other manufacturers when it comes to tech but the current Highlander has made big strides in the right direction. The optional 12.3-inch touchscreen is huge (an 8-inch screen is standard) and it responds quickly to inputs, but occasionally reflections on the surface make using it more difficult than it should be. The latest Toyota software looks more modern too. Our Highlander test vehicle had five USB charge ports for the first and second rows but none for the third.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $4,431 with Edmunds

2025 Toyota Highlander pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2025 Toyota Highlander for March

Here are some useful buying and negotiating tips for the 2025 Toyota Highlander to help you get the best deal.

Pricing for the 2025 Toyota Highlander shows that buyers are generally paying about 6.7% below the MSRP. This means you could save around $3,100 to $3,600 depending on the trim. It's a good idea to use this information in your negotiations to aim for similar savings.
The new XSE trim for the Highlander has a significant price advantage with savings of approximately $3,230 below MSRP. If you're open to different trims, this could be a lucrative choice.
The national inventory for the new 2025 Highlanders is relatively limited, with only a few available for most trims. The Platinum trim has a bit more inventory with 17 available, which might give you more room to negotiate. However, if you're interested in the XLE, which is selling quite slowly, you might have more leverage to negotiate a better price.
If you're a student, college grad, or in the military, you qualify for an additional $500 rebate. Make sure to mention this in your negotiations to take advantage of the discount.

Was this information helpful?

Storage & cargo

5.7/10

How’s storage and cargo? Cargo space is a bit of a mixed bag with the Highlander. Behind the third row, there's only 16 cubic feet of space, which is small for the class. 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, and both back rows can be folded for a flat load surface. As for cabin storage, there are good-size pockets and cupholders as well as two shelves built into the dash. (One has a clever phone cable keeper too.)

Value

6.1/10

Is the Toyota Highlander a good value? Though the Highlander isn't the most premium-feeling SUV in the class, the interior is solidly put together with soft, padded surfaces where they matter most. There's good value here, too, whether you're cross-shopping against a Kia Telluride (especially given the typical markups for those) or the popular Honda Pilot, which isn't quite as strong a value these days.

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. The first two years of scheduled maintenance are also free.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The four-cylinder Highlander is pretty fuel-efficient. We tested an all-wheel-drive model, which the EPA estimates will get 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving. (Front-wheel-drive models are slightly better at 25 mpg combined.) A few mpg may not seem like a huge advantage over the competition, but it's significant for this class of vehicle. On our real-world evaluation route, we achieved 26.6 mpg, which is pretty stellar and indicates to us the EPA's estimates should be achievable. Of note, the Highlander Hybrid gets up to 36 mpg combined.

X factor

7/10

The styling up front gives the Highlander a sporty appearance, which looks cool but also maybe oversells athleticism. Still, the Highlander has better than average composure on a twisty road for a midsize three-row SUV, which might be all the fun someone shopping this category needs.

2025 Toyota Highlander trim level differences

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row SUV with seating for up to eight passengers, and it's offered in five trim levels: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum. All are powered by a 265-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on all trims as an option. There's also a Highlander Hybrid, Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid that are reviewed separately on Edmunds. Compare the 2025 Toyota Highlander trim levels in-depth.

Which Highlander trim does Edmunds recommend?

The midrange XLE trim gives you the best bang for your buck. It's reasonably priced and has most of the features you'll want from a family hauler.

Toyota Highlander Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.8

26 reviews

5(50%)

4(7%)

3(19%)

2(15%)

1(9%)

Owners Say

The overall sentiment for the 2025 Toyota Highlander is mixed. Many owners appreciate its smooth drive, comfortable seats, and upgraded paint. However, others have concerns about the limited space in the third row, confusing electronics, loud engine noise, and various quality issues. Some owners also experienced mechanical problems like hood gasket failure and car not starting easily with short drives.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

See all 26 reviews of the Toyota Highlander

Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Review

Long Search - Perfect Car

Mountain Girl, 05/12/2025

2025 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

My 4th Highlander in the past 23 years. I like everything about this one, as has been true with all I have owned. The updated features in this 25 Grand Highlander are taking some getting used to, but once I figured them out,, they are very easy to use. I particularly like the large screen on the media platform and having Apple Car Play for my first time. I also am impressed with the …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Toyota Highlander, so we've included review for other years of the Highlander since its last redesign.

Helpful shopping links

2025 Toyota Highlander Features & Specs

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$40,320
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$164/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2025 Toyota Highlander has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #6 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent

#6 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$458/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

0.85x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

11.2%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

Recalls

3 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V872000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 25TA16
Manufactured from:: 2024-09-10 to 2025-02-06
Number of vehicles affected:: 39
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.
Defect Consequence:: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 31, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.

Recall Number:: 25V744000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 25TB13/25L
Manufactured from:: 2024-10-31 to 2025-05-07
Number of vehicles affected:: 1024407
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 16, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

Recall Number:: 25V595000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: See Part 5
Manufactured from:: 2024-08-06 to 2024-08-09
Number of vehicles affected:: 591377
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
Defect Consequence:: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the instrument panel software for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 27, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 2 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 2 years / 25,000 miles

Where the Toyota Highlander ranks:

#12 in Midsize 3-row SUVs

Select up to 4 cars below to compare.

Hyundai Palisade
Starting at $44,160
Compare
1
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Starting at $45,010
Compare
2
Hyundai Palisade
Starting at $39,435
Compare
3
Toyota Grand Highlander
Starting at $41,660
Compare
4
Ford Explorer
Starting at $38,465
Compare
5
Kia Telluride
Starting at $36,390
Compare
6
Toyota Highlander
Starting at $40,320
Compare
12
Add any vehicle to compare

Compare selected vehicles

Safety

Key safety features on the Highlander include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	4 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	16.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Marginal
Side Impact Test – Original	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated	Good
Roof Strength Test	Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Not Tested

FAQ

Is the Toyota Highlander a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Highlander both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.4 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 Highlander gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 26 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Highlander 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. Learn more

What's new in the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Toyota Highlander:

No significant changes for 2025
Part of the fourth Highlander generation introduced for 2020

Learn more

Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?

To determine whether the Toyota Highlander is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Highlander. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Highlander's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Toyota Highlander is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Highlander and gave it a 6.4 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 Highlander gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 26 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Highlander is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2025 Toyota Highlander?

The least-expensive 2025 Toyota Highlander is the 2025 Toyota Highlander LE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $40,320.

Other versions include:

LE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $40,320
LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $41,920
XLE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $43,470
XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $45,070
XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $47,140
Limited 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $47,575
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $49,525
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $52,725

Learn more

What are the different models of Toyota Highlander?

If you're interested in the Toyota Highlander, the next question is, which Highlander model is right for you? Highlander variants include LE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A), LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A), XLE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Highlander models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2025 Toyota Highlander

Pricing

Pros

Cons

What's new

Toyota Highlander Video Shorts

Overview

Cost to Drive

Edmunds spotlight: Comfort and efficiency

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Driving experience

Comfort

In-cabin tech

Buying Tips for the 2025 Toyota Highlander for March

Storage & cargo

Value

MPG

X factor

2025 Toyota Highlander trim level differences

Which Highlander trim does Edmunds recommend?

Toyota Highlander Reviews

Owner Reviews

Owners Say

Most Helpful Owner Review

2025 Toyota Highlander Features & Specs

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Where the Toyota Highlander ranks:

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the Highlander include:

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

IIHS Rating

FAQ

Is the Toyota Highlander a good car?

What's new in the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?

Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2025 Toyota Highlander?

What are the different models of Toyota Highlander?