This week I am taking a second look at a wonderful SUV, the 2025 Grand Highlander. The regular Highlander is one of the best-selling SUVs in America, but Toyota needed something bigger, but not as big as the Sequoia, so the Grand Highlander was born. Some think it is just a blown up version of the Highlander, but the reality is that the two SUVs only have a suspension system in common. I had the 2024 when it first came out, but it almost feels like it is just now arriving. That is due to an airbag supplier issue that occurred shortly after the introduction that delayed production for quite some time.
Exterior
The Grand Highlander is longer, wider, and taller than the regular Highlander, but the real plus is the additional room in the 3rd row and the cargo area.
The exterior is very attractive, and you’ll notice lots of glass around for great visibility, and the 20” wheels look terrific, especially with the Storm Cloud Blue paint.
Powertrain
Under the hood is the Hybrid MAX powertrain which combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors to produce a robust 362-horsepower and a strong 400 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and uses a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering great acceleration and impressive low-end torque. The MAX hybrid only comes as all-wheel drive.
FYI, it also comes in a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that is putting out 265-horses and 310 pound-feet of torque, which is what I reviewed last year. I was very pleased to have the MAX hybrid, although it is a bit of a mystery as to why this engine doesn’t come with the 8-speed also. There is also a regular hybrid, not the MAX hybrid, so there are actually three engine choices.
Interior
This is the top-of-the-line Platinum trim, so the interior is super nice with leather heated and cooled power seats on both sides.
The seats are comfortable and slightly bolstered. Stitching can be found all through the front area, across the dash, around the steering wheel, and on the center console. The interior materials look rich and are soft to the touch.
As you hit the start button, a 12.3” color gauge cluster comes to life that you can configure from the power tilt and heated steering wheel. There is a head-up display that is easy to read and see, and it has sign recognition, like showing you the speed limit.
Center dash is another 12.3” screen for your infotainment systems. The multi-media touchscreen houses the wonderful 11-speaker JBL audio, navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android auto, settings, the Blue Tooth system for your phone, and a terrific 360-degree camera.
The center console has your gear shifter, a couple of cup holders, the Auto Hold button, and a dial to choose your drive and terrain modes. You also get a cell phone charger. Drive modes include Eco, Sport, Mud & Snow, and Rock & Dirt.
The second-row captain chairs slide and recline, and in a nice touch, they are heated, and new for 2025, there is a removable center console to make it easier to get to the third row. 2nd row passengers get their own climate-control, A/C vents, USB-Cs, power outlet and pull down shades for the side windows.
The third row will be very comfortable for two adults, there are more USB-Cs, and the 3rd row seats recline for more comfort. The reclining feature is huge for adults to give more room. I wish the 3rd row seat had power buttons for putting it up or down, but I will say they made it really easy to operate.
Utility
There is a hands-free power liftgate to access the large cargo area which offers 21.7-cubic feet with the 3rd row in place, and all seats down gives you a whopping 97-cubic feet.
You can also open the liftgate with the key fob, a button at the rear, and a button on the dash.
Standard Equipment
This Platinum trim comes loaded with a panoramic moonroof, a digital rearview mirror, LED lighting all-around, the 11-speaker JBL sound system, 7 total USB-C ports and 13 cupholders.
It also has a 1500-watt power inverter built in to run small appliances, charge computers, etc.
Options
Options on my tester include: $930 for the trailer hitch, $345 for Illuminated door sills, another $345 for illuminated cargo sills, $155 for mudguards, $105 for wheel locks, $$325 for the luggage rack cross bars, and $378 for floor mats and a rear cargo mat.
Safety
It has Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, which gives you pre-collision intervention and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind-spot warning, and safe exit assist.
It has the self-driving technology, but it will yell at you if you are not paying attention to the road.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is 26 in town and 27 on the highway and it will tow 5,000 pounds. What You'll Pay
What You'll Pay
MSRP on my loaded tester is $62,808 and honestly, that is a bargain these days for such a roomy, near-luxury SUV that gets great mileage, has plenty of power, is super-quiet inside, and is all-wheel drive.
Verdict
All-in-all, this is a spectacular 3-row and I am thrilled they have become more readily available for people.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
- What I Liked Most: The interior and the overall value.
- What I would change: Truly nothing, this is an awesome and roomy SUV.
- MSRP: Base price: $58,775 Total MSRP $62,808 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 26 City/27 highway/27 combined.
- Official Color: Storm Cloud.
- Odometer reading when tested: 1,200 miles.
- Weight: 4,830 pounds/GVWR 6,380 lbs.
- Spare tire: Compact spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 201.4” long/78.3” wide/72.1” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.8 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds.
- 2025 Grand Highlander in a few words: A wonderful addition to the already terrific Toyota SUV lineup. The Grand Highlander is an exceptional value and destined to be an immediate hit. I would recommend the hybrid Max wholeheartedly
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile power train warranty, and 2-years of free maintenance.
- Final Assembly Location: Princeton, Indiana.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota
Click On Right Arrow To Scroll
.jpg?width=150&name=jerry-headshot.jpg%20(1).jpg)