Can you believe the Toyota Highlander is turning 25? The hugely successful midsize SUV debuted in April of 2000, as a 2001 model. It was the first Toyota midsize SUV that shared a platform with a car, that car being the Toyota Camry. Toyota says it's sold nearly 3.6 million Highlanders in the U.S. since its long-ago debut. The SUV is currently in its fourth generation which launched in 2019.
The 2025 Highlander 25th Anniversary Edition is based on the Hybrid Limited AWD grade and adds exclusive 25th edition features that celebrate its quarter of a century on the road. If you want one, you'd better contact a Car Pro dealer fast, as it's limited to 2,500 for the U.S. market.
Exterior
You can get the 25th Edition in two colors - either my test model's Heavy Metal hue which I would personally choose - or Wind Chill Pearl which looks great set against the gloss black grill.
The special edition rides on 20-inch alloy wheels, wears 25th Edition badging and also features side-rockers and 25th edition logo puddle lamps. Options include wheel locks and cargo cross bars. The Limited features LED headlights, fog lights and tail lights.
Performance
Toyota's Highlander hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors and an Electronic Continuous Variable Transmission. The system delivers 243-horsepower. It doesn't sprint off the line with that number - but the acceleration feels ok overall. New for this year, all Highlander Hybrid models are equipped with standard Electronic On-Demand All Wheel Drive.
Interior
This is my favorite Highlander interior to date. The 7-seater features a first-for-Highlander Portobello-colored leather-trimmed interior which is a great color. Seating is very comfortable for all. It's such a nice blend of textures, too, which make it interesting.
The 10-way power driver's seat and 8-way power passenger seat are heated and ventilated with 25th Edition logo'd headrests You'll also spot special 25th edition badging on the key glove, carpet floor mats and all-weather cargo liner.
The Highlander Limited is outfitted with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and 12.3-inch touchscreen that runs Toyota's great multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I wish the volume button wasn't so much of a reach, it's located on the passenger side I suppose to prevent driver distraction.
The glossy black center stack is well designed with traditional climate controls. I don't love the horizontal wireless charger underneath it. It didn't keep my phone in place to an annoying degree. The faux wood accents on the center console are well done, and the soft-touch roll-top center console with a removable utility tray is a unique, functional feature.
Second-row passengers enjoy captain's chairs with nice armrests, soft touch seat back pockets, digital A/C controls and manual sunshades.
The captain's chairs easily move forward to access third row. The 60/40 split fold-flat third-row is for kids only -if you need one that's bigger you'll want the Grand Highlander. The seats are comfy for children and they also recline.
You'll open up the hands-free liftgate to a well-equipped cargo area. It's ready for anything with a nice cargo liner and mesh cargo holder. It's one of those nice features that you don't realize you need until you have it. It also has a cargo tonneau cover to hide things.
Standard features include three-zone climate, sunroof, a 1500W inverter and two 12 volt AC outlets.
Ride and Drive
The Highlander delivers an easy-going, smooth, and comfortable ride and drive. Sure, it's not terribly exciting in the handling department but that seems to suit the masses just fine. It's also one of Toyota's quieter vehicles, too. It's size makes it easy to maneuver in parking lots as well.
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ with Pre-Collision is standard on the 2025 Highlander lineup. It's not Toyota's latest system but it's still a nice set of safety features.
Verdict
The Toyota Highlander continues to do what it's designed to do quite expertly, and that's be a genuinely great family SUV that is roomy, comfortable with pleasant driving dynamics that tackle every day family stuff with ease. The 25th Anniversary Edition is a nice way for Toyota to celebrate the milestone of a mainstay in an ever evolving segment.
- What I Liked Most: New exterior color, Portobello interior, utility-friendly cargo area.
- What I would change: Wireless charger design.
- MSRP: Base: $52,680. As equipped: $54,570.
- Official Color: Heavy Metal.
- Fuel Economy: 35 mpg city /34 mpg highway /35 mpg combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 288 miles.
- Curb Weight: 4,595 pounds.
- Ground Clearance: 8.0".
- Spare Tire: Temporary.
- Length-Width-Height: 194.9" length/76” width/68.1” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.1 with filler on driver's side.
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds.
- 2025 Toyota Highlander 25th Edition in a few words: A great way to celebrate a quarter of a century.
- Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles Basic Warranty; 60 months/unlimited miles corrosion perforation; 60 months/60,000 miles Powertrain; 96 months/100,000 miles Hybrid Systems Warranty; 120 months/150,000 miles Hybrid Battery Warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Princeton, Indiana.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota
