If you’ve ever driven a regular Highlander and thought, “Hmm, I love it—but I wish it had more space,” then the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is calling your name. It’s like Toyota took everything good about the Highlander, fed it protein shakes, gave it a tech upgrade, and said, “Go big or go home.”
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes the 2025 Grand Highlander worth your attention—from the powertrains to the family-friendly features to how it stacks up against the competition. If you’re hunting for a three-row SUV that doesn’t feel like a compromise, keep reading.
Why the 2025 Grand Highlander Exists (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
Let’s be real—Toyota already has a Highlander, a Sequoia, and the Sienna. So why make the Grand Highlander? Simple: the regular Highlander just didn’t cut it for families needing serious third-row space. The Grand Highlander fills that gap perfectly.
You get a midsize SUV that behaves like a full-size inside. It’s not a bus like the Sequoia, and it doesn’t scream “minivan” like the Sienna. It’s the just-right Goldilocks of the Toyota lineup.
So if you’ve ever been squished in the third row or struggled to load a week’s worth of groceries and sports gear, the Grand Highlander is your roomy, practical hero.
Powertrain Options: Pick Your Flavor
Toyota gives you three powertrain options with the 2025 Grand Highlander. Whether you’re into fuel savings, smooth cruising, or a little extra kick, there’s something here for you.
Engine Choices:
| Powertrain | Type | Horsepower | MPG (Est.) | Drivetrain Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L Turbo | Gas-only | 265 hp | 24 city / 28 hwy | FWD or AWD |
| 2.5L Hybrid | Hybrid (CVT) | 245 hp | 36 city / 32 hwy | FWD or AWD |
| 2.4L Turbo Hybrid Max | Performance Hybrid | 362 hp | 26 city / 27 hwy | Standard AWD |
Let’s break it down:
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Standard Turbo: Solid power, smooth shifts, no drama. Great if you just want a reliable family hauler.
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Hybrid: Best for fuel economy. Ideal for daily commutes, errands, or UberXL drivers.
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Hybrid Max: This one’s for the “dad who used to drive a WRX.” You get 0–60 in under 6 seconds, standard all-wheel drive, and surprising zip for such a big SUV.
Bottom line? You don’t have to sacrifice efficiency for size anymore.
Interior Comfort: Finally, a Third Row That Doesn’t Feel Like Punishment
Let’s talk about the inside—because this is where the Grand Highlander earns its name.
The interior is massive. Toyota stretched this SUV just enough to make the third row usable for adults. Not “if-you-curl-up-like-a-pretzel” usable—actually comfortable.
Interior Highlights:
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Seating for up to 8 passengers (7 if you get captain’s chairs).
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Three-zone climate control, so no one’s sweating or freezing while the driver stays comfy.
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13 cup holders and 7 USB ports (yep, 13 cups. That’s hydration domination).
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Ample cargo space, even with all rows up—something most SUVs can’t say.
And the quality? It’s classic Toyota: durable materials, soft-touch surfaces, and a layout that just makes sense. Want luxury? The Platinum trim brings leather, ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof that makes the cabin feel like a glass house on wheels.
Tech and Safety: Toyota’s Not Playing Around
Toyota really stepped it up with the tech suite in the 2025 Grand Highlander. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just want your drive to be as smooth as possible, there’s plenty here to love.
Tech Features:
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12.3-inch touchscreen standard on most trims.
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Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—finally, no more cords.
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Digital key capability via smartphone (because who carries keys anymore?).
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Optional JBL sound system with 11 speakers for road trip karaoke.
Safety Suite (Standard Across All Trims):
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Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
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Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
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Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
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Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
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Proactive Driving Assist (yes, the car helps you brake and steer better)
Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 is smarter and more helpful than ever. It’s not intrusive—it just quietly helps keep you and your family safer.
How the Grand Highlander Compares to the Competition
The 3-row SUV segment is crowded—Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-90 are all solid picks. So how does the Grand Highlander stand out?
| Feature | Grand Highlander | Kia Telluride | Honda Pilot | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Engine HP | 265 | 291 | 285 | 280 |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Fuel Economy (Hybrid) | Up to 36 MPG | N/A | N/A | 25 MPG (PHEV) |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 20.6 cu ft | 21.0 cu ft | 18.6 cu ft | 15.9 cu ft |
| Max Horsepower (Top Trim) | 362 | 291 | 285 | 340 |
| Starting Price (Est.) | ~$44,000 | ~$37,500 | ~$39,000 | ~$40,000 |
The Grand Highlander’s hybrid options and tech features give it an edge in long-term practicality. You’re paying a little more upfront, but you’re getting fuel savings, more power, and Toyota’s legendary reliability.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander?
Let’s make this simple. The Grand Highlander is for you if:
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You need space for real people—not just kids—in all three rows.
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You want great MPG without driving a minivan.
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You’re tired of squeezing your gear into cramped cargo space.
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You want safety tech that actually helps, not distracts.
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You like having options: gas, hybrid, or performance hybrid.
Not for you? If you want the most budget-friendly three-row out there, or if you’re after extreme off-road chops (go 4Runner or Sequoia instead), you might want to look elsewhere.
Conclusion: The 2025 Grand Highlander Checks All the Boxes
Toyota didn’t just build a bigger Highlander. They engineered a better family SUV from the ground up. The 2025 Grand Highlander gives you space without bloat, power without waste, and tech without confusion.
It’s built for parents, commuters, adventurers, road-trippers—and anyone who just wants their SUV to make life easier, not more complicated. If you’re looking for a vehicle that keeps your whole crew happy and your budget (relatively) intact, the Grand Highlander is worth every square inch of attention.