While not a full redesign, the 2025 model year brings some notable refinements and a special edition.   

Key Updates and Features for 2025:

• Refreshed Styling (Subtle): Some sources indicate minor exterior styling updates, potentially including updated grille designs and new alloy wheel options on certain trims.
• New Color Options: New exterior paint colors like “Heavy Metal” and “Cement” are available on select trims.   
   
• Technology Enhancements:
  • A larger standard touchscreen display is mentioned in some reports, improving usability and connectivity.
  • The non-hybrid XSE trim now gets a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a feature previously found on higher trims like the Platinum.
• Toyota Safety Sense™: Expected to continue with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ or potentially see an expansion of Safety Sense™ 3.0 features on more trims.
• Trim-Specific Updates:
  • All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Standard on More Trims: For 2025, AWD is now standard on the XSE and Platinum non-hybrid models. All Highlander Hybrid models also come standard with AWD.   
     
  • XSE Drive Mode: The XSE trim now defaults to its Sport drive mode at startup.
  • Discontinued Options: The LE Nightshade trim, Moondust paint color, and Harvest Beige interior have been discontinued.   
     
• Hybrid Limited 25th Anniversary Edition: To celebrate the Highlander’s 25th birthday, a special “Hybrid Limited 25th Edition” is available. This model is based on the Hybrid Limited AWD trim and features:    
   
  • Unique badging (“25th Edition” on sills, headrests, and floor mats).   
     
  • Exclusive exterior paint choices like Wind Chill Pearl or the new Heavy Metal.   
     
  • A new Portobello leather upholstery color.
  • Silver trim for the front and rear bumpers and side rockers.
  • Special puddle lamps.
  • Upgraded digital gauge cluster and an 11-speaker JBL sound system.
• Beyond Zero Badge: All hybrid models will feature Toyota’s “Beyond Zero” badging.   
   

Engine Options:

• Gasoline Engine:
  • A 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine.   
     
  • Produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
  • Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
  • Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD), though AWD is now standard on XSE and Platinum.   
     
• Hybrid Engine:
  • A 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine combined with electric motors.   
     
  • Delivers a combined net horsepower of 243 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque.   
     
  • Uses an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT).
  • All 2025 Highlander Hybrid models come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD).   
     
  • Offers multiple driving modes: Sport, Eco, Normal, EV, and Trail.

Trim Levels:

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is typically offered in the following trim levels for the gasoline model:

• LE: The entry-level trim, offering essential features and seating for up to eight.   
   
• XLE: Adds more comfort and convenience features like SofTex®-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and a power liftgate.   
   
• XSE: A sportier trim with unique exterior styling, 20-inch black alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and an aggressive front fascia.   
   
• Limited: A more luxurious option with features like leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium JBL sound system, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.   
   
• Platinum: The top-tier trim, including features like a panoramic glass roof, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD), and a Panoramic View Monitor.   
   

Highlander Hybrid models are generally available in trims like:

• Hybrid LE
• Hybrid XLE (and potentially a Hybrid XLE Nightshade, though the LE Nightshade was discontinued, so availability might vary)   
   
• Hybrid Limited
• Hybrid Limited 25th Edition (New for 2025)
• Hybrid Platinum

General Information and What to Expect:

• Seating: Offers three rows with seating for up to eight passengers (or seven with available second-row captain’s chairs).  
   
• Cargo Space: Provides versatile cargo capacity with fold-flat rear seats. Specific volumes are approximately 16.0 cu ft behind the third row and up to 84.3 cu ft with the second and third rows folded.  
   
• Fuel Economy (Estimates):
  • Gasoline (2.4L Turbo): Around 21-22 mpg city and 28-29 mpg highway, depending on FWD/AWD.
  • Hybrid (2.5L): Around 35-36 mpg city and 34-35 mpg highway.
• Interior: Known for a quiet and comfortable cabin. Higher trims offer premium materials like leather and SofTex®.   
   
• Infotainment: Features Toyota’s Audio Multimedia system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Touchscreen sizes vary by trim, with an 8-inch screen standard on lower trims and a 12.3-inch screen available or standard on higher trims.   
   
• Safety: Comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ (TSS 2.5+), which includes features like a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.   
   

   

   
• Redesign Status: The 2025 Highlander is not a full redesign. It is a continuation of the current generation with a refresh and some updates. The Toyota Grand Highlander, a larger three-row SUV, was introduced more recently and is a separate model