Toyota has officially rolled out the 2025 Grand Highlander Global Edition, a premium three-row SUV designed to meet the needs of large families across markets. It’s not a complete redesign, but this update refines what already worked well—space, practicality, and hybrid efficiency.
The Grand Highlander now stands as a roomier and more feature-rich alternative to the standard Highlander, offering luxury and utility in one confident package. With pricing expected to start around $43,000 and stretching up to $58,000 for the top trims, the 2025 Grand Highlander competes directly with models like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-90. It’s the SUV for families who crave extra space, comfort, and hybrid power without jumping to full-size territory.
Distinctive and Sporty Design
The Grand Highlander embraces Toyota’s latest global design philosophy—sharp, athletic lines balanced with a robust stance. Measuring about 201 inches in length and 78 inches in width, it sits longer and wider than the regular Highlander, giving it a more commanding road presence. The front fascia features Toyota’s updated trapezoidal grille flanked by sleek LED headlamps and distinctive C-shaped DRLs.
The sides flow cleanly toward a sculpted rear with wraparound LED tail lamps and a subtle roof spoiler. Buyers can choose from premium shades like Storm Cloud, Coastal Gray Metallic, and Celestial Silver, while 18- to 20-inch alloy wheels complete the modern SUV look. It’s a global SUV that looks as stylish outside a suburban driveway as it does tackling long highway routes.
Cabin Space and Tech-Focused Comfort
Inside, the Grand Highlander 2025 focuses on real family usability. It offers seating for up to eight passengers in a 2-3-3 layout or a seven-seat option with captain’s chairs. The cabin is wide and airy, with soft-touch materials and a minimalist dashboard dominated by a 12.3-inch infotainment display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, while upper trims add a JBL premium audio system and built-in navigation.
The 7-inch digital driver display shows trip, fuel, and hybrid stats clearly. Heated and ventilated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof all add comfort to long road trips. Behind the third row, the Grand Highlander offers 21 cubic feet of cargo space—expandable to over 97 cubic feet with the seats folded. Practical storage spaces, USB ports in every row, and thoughtful touches like a cooled console box make life easier for families always on the go.
Hybrid and Turbo Power Options
Under the hood, Toyota offers two proven powertrains for the 2025 Grand Highlander. The base engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.
For buyers chasing efficiency, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max pairs a 2.4-liter turbo engine with electric motors to deliver a combined 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It’s punchy yet frugal, capable of delivering around 34 mpg combined in regular hybrid form and 27 mpg combined in the performance-focused Hybrid Max setup. The SUV feels smooth and composed at highway speeds, with a well-tuned suspension and light steering that make long drives comfortable. It’s not built for aggressive cornering, but it feels solid and secure—just what families want in a large SUV.
Safety and Driver Assistance
As expected from Toyota, the Grand Highlander 2025 is packed with safety tech. Every variant includes the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which bundles adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, and road sign recognition. Higher trims add a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SUV also features 10 airbags and ISOFIX anchors in the rear rows. Toyota’s focus on active safety makes the Grand Highlander one of the most secure options in its class, ideal for family buyers prioritizing peace of mind.
Pricing, Variants, and Availability
The 2025 Grand Highlander is available in several trims globally, including XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with both turbo and hybrid powertrains. Prices begin at around $43,000 for the base variant and go up to approximately $58,000 for the Hybrid Max Platinum. Dealers in key markets like North America, Europe, and select Asian regions have begun deliveries, with waiting periods ranging from one to three weeks depending on configuration. Toyota’s 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and competitive maintenance costs make ownership relatively easy, while strong resale values ensure lasting appeal.
Owner Impressions and Verdict
Early buyers and reviewers have praised the Grand Highlander’s space, hybrid efficiency, and easy drivability. Many families appreciate its quiet cabin and premium feel without stepping into full-size SUV pricing. Some note the third row remains best for kids, but that’s common in this segment. Against rivals like the Palisade or Telluride, the Grand Highlander stands out for Toyota’s reliability and advanced hybrid system. It’s less flashy but more consistent—a refined long-hauler with enough power and practicality to serve global families well.
Final Thoughts
The Toyota Grand Highlander 2025 Global Edition proves that bigger doesn’t have to mean wasteful. With hybrid power, intuitive tech, and thoughtful design, it’s a family SUV that prioritizes comfort, safety, and everyday usability. If you’re looking for an upscale three-row SUV that delivers performance, efficiency, and peace of mind in equal measure, the 2025 Grand Highlander makes a compelling case as Toyota’s most balanced global family vehicle yet.
