Trims and Powertrains

The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes in five trim grades: XLE, XLE Nightshade, Limited, Limited 25th Edition, and Platinum. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid-electric system produces a combined 243 horsepower. Toyota uses three electric motors (two for the front axle and one for the rear) for the standard all-wheel drivetrain, which is managed by an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). Predictive Efficient Drive is optional on the XLE and XLE Nightshade and standard on the higher trims. This technology uses live data and previous use history to optimize the hybrid battery for maximum efficiency.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimations for the Highlander Hybrid are 35 miles per gallon for city and highway driving (34 mpg on the open road for the Limited, Limited 25th Edition, and Platinum grades). The Highlander Hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds when it’s equipped with the proper towing features. The cargo capacity ranges from 16.0 cubic feet behind the third row to 84.3 cubic feet when both back rows are folded down. It provides 48.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row.

Standard Features

The XLE is a well-equipped trim boasting many upscale amenities, including seven-passenger seating via second-row captain’s chairs (eight-passenger seating is optional), a power moonroof, a hands-free liftgate, SofTex (leatherette) upholstery for the first and second rows, heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control with a second-row control panel, a ten-way power driver’s seat, an eight-way power front passenger seat, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, roof rails, second-row sunshades, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and wireless device charging. It also gets LED projector-style headlights, a windshield wiper de-icer, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, rear privacy glass, a 7-inch driver information display, heated power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, an overhead console, washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers, an intermittent rear wiper with washer, a backup camera washer, front and rear mudguards, five USB ports, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The XLE Nightshade repeats the XLE’s equipment roster (minus the option for eight-passenger seating) while adding a sporty touch thanks to unique interior styling and black-finish exterior treatments, including on the wheels, roof rails, and mirror caps.

The Limited builds on the XLE with leather upholstery (first and second rows), heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a driver’s memory system, high-output LED fog lights, power-folding side mirrors with reverse tilt-down and puddle lamps, a 12.3-inch color digital gauge cluster, LED-strip daytime running lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, acoustic front side window glass, enhanced interior accents, two 120-volt outlets, ambient cabin lighting, a cargo-area tonneau cover, and 20-inch alloy wheels with a chrome finish. The Limited 25th Edition duplicates the Limited’s feature set and adds exclusive treatments such as embossed leather front headrests, commemorative carpet floor mats and a cargo liner, unique badging, and trim-specific exterior accents. The Platinum expands on the Limited’s premium features by adding a panoramic glass roof with a front power moonroof, heated second-row seats, a head-up display, illuminated metal front door sills, a digital rearview mirror, adaptive headlights, unique exterior treatments, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Features

All Highlander Hybrid trims come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The list of technologies includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. In addition, the 2025 Highlander Hybrid gets blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking come standard on the Limited, Limited 25th Edition, and Platinum. The Limited 25th Edition and Platinum have a surround-view monitor that’s available for the Limited. Core safety features for all include eight airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, Smart Stop Technology (to minimize unintended acceleration), downhill assist control, hill start assist control, and a rearview monitor (with dynamic guidelines on the Limited and above).

Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment for the XLE and XLE Nightshade is based around an 8-inch touchscreen, while the higher trims incorporate a 12.3-inch touchscreen (an option for the XLE and XLE Nightshade). Both platforms have wireless smartphone integration (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The XLE and XLE Nightshade get a basic sound system with six speakers, while the higher trims go to premium territory with an 11-speaker JBL setup. Wi-Fi hotspot capability and access to Toyota Connected Services (for Cloud Navigation, emergency help, and remote functions) also come standard.