Trims and Powertrains

Five trims — the LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum — offer a wide range of options to Highlander buyers. All the versions feature a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine which creates 265 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the LE and XLE while all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional, and AWD is standard on the higher trims. An eight-speed automatic transmission operates on both drivetrains. In a change for this model year, the XSE is automatically in the Sport drive-mode setting at startup.

The FWD Highlander returns 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway as estimated by the EPA, while the AWD setup achieves 21 mpg in town and 28 mpg on the open road. With the third row set for seating there’s 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear, but that can be expanded to 48.4 cubic feet when the third row is folded down. Fold both the second and third rows for a significant 84.3 cubic feet of cargo holding. The 2025 Highlander can also tow up to 5,000 pounds with the correct equipment.

Standard Features

The LE’s eight-passenger seating configuration includes three-person benches in the middle and back rows. It also gets fabric upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat, three zones of automatic climate control (with rear vents), proximity keyless entry, push-button ignition, and LED projector-style headlights. This well-outfitted base trim also has heated power exterior mirrors with built-in turn indicators, washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers, an intermittent rear wiper with washer, a backup camera washer, a 7-inch driver information display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a windshield wiper de-icer, an overhead console, five USB ports, rear privacy glass, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Next up is the XLE, which moves up to SofTex leatherette upholstery and adds a power moonroof, heated front seats, a ten-way power driver’s seat, an eight-way power front passenger seat, roof rails, second-row sunshades, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a hands-free liftgate, and a wireless device charge pad. In this trim, standard second-row captain’s chairs add comfort but limit the total passenger capacity to seven (buyers can opt for the bench to be returned for eight-passenger seating). The sportier XSE shows off unique exterior elements like trim-specific bumpers, LED-strip daytime running lights, black accents, dual chrome-tipped exhausts, and 20-inch black-finished wheels. A 12.3-inch color digital gauge cluster and ambient cabin lighting round out the modern interior amenities.

The luxurious Limited builds on the XLE’s roster with leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats, a driver’s memory system, a 12.3-inch color digital gauge cluster, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, high-output LED fog lights, power-folding side mirrors with reverse tilt-down and puddle lamps, ambient interior lighting and enhanced accents, a tonneau cover for the cargo area, a 120-volt outlet, and 20-inch alloy wheels with a chrome finish. The Platinum takes the ‘25 Highlander even further upscale with a panoramic glass roof including a front power moonroof, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, adaptive headlights, heated second-row seats, unique exterior details, illuminated metal front-door sills, acoustic front window glass, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Safety Technology and Advanced Driver Aids

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is included on every 2025 Highlander. It packages adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and lane-tracing and road sign assist. Also standard is blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited and Platinum add front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, and the Platinum’s standard surround-view monitor is also an option for the Limited. Every Highlander has traction and stability control, Smart Stop Technology (minimizes unintended acceleration), hill start and downhill assist, and a rearview monitor (dynamic rearview guidelines are an addition on the Limited and Platinum).

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8-inch touchscreen is the infotainment hub of the first three trims, while the Limited and Platinum jump to a 12.3-inch screen (which is optional for the XLE and XSE). Both setups support wireless smartphone connection (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth. A six-speaker sound package is standard on the lower trims, with the Limited and Platinum getting a JBL unit with 11 speakers (this is an option for the XSE). Wi-Fi hotspot capability and access to Toyota Connected Services (including Cloud Navigation, various remote functions, and emergency support) are available on every trim via subscription.