2025 Toyota Grand Highlander: A Comprehensive Overview of Toyota’s Expansive Three-Row SUV
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the latest addition to Toyota’s acclaimed SUV lineup, offering a compelling blend of versatility, comfort, and advanced technology. As the demand for spacious family vehicles continues to rise, Toyota has responded by introducing the Grand Highlander, a model that sits above the standard Highlander in both size and capability. Designed with American families in mind, the Grand Highlander provides three rows of adult-friendly seating, ample cargo space, and a host of modern amenities that cater to a wide range of lifestyles. Whether it’s daily commuting, road trips, or weekend adventures, this SUV aims to deliver a refined driving experience without sacrificing practicality.
With the 2025 model year, Toyota has focused on enhancing the Grand Highlander’s appeal by offering a variety of powertrain options, including efficient hybrid systems and a robust turbocharged engine. The vehicle is engineered to provide a smooth and composed ride, supported by a suite of safety and driver-assistance features that are standard across most trims. Inside, the Grand Highlander showcases Toyota’s commitment to quality with premium materials, intuitive infotainment, and flexible seating configurations. The SUV is available in several trim levels, each tailored to different preferences and budgets, ensuring that buyers can find a model that suits their specific needs. As competition intensifies in the midsize and large SUV segments, the Grand Highlander stands out as a strong contender, balancing Toyota’s reputation for reliability with modern design and innovation.
This overview delves into the key features, specifications, and advantages of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander, offering insights into its performance, technology, and how it compares to other leading three-row SUVs in the market. The following sections provide a detailed look at what sets the Grand Highlander apart, making it a noteworthy option for families and individuals seeking a spacious, well-equipped, and dependable vehicle.
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander emerges as a significant evolution in Toyota’s SUV offerings, bridging the gap between the standard Highlander and the larger Sequoia. Built on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, the Grand Highlander is designed to maximize interior space while maintaining a manageable exterior footprint. Its expanded dimensions translate to a more accommodating third row and increased cargo capacity, addressing a common limitation in many three-row SUVs. The Grand Highlander is positioned as a premium family hauler, combining Toyota’s hallmark reliability with upscale features and a focus on passenger comfort.
With a choice of multiple powertrains, including a fuel-efficient hybrid and a powerful turbocharged engine, the Grand Highlander appeals to a broad spectrum of buyers. The vehicle’s design incorporates bold styling cues, a commanding presence on the road, and a refined interior that emphasizes both luxury and usability. Toyota’s latest infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance technologies, and thoughtful storage solutions further enhance the ownership experience. The Grand Highlander is available in several trims, each offering a distinct set of features and amenities to cater to diverse preferences and requirements.
Design and Dimensions
The 2025 Grand Highlander distinguishes itself with a robust and modern exterior design. Its larger proportions compared to the standard Highlander result in a more spacious cabin, especially in the third row, which comfortably accommodates adults. The SUV measures approximately 201.4 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 70.1 inches in height, making it one of the roomiest vehicles in its class. The bold front fascia, prominent grille, and sculpted body lines give the Grand Highlander a distinctive and upscale appearance. Standard LED lighting, available 20-inch wheels, and a range of exterior colors allow buyers to personalize their vehicle to suit their tastes.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the Grand Highlander offers seating for up to eight passengers, with available second-row captain’s chairs for a seven-passenger configuration. The third row is notably more spacious than in many competitors, providing ample legroom and headroom for adults. High-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and thoughtful details create an inviting and comfortable environment. The dashboard is dominated by a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and a premium JBL audio system on higher trims. Multiple USB ports, wireless charging, and a panoramic sunroof contribute to a modern and convenient cabin experience.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The 2025 Grand Highlander is offered with three distinct powertrains:
- 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (265 hp, 310 lb-ft torque)
- 2.5-liter hybrid system (243 hp combined)
- 2.4-liter turbocharged Hybrid MAX (362 hp, 400 lb-ft torque)
Each engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. The Hybrid MAX variant delivers impressive acceleration and towing capability, making it suitable for families with active lifestyles. The hybrid models prioritize fuel efficiency, achieving EPA-estimated ratings of up to 36 mpg combined, which is exceptional for a vehicle of this size. The Grand Highlander’s ride quality is smooth and composed, with responsive handling and a quiet cabin that enhances long-distance comfort.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is a cornerstone of the Grand Highlander’s design, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard across all trims. This suite includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional available features include a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and a digital rearview mirror. These technologies work together to provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike, reinforcing Toyota’s commitment to occupant protection.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The Grand Highlander is available in several trims, including XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Each trim builds upon the previous with additional features and amenities:
- XLE: Standard features include SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front seats, power liftgate, and the 12.3-inch touchscreen.
- Limited: Adds leather-trimmed upholstery, ventilated front seats, JBL premium audio, and advanced driver assistance features.
- Platinum: Tops the range with panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated second-row seats, head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror.
Pricing for the 2025 Grand Highlander starts around $44,000 for the XLE trim and can exceed $58,000 for the fully loaded Platinum Hybrid MAX AWD. These figures position the Grand Highlander competitively within the three-row SUV segment, offering strong value given its features, space, and efficiency.
Comparison Table: 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Key Competitors
| Model | Starting Price (USD) | Seating Capacity | Max Horsepower | Hybrid Option | EPA-Estimated MPG (Combined) | Max Cargo Space (cu. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Grand Highlander | $44,000 | 7-8 | 362 | Yes | 36 | 97.5 |
| Kia Telluride | $37,500 | 7-8 | 291 | No | 23 | 87.0 |
| Hyundai Palisade | $38,000 | 7-8 | 291 | No | 22 | 86.4 |
| Honda Pilot | $39,500 | 7-8 | 285 | No | 23 | 87.0 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | $39,000 | 7-8 | 328 | No | 21 | 98.2 |
| Ford Explorer | $38,500 | 6-7 | 400 | Yes | 27 | 87.8 |
Key Advantages of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
- Exceptional third-row space and overall interior volume
- Multiple powertrain options, including a high-efficiency hybrid and a powerful Hybrid MAX
- Comprehensive standard safety features
- Advanced infotainment and connectivity options
- Flexible seating and cargo configurations
- Strong value proposition in the three-row SUV segment
Ownership Experience and Reliability
Toyota’s reputation for durability and low cost of ownership further enhances the Grand Highlander’s appeal. The vehicle is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty coverage and a widespread dealer network, ensuring support and peace of mind for owners. Routine maintenance is straightforward, and the hybrid models offer additional savings through improved fuel economy. The Grand Highlander’s blend of comfort, capability, and advanced technology makes it a standout choice for families and individuals seeking a dependable and versatile SUV.
References
The content provided on our blog site traverses numerous categories, offering readers valuable and practical information. Readers can use the editorial team’s research and data to gain more insights into their topics of interest. However, they are requested not to treat the articles as conclusive. The website team cannot be held responsible for differences in data or inaccuracies found across other platforms. Please also note that the site might also miss out on various schemes and offers available that the readers may find more beneficial than the ones we cover.