Debuting in 2023, the Toyota Grand Highlander was an expansion of the Highlander bloodline but wasn’t just the Highlander made bigger – the Grand Highlander is an evolution of the mid-size SUV. Two years later, much has stayed the same with moderate changes that freshen up the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.

Three engines are available under the hood of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander – one full gasoline-powered unit, and two hybrids. The base all-gas powertrain is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This pushes 265 horsepower and is connected to the choice of front- or all-wheel drive. It gets fuel economy that ranges from 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway with front-wheel drive, to 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway on the Platinum all-wheel drive trim.

The base hybrid engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electronic motor, has 259 system voltage and generates 245 net combined horsepower. Paired with an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), it achieves anywhere from 35 MPG city and 31 MPG highway up to 37 MPG city and 34 MPG highway. The top tier Hybrid MAX powertrain cranks output up to 362 net combined horsepower, while still achieving 26 MPG city and 27 MPG highway.

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander certainly bears a familial resemblance to the standard Highlander from the outside. From the ominous front grille straddled by deep cuts that provide an aggressive front end, to the upturn towards the rear end, it simply looks like a slightly lengthened version of the Highlander. 18-inch wheels are standard, with a variety of 20-inch options.

Where the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander really shows its separation from the standard Highlander is inside. While both seat up to eight passengers, the third row in the Grand Highlander is big enough for adults, with 37.2 inches of head room and 33.5 inches of leg room. Behind those seats, there is 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which can be expanded up to 97.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows stowed, great for large pieces of furniture or moving someone off to college.

An 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, seven USB ports for media and charging, and a six-speaker audio system all standard. A premium JBL audio system with 11 speakers and Qi-compatible wireless charging are both available.

The latest evolution of the segment-leading driver assistance suite, the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system is standard on every version of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander. This comprehensive system includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, Proactive Driving Assist, and Road Sign Assist. Every version has at least a Backup Camera with projected path – higher trim levels get the Panoramic View Monitor with 360-degree Overhead View with Curb View.

A full 14 different combinations of powertrains and trim levels are available in the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.

The LE trim is new for 2026 and is the new base model for gas and base hybrid models. It features 18-inch alloy wheels, and all of the standards mentioned above. Outside, heated power mirrors are standard, and a power liftgate is standard. Inside, silver-painted dashboard trim highlights the interior, which features fabric upholstery throughout. The driver’s seat is 8-way power adjustable, while the passenger seat is four-way manual adjustable. Three-zone automatic climate control is standard on this trim to allow for personalized comfort.

Stepping up to the XLE trim includes multi-spoke 18-inch wheels, and a power tilt/slide panoramic roof is optional. Extra tech includes the QI-compatible wireless charging and Digital Key capability, where a smartphone can be used in place of a physical key. The upholstery is upgraded to SofTex-trimmed seating, with seven-passenger seating standard – eight-passenger seating is available by swapping the second row of captain’s chairs out. The front seats are heated, with the driver’s seat getting 10-way power adjustability and the passenger seat getting eight-way power adjustability. The multi-control steering wheel is wrapped in leather.

At the Limited trim level, also available with gas or hybrid power, the front lower bumper gets a dark gray metallic look, while the power liftgate gets foot activation for ease of use. It sits on 20-inch multi-spoke wheels and gets rain-sensing wipers. Ambient interior lighting, a metal scuff plate for the front door sill and gray wood-patterned door trim step up the luxury a notch. Front- and second-row seats are leather-trimmed, with front seats getting ventilation. Both the steering wheel and second-row outboard seats get heating added. Memory function for the driver’s seat provides the ability to program for multiple drivers. The JBL premium audio system is standard on this trim and above.

The Platinum trim is exclusive to gas-powered models and builds on the Limited trim. The panoramic moonroof is standard, opening up the interior. The interior gets another level of luxury thanks to the brown wood-patterned door trim, while the second-row captain’s chairs get heating and ventilation. Use Profile Face Identification is standard, as is the Traffic Jam Assist driver’s assistance system and the surround-view monitor for improved safety. A 10-inch Head-Up Display keeps the driver’s eyes up while in motion.

Like the Platinum trim, the Nightshade trim is only available with a single powertrain, the hybrid all-wheel drive system. It’s a stylish blacked-out trim, with black-painted front hood trim and black badging on the rear liftgate. Door handles also get the black treatment, as do the power folding outside mirrors, roof rails, and the rear spoiler. 20-inch black alloy wheels feature black lug nuts.

The Hybrid MAX Limited doesn’t just feature the MAX powertrain. It gets unique exterior treatments that signify the MAX powertrain, including a gunmetal gray front grille and dual exhaust pipes. Wheels are 20-inch two-tone multi-spoke machined and black wheels. Inside, bronze dashboard trim and black geometric-patten door trim provides a techy feel, while leather-trimmed Ultrasuede seats are featured. Conveniences are otherwise the same as the Limited trim with the gas engine.

At the top of the line-up, the Hybrid MAX Platinum features a combination of the top features from the gas-powered Platinum trim and the MAX Limited trim, with a few extras. The look is much the same as the MAX Limited outside, but it sits on 20-inch multi-spoke silver and black wheels, with the panoramic roof being standard. The technology and conveniences match with the gas-powered Platinum, including the Panoramic View Monitor and Head-Up Display.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander earned a spot on the Car and Driver 10Best List, and with an extra trim level and minor upgrades, it’s pretty easy to see how the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander could end right back on the list! Schedule a test drive today at Delaney Toyota of DuBois!