Cars

New 2025 Grand Highlander Review: Best Family SUV Option?

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

New 2025 Grand Highlander Review: Best Family SUV Option?

The automotive market in 2025 is seeing a surge in demand for spacious, safe, and technologically advanced SUVs—especially for families. With increasing emphasis on comfort, powertrains, and smart features, automakers are stepping up their game. Among the most anticipated entries this year is the New 2025 Grand Highlander, Toyota’s expanded response to the growing preference for large three-row SUVs. But does it truly stand out as the best family SUV option? Let’s dive deep into the features, performance, safety, and value proposition of the 2025 Grand Highlander to help you decide.

Design and Exterior: Bolder, More Refined

The 2025 Grand Highlander marks a significant evolution in Toyota’s SUV design language. With a more muscular front fascia, sleek LED lighting, and an extended wheelbase, it commands attention on the road. Measuring over 196 inches in length and standing nearly 70 inches tall, this SUV offers more room than the standard Highlander while maintaining a balanced, modern aesthetic.

Toyota has introduced new alloy wheel designs, ranging from 18 to 21 inches depending on trim, and added premium finishes like available two-tone paint schemes and chrome accents. The signature Toyota grille is wider and more aggressive, flanked by slim LED headlights and vertical fog light housings. The profile is clean, with character lines emphasizing strength and aerodynamic efficiency.

Rearward, the Grand Highlander features full-width LED taillights—an increasingly popular design cue—that enhance visibility and add a futuristic touch. Heated power-folding side mirrors and hands-free power liftgate are standard on higher trims, enhancing convenience for busy families.

2025 Grand Highlander on a family road trip with scenic background

Interior Comfort and Space: Room for Everyone

Inside, the 2025 Grand Highlander delivers on its promise of family-focused utility. The cabin comfortably seats up to eight passengers, with a standard second-row bench or an available captain’s chairs that reduce capacity to seven but increase comfort and ease of access to the third row.

Second-row legroom has been increased by 2.3 inches compared to the previous model, making it ideal for teenagers or adults on long drives. The third row is no longer just for kids—thanks to improved headroom and better ingress/egress, even taller passengers can sit comfortably for moderate distances.

Materials have taken a leap forward. Soft-touch surfaces, available leather-trimmed seating, and real wood or metallic accents elevate the feel of the interior. The driver-focused cockpit includes a digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen that blends seamlessly into the dashboard.

Cargo and Storage Solutions

With all seats up, the Grand Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for a few suitcases or grocery runs. Fold the third row, and that increases to 46.7 cubic feet. With both the second and third rows down, you get a cavernous 84.8 cubic feet, which rivals some competitors in the segment like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride.

Smart storage features include underfloor compartments, dual glove boxes, rear-seat USB-C ports, and available rear entertainment systems. Parents will appreciate the available built-in vacuum cleaner on Platinum trims—ideal for cleaning up crumbs, sand, or pet hair after a weekend adventure.

Performance and Powertrain Options

One of the standout aspects of the 2025 Grand Highlander is its range of powertrain options, catering to different driving needs and fuel efficiency preferences. Toyota offers three configurations: a hybrid, a hybrid MAX, and a gas-only engine.

2.4L Turbo Hybrid (Standard Hybrid)

The base powertrain is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This setup delivers excellent fuel economy—up to 36 mpg on the highway—while still offering smooth acceleration and responsive handling. It's ideal for families who prioritize efficiency without sacrificing performance.

2.4L Turbo Hybrid MAX (Top-Tier Performance)

For those needing more power, the Hybrid MAX system pairs the same 2.4L turbo engine with a more robust electric motor, resulting in a combined 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This version offers quicker acceleration (0–60 mph in under 6 seconds) and improved towing capacity—up to 5,000 pounds—making it one of the most powerful hybrid SUVs in its class.

2.4L Turbo Gas-Only Engine

Available on lower trims, the gas-only engine produces 275 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. It's well-suited for buyers who don’t need maximum fuel savings and prefer a simpler drivetrain without hybrid components.

All models come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive (AWD). Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD improves traction and cornering stability, especially in adverse weather or on off-road trails.

Towing and Utility: Built for Active Families

Families with recreational vehicles, boats, or trailers will appreciate the Grand Highlander’s towing capabilities. The standard hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Hybrid MAX pushes that limit to 5,000 pounds. This makes it a legitimate choice for weekend camping trips or hauling a small boat.

Integrated trailer sway control, a trailer brake controller (on Hybrid MAX), and a panoramic view monitor with trailer mode make hitching and navigating with a trailer easier than ever. The SUV also features a drive mode selector with Sport, Eco, Snow, and Trail settings, enhancing its adaptability across environments.

Technology and Infotainment: Stay Connected, Stay Safe

Toyota has significantly upgraded the tech suite in the 2025 Grand Highlander. The centerpiece is a 12.3-inch touchscreen (standard on higher trims; 8-inch on base models) running the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and over-the-air updates.

Available features include:

Rear-seat passengers aren’t left out. The available Rear Seat Entertainment system includes dual 11.6-inch screens mounted on the front headrests, streaming via HDMI or wireless connection, and controlled by a central tablet or smartphone app.

Driver Assistance and Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

Safety is paramount for any family SUV, and the 2025 Grand Highlander doesn’t disappoint. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Key features include:

Higher trims add advanced features like a 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and Advanced Park (semi-automated parking). The Grand Highlander also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, reinforcing its status as one of the safest large SUVs on the market.

Trims and Pricing: Options for Every Budget

The 2025 Grand Highlander is available in five trim levels: L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Each offers a distinct blend of features and value.

Grand Highlander L

The base L trim starts at around $41,500 and includes essentials like cloth upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, and a rearview camera. It’s a solid starting point for budget-conscious buyers, though lacking in luxury touches.

Grand Highlander LE

Priced at about $44,500, the LE adds alloy wheels, a power liftgate, tri-zone climate control, and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. It’s a popular choice for families wanting more comfort without overspending.

Grand Highlander XLE

At $47,800, the XLE introduces leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and additional convenience features like smart key entry and push-button start.

Grand Highlander Limited

The Limited trim, starting at $51,200, ups the luxury with ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, and a JBL audio system. The Hybrid MAX powertrain is available here, making it a sweet spot for performance and comfort.

Grand Highlander Platinum

The top-tier Platinum starts at $56,700 and includes nearly every feature Toyota offers: premium leather, massaging front seats, a built-in vacuum, heads-up display, and the Hybrid MAX powertrain as standard. It’s the ultimate family hauler with near-luxury touches.

Competitors in the 2025 Large Family SUV Segment

The 2025 Grand Highlander faces tough competition. Key rivals include the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Ascent, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer L. Let’s see how it stacks up.

Honda Pilot (2025)

The 2025 Honda Pilot offers a roomy interior and a refined 3.5L V6 engine with 285 horsepower. While not as fuel-efficient as the Grand Highlander hybrid, it’s praised for its smooth ride and available off-road TrailSport trim. However, it lacks the hybrid powertrain options and advanced tech of Toyota’s offering.

Kia Telluride

Kia’s Telluride remains a top pick for its bold styling, plush interior, and strong value. It starts around $38,000 and offers a 291-horsepower V6. While it doesn’t have a hybrid option, the Telluride’s standard features and upscale feel make it a tough competitor. But Toyota edges ahead in long-term reliability and resale value.

Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade shares much with the Telluride but offers more tech, including a digital key and remote parking assist. It starts at $38,500 and includes three rows of comfort. Still, Toyota’s broader powertrain choices and stronger safety record give the Grand Highlander an edge.

Subaru Ascent

With standard all-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated 27 mpg, the Ascent appeals to outdoor families. It starts at $37,995 and includes excellent safety scores. However, its 2.4L turbo engine produces just 260 horsepower, and third-row access is more challenging than in the Grand Highlander.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer L

At over $70,000, the Wagoneer L is in a different league—offering luxury and power but at a much higher price. While it delivers on opulence, it’s less efficient and more expensive to maintain than the Grand Highlander.

Why the 2025 Grand Highlander Stands Out

So, what makes the 2025 Grand Highlander a strong contender for the title of “best family SUV”? Several key factors elevate it above the competition: