The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid now comes with standard all-wheel drive capability.

The three-row crossover gains normal all-wheel drive and introduces a brand-new trim level as the sole notable updates.

Marking two and a half years since its initial release as the first-generation Highlander’s base model, the Highlander Hybrid Restricted grade pays homage to its roots while boasting a plethora of upgrades and refinements. Introduced at the 2000 New York International Auto Show as a 2001 model, the Highlander emerged as an early pioneer in the crossover segment, establishing a blueprint that has since become ubiquitous on roads around the world.

While the 25th generation Highlander is a hybrid, it’s not commemorating its quarter-century milestone this year. The first-generation Highlander Hybrid was introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model. The Corolla Hybrid was the second Toyota hybrid model, following in the footsteps of the groundbreaking Prius.

To commemorate its quarter-century milestone, this special edition sports silver-accented 20-inch alloys and an eye-catching silver exterior trim. Additionally, the upgraded model boasts a medley of “Twenty-Fifth Edition” badges, a comprehensive 360-degree surround-view camera system, and premium leather-trimmed seats.

For the 25th iteration of its esteemed lineup, Toyota will introduce four new trim levels: XLE, XLE Nightshade, Limited, and Platinum, all set to debut in 2025. All models feature an identical powertrain, comprising a 2.5-litre inline-four engine closely related to Toyota’s well-known hybrid system. A 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine remains standard in non-hybrid configurations.

boost in traction. The estimated fuel economy for all-wheel drive models remains unchanged at 35 mpg in metropolitan areas and on freeways, with the exception of the all-wheel drive Limited and Platinum trims, which retain a highway estimate of 34 mpg. While the 2024 model’s fuel efficiency is impressive, with a combined rating of 36 mpg and separate metropolitan and freeway estimates of 36 and 35 mpg respectively.

Toyota plans to initiate deliveries of its new 2025 Highlander models. The automaker has officially set a starting price of $39,520 for its non-hybrid front-wheel drive LE grade, with details on hybrid pricing to be revealed closer to the vehicle’s launch date.

Recent rival crossovers like the hybrid variants of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento have gained updates more frequently than the Highlander, which now has a larger sibling in the form of the Grand Highlander Hybrid, bearing the same name. Reportedly, Toyota is poised to transform the Highlander into an electric vehicle (EV), rebranding it for a novel three-row model that would be manufactured in the US.