Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

Welcome to the next “space race!”

Space, meaning maximum space on a smaller footprint. In the case of three-row SUVs, it is rejecting the larger body-on-frame models preferred by families who are active with children in organized sports. The aim to find a vehicle with more passenger and/or cargo space in a more maneuverable package – at a lower price point. 

This is why Toyota is selling the Grand Highlander over the smaller namesake (Highlander) by a two-to-one ratio. 

There is nothing wrong with the standard Highlander. It is about meeting consumer’s needs. Rather, to exceed them.

We last reviewed the Grand Highlander a couple of years ago months after seeing its debut at the Chicago Auto Show. The emphasis on rearward space between the cargo hold and the third-row seats seemed like a bit of a leap. However, the market dictated a smaller, nimbler package to accomplish what is attainable in both large SUVs and minivans. Especially for growing children.

That brings us to our test vehicle. It is a 2025 Grand Highlander Platinum with all-wheel drive and the Hybrid MAX driveline. This is the highest level you can get in terms of content and performance. Would this be the specification you want?

When we look over the list of standard content, you get plenty of goodies in board. Seating is for seven, including the second-row captain’s chairs with a mini console in-between. The second-row occupants have access to climate controls, heated and cooled seat controls, and their own cupholders. In fact, there are a total of 13 cup and bottle holders, along with seven USB-C ports and two additional 120-volt household-type outlets inside the Grand Highlander Platinum’s cabin.

Content aside, these seven passengers will enjoy a space of 149 cubic feet. The big selling point has been the third-row seating area, with a maximum of 33.5 inches of legroom. Access is simple through a one-lever fold over motion through two wide opening rear doors. Seats are upholstered in a tasteful color way combining leather with Ultrasuede inserts. You have to love the bronze accents all around. 

Cargo space-wise, if you fold the second and third row seats down, there is up to 97.5 cubic feet available to load up. With all three rows up, there is 20.6 cubic feet of space for luggage, shopping…you name it. 

The second and third seats are sizable. Drivers enjoy a nice and power-adjustable throne commanding the road. In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a wide head-up display. Since we believe that information is critical for the driver, there is no way you will take your eyes off the road. Not with the sensor for the driver attention feature place on top of the steering column. 

The top-of-the-line 2025 Grand Highlander offers the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen placed above the center stack. You can wirelessly connect your smartphone, as well as place your device on a wireless charging pad. The center console has plenty of stowage and controls. JBL provides 11 speakers for solid playback of music. 

It is a nice cabin. Just right for your family. Even your friends. 

When it is loaded up, you will enjoy what’s motivating this larger mid-size SUV. The Hybrid MAX driveline takes a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and connected it with an electric motor, a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Combined, it is rated for 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. 

The Hybrid MAX driveline delivers solid and smooth performance. Acceleration is direct, while cruising is poised. It simply feels good at the accelerator pedal. However, we did observe an average of 25.5 MPG in our loop. Needless to say, this is about par with this driveline in every vehicle we worked with where this appears under the hood, On the other hand, this a better average than most of the vehicles in its class we worked with recently. 

By the way, the 2025 Grand Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds. 

When you have passengers on board, you want to make sure they’re comfortable. We were impressed with the ride quality the Grand Highlander exhibited. The combination of front and rear independent suspension makes for a nice ride that won’t keep your occupants from taking naps in the middle of nowhere. 

Handling can be best described as soft. We said this before that a SUV of its size is not a sports car. Sorry, folks. Staying below the limits would be the best practice you should undertake. 

However, the steering system works very well, showing off a nimble side to the 2025 Grand Highlander. It is precise with an on-center feel that delivers solid response to the wheels. Brake pedal feel was also good. It enabled solid stops in normal and panic situations.

To discuss the exterior design, two words can best describe it: Functional and useful. It is not going to win style points, but do you really want a family conveyance to win on fashion alone? Toyota was smart by not only distinguishing the Grand Highlander from its smaller namesake. It does so by prioritizing function over style. 

That is not to say that the Platinum trim is devoid of “bling.” The chrome-like trim on the lower grille and 20-inch alloy wheels give it an air of subtle luxury. It allows the rest of the vehicle to do the talking. 

With that said, families have a choice of eleven 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander trim levels. This lineup includes four hybrid and two Hybrid MAX models. Pricing starts from $40,860. Our Platinum Hybrid MAX tester arrived with a sticker price of $63,072. 

As the “space race” heats up, one should know that their choices have widen in multitudes. Families are now considering which SUV they want to carry their children, sports gear, and vacation gear. 

What the 2025 Grand Highlander does well is to provide you with that space. That speaks volumes…figuratively and literally. It need not be glamorous to do so. 

If it weren’t for Toyota entering into this segment, we wouldn’t be paying attention to passenger volume, third row room, and cargo space. We are now. And, so should you.

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America – our opinions are our own. 

Photos by Randy Stern