DecodedCars2025 Toyota Highlander
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2025 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV L FWD, 4dr SUV Le/Xle AWD, 4dr SUV Le/Xle Hybrid AWD, 4dr SUV Limited AWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 186–265 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic, e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 35 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 194.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,123–4,553 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 77% better than the average 2025 standard SUV (19.8 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2025 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 195 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,123 lb (4dr SUV L FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (35 city / 35 highway), 77% better than the 2025 standard SUV average of 19.8 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2025
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2024 Highlander — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2024; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2024 Highlander →
Trims, performance & features
Engine265 hp2.4L 4-cyl
Engine186 hp2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmission8-speed automatic · e-CVT
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows
Trims
LE, XLE, XSE, Platinum, LimitedXLE, XLE Nightshade, 25th Edition LimitedPlatinumLimitedLE, XLE, Limited
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Princeton, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2025 Highlander configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV L FWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,123 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Le/Xle AWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,299 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Le/Xle Hybrid AWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,442 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Limited AWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,431 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Limited Hybrid AWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,553 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 / 34 / 35 | +77% | $1,900 | 253 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 / 35 / 35 | +77% | $1,900 | 254 |
| Highlander | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -14% | $2,700 | 359 |
| Highlander | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | -17% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Highlander AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | -6% | $2,800 | 371 |
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.8 MPG2025 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2025 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
| 2025 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2025 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Toyota Highlander (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2025 Toyota 4Runner | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 22 |
| 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2025 Kia Telluride | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (4)
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly › Recliner · Mar 5, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V128000 · 686,588 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
- Risk
- A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyotaâs customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Anchorage · Dec 17, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V872000 · 39 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.
- Risk
- A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 30, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Sep 11, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V595000 · 591,377 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
Not every 2025 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
10Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
8,498 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2025 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 8,498 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2025 Toyota Highlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Highlander years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2024 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 43 |
| 2023 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 198 |
| 2022 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 272 |
| 2021 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 548 |
| 2020 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 330 |
| 2019 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 512 |
| 2018 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 276 |
| 2017 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 274 |
| 2016 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 117 |
| 2015 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 195 |
| 2014 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 125 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →