For the better part of a decade, I’ve been answering the same question from readers: “I need a three-row SUV, but I don’t want a minivan, and I don’t want to go bankrupt at the gas pump. What do I buy?”
For years, the answer was a series of compromises. You could have space (Chevy Traverse) but terrible mileage. You could have mileage (standard Toyota Highlander Hybrid) but a third row so cramped it was legally actionable as torture for anyone over the age of ten.
Enter the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
After spending significant time analyzing the specs, the tech, and the real-world utility of this machine, I can confidently say that Toyota has not just filled a gap in their lineup; they have arguably built the best all-around family vehicle on the market today. It delivers on the two conflicting promises that usually never meet: massive usable space and stellar fuel efficiency.
Let’s dive deep into the tech, the specs, and the reality of living with this “Grand” SUV.
The “Grand” Difference: It’s Not Just a Name
First, let’s clear up the confusion. This is not just a Highlander with a stretched bumper. It is a completely distinct vehicle, built on a modified version of the TNGA-K platform.
- The Size: It is 4 inches longer, 2 inches taller, and roughly 2 inches wider than the standard Highlander.
- The Impact: Those inches sound small, but in terms of interior geometry, they are massive. The standard Highlander offers 27.7 inches of third-row legroom (tight). The Grand Highlander offers 33.5 inches.
Expert Insight: That 5.8-inch difference is the gap between “emergency use only” and “adults can actually sit here for 2 hours.” I’m 6 feet tall, and I can sit in the third row of the Grand Highlander without my knees touching the seat in front of me. That is a rarity in this segment without jumping to a truck-based behemoth like a Tahoe.
The Powertrain Dilemma: Efficiency vs. Adrenaline
The 2025 Grand Highlander offers three powertrains, but for the sake of this “tech and gadget” analysis, we are ignoring the base gas engine. The real story is the tale of two hybrids.
1. The Efficiency King: 2.5L Hybrid (The “37 MPG” Hero)
This is the powertrain mentioned in the headlines. It pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with Toyota’s legendary electric motor system.
- Specs: 245 horsepower.
- The Magic Number: It is rated at up to 37 MPG City (FWD models). In a vehicle that weighs over 4,500 lbs, this is an engineering marvel.
- Real-World Take: In mixed driving, you will realistically see 34-35 MPG. For a family hauler, this effectively cuts your fuel bill in half compared to a V6 Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. The trade-off? It’s not fast. 0-60 mph takes about 7.8 seconds. It’s adequate, but you won’t be winning any drag races.
2. The Tech Beast: Hybrid MAX (The “Performance” Choice)
If you’re a gadget lover who wants power, this is the one you want. It ditches the efficiency focus for a performance-hybrid setup similar to the new Toyota Crown.
- Specs: A 2.4-liter Turbo Hybrid engine producing 362 horsepower and a massive 400 lb-ft of torque.
- Performance: 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds. It uses a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission rather than the drone-prone CVT found in the standard hybrid.
- The Cost: Mileage drops to about 27 MPG combined. Still decent, but you are paying for that power.
Inside the Cabin: A Tech-Forward Command Center
As a gadget expert, the interior is where I judge a vehicle’s longevity. If the tech feels old today, it will feel ancient in three years. The 2025 Grand Highlander passes the test, mostly.
- The Screens: Standard on almost all trims is a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system. It’s crisp, responsive, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The days of Toyota’s laggy, ugly infotainment are finally over.
- The “Digital Key”: With an active Remote Connect subscription, your smartphone is your key. You can lock, unlock, and start the car via Bluetooth without taking your phone out of your pocket.
- Charging Everywhere: One major “family tech” win is the port situation. There are seven USB-C ports spread across all three rows. No more fighting over chargers on road trips. Everyone gets a plug.
- Cargo Capacity: With the third row up, you get 20.6 cubic feet of space. That’s enough for seven carry-on suitcases. Fold the seats down, and you have nearly 98 cubic feet of volume. It swallows 85-inch TVs for breakfast.
What’s New for 2025?
The Grand Highlander was all-new recently, so 2025 is a refinement year, not a revolution. However, there is one crucial addition:
- The LE Trim: For 2025, Toyota has democratized the Grand Highlander by ensuring the LE trim is widely available. This lowers the entry price, giving you the space and the hybrid efficiency without forcing you to pay for leather seats and panoramic sunroofs if you don’t want them.
- Nightshade Edition: Expect to see the popular “Nightshade” package available on the Hybrid trims, blacking out the badges, wheels, and accents for that stormy, “tech-stealth” look.
Pros & Cons: The Expert Breakdown
No car is perfect. Here is where the Grand Highlander shines and where it stumbles.
Pros:
- Unmatched Efficiency: 36-37 MPG in a vehicle this size is simply the best in class.
- True 3rd-Row Utility: Genuine space for adults, not just small children.
- Tech Integration: Wireless CarPlay, excellent safety suites (TSS 3.0), and ample USB-C ports.
- Resale Value: It’s a Toyota Hybrid; it will hold its value better than almost any competitor.
Cons:
- Engine Noise: The 2.5L Hybrid engine can drone loudly (the “CVT moan”) when you stomp on the gas to merge onto a highway.
- Bland Styling: While “bold,” it’s still very boxy and safe. It lacks the premium flair of the Mazda CX-90 or the rugged cool factor of the Kia Telluride.
- Price Creep: A fully loaded Hybrid MAX Platinum can easily top $58,000, pushing it into luxury territory (Lexus TX) prices.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the vehicle the market has been screaming for. It deletes the need to buy a minivan while keeping the minivan’s best feature: efficiency and space.
My Recommendation:
Skip the gas-only model. Skip the expensive Hybrid MAX unless you frequently tow a boat (5,000 lb capacity).
The sweet spot is the 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE or Limited.
You get the 37 MPG efficiency, you get the massive screen, and you get the leather-trimmed comfort, all while keeping the price reasonable. It is the ultimate “set it and forget it” family vehicle that will save you thousands in fuel over its lifespan while keeping your passengers—even the ones in the very back—happy.
In the war of the three-row SUVs, the Grand Highlander didn’t just show up; it took the throne.
