Price increases seem to happen like clockwork, but Toyota is fighting back with the 2025 Grand Highlander. It gains a new entry-level LE trim, which lowers the cost of entry to US$ 40,860 before a US$ 1,450 destination fee. That’s a considerable savings as the 2024 lineup began with the US$ 43,320 Grand Highlander XLE. Of course, there were a few tradeoffs to cut the price by US$ 2,460. Thankfully, the model doesn’t scream bargain basement as it comes equipped with a power liftgate and 18-inch alloy wheels. They’re joined by heated power mirrors with blind spot warning indicators.
The interior features eight fabric seats
and analog gauges that are accompanied by a 7-inch multi-information display.
Buyers will also find a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a six-speaker audio
system, and a tri-zone climate control system. They’re joined by an eight-way
power driver seat and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance
systems. The LE trim comes standard with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder
engine producing 265 hp and 420 Nm of torque.
It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be paired to
an optional all-wheel drive system for an extra US$ 1,600.
Customers can also get a hybrid variant,
which begins at US$ 44,210. It features a 2.5-liter engine, a small battery
pack, and a rear-mounted motor that provides all-wheel drive. While the output
drops to 245 hp, the fuel economy rating soars to 36 mpg
city, 32 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. Speaking of eco-friendly variants,
there’s a new Hybrid Nightshade Edition. It’s based on the Hybrid Limited and
starts at US$ 52,610. As the name suggests, the Nightshade embraces the dark
side as it wears a black hood, black bumpers, and black 20-inch wheels. They’re
joined by a black spoiler, black mirror caps, and black door handles – among
other things.
The dark theme continues inside with black
leather seats and matte gray metallic accents. Other highlights include heated
and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and an
11-speaker JBL premium audio system. This is on top of the usual heated
steering wheel, ambient lighting system, and 12.3-inch digital instrument
cluster. Additional changes are limited, but the 2025 Grand Highlander offers a
new Heavy Metal paint color on the Limited and Hybrid MAX. XLE and above trims
equipped with captain’s chairs also come standard with a removable second-row
center console.
Aside from those minor updates, pricing
has crept higher. The XLE climbs US$ 310, while the Limited is up US$ 250.
Likewise, the range-topping mouthful known as the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX
Platinum AWD starts at US$ 58,775 which is an increase of US$ 300. Most
versions of the 2025 Grand Highlander are slated to arrive at U.S. dealerships
in December, although the entry-level LE trim won’t land until the first half
of next year.
