Now that the bigger, Grand Highlander is here with more passenger and cargo room, we expect that the Japanese designers will pay some attention to the standard Highlander, which has been one of the most important models in Toyota’s lineup for decades. The current generation was introduced in 2020, so it seems like a perfect time for updates. And indeed, rumours suggest a mid-cycle refresh, which would bring a couple of interesting updates.
So far, this SUV has been updated with a new infotainment system and a new powertrain, but this is expected to be a classic facelift, with a focus on aesthetics. We expect to see styling updates, but there is also a possibility to see another powertrain option on offer, another version of the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, with more power and better overall performance.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is about to arrive sometime in the second half of 2024, but we might see its presentation a little bit earlier.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Could Get New Powertrain
One of the most anticipated updates for the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the addition of a new powertrain. So far, the SUV has been offered with Toyota’s classic setup, based on a 2.5-liter inline-four, with a combined output of 240 horsepower. It doesn’t make the HIhglander particularly quick, but it has its own quality, especially in terms of fuel efficiency, which goes around 35-36 miles per gallon combined.
The upgrade would come in the form of a more powerful and more capable system, the one that powers Toyota Crown. That system is based on a 2.4-liter turbo-four engine that comes in a combination with two electric motors, for a combined output of 340 horsepower. Besides way more power, this system differs in the way that it features a classic 6-speed automatic transmission, instead of a CVT, and that would definitely have a highly positive impact on the overall driving experience. On the other hand, we definitely don’t expect this powertrain to be as efficient as the standard hybrid powertrain.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Facelift
Various reports also suggest a classic facelift. The current generation has been around since 2020, so this makes perfect sense. At this point, details are still unavailable, but it’s quite obvious that the changes would go in the same direction as with the new Grand Highlander, and that the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid would adopt the same or very similar front-end design. This means it would get new, sharper and narrower headlights, along with the new, massive grille and new bumper design. Altogether, these updates would make the SUV look way more attractive than the current iteration.
As for the rest of the SUV, we presume that the rear end would bring a couple of tweaks as well, particularly in terms of the new taillights and a few revisions on the tailgate. The overall shape, on the other hand, would remain the same, though there is always room for things like new wheels, new color options etc.
Interior
As for the interior design, we don’t believe that significant changes could happen. The company already updated the cabin with the new infotainment system last year, so we presume that the current form is going to remain until the end of the production cycle. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, because the current cabin looks very nice, with quality materials and attractive aesthetics.
Besides good quality, this cabin also offers a pretty solid amount of passenger space, especially in the first two rows. The third row is on the tight side, but the mitigating circumstance is that you can now get the Grand Highlander, which offers way more passenger and cargo room. Speaking of the cargo room, this SUV is good for about 16 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down and 84.3 cubic feet in total.
Features
Of course, we expect to see some additions in terms of standard and available equipment, though it’s still early for details. Moreover, the current model already stands pretty well in this aspect, so we presume that many things are about to remain unchanged. For reference, the current model comes standard with goodies like an 8-inch touch screen, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, Bluetooth, five USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a six-speaker stereo, tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start and remote keyless entry.
Additionally, there are optional features like a 12.3-inch touch screen, wireless device charging, navigation, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a universal garage door opener, ambient LED interior lighting, 120-volt household-style power outlets and a power moonroof. We presume some of these options are going to become part of the standard equipment in the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Release Date and Price
We expect to see the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid sometime in the second half of 2024, with a starting price of around 42,000 dollars.