7 Ways to Celebrate the 2025 Toyota Highlander HEV 25th Edition AWD

Toyota marks a milestone this year with a special salute to its trailblazing midsize SUV. The 2025 Highlander HEV 25th Edition AWD honors twenty-five model years of family-focused innovation with bespoke details and elevated style. From its distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels to its exclusive Portobello leather-trimmed interior, this limited-run edition showcases everything drivers love about Highlander, now with added flair. With only 2,500 units destined for the U.S., it's an anniversary worth celebrating in style.

Shift Into Celebration Mode

Two and a half decades of innovation cement Highlander's role as a benchmark in the midsize SUV class.

First introduced at the New York International Auto Show in 2000, the Toyota Highlander became one of the first midsize SUVs to ride on a unibody platform, giving drivers car-like comfort with the strength and space families wanted. Its blend of smooth handling, a roomy three-row interior, and timeless practical styling distinguished it from the body-on-frame SUVs of the time and earned it Best Midsize SUV honors just a year after launch. A hybrid version followed for the 2006 model year, making the Highlander Toyota's first hybrid-powered SUV and only the second hybrid in the brand's lineup after the Prius. With its V6-powered Hybrid Synergy Drive system and available electronic all-wheel drive, the Highlander Hybrid earned early accolades and helped set the stage for Toyota's continued leadership in hybrid technology. Across four generations, the Highlander has steadily refined its blend of space, performance, and safety. The second generation introduced improved materials, more technology, and U.S. assembly in Indiana; the third added bolder design and Toyota Safety Sense driver-assist features; and the fourth ushered in a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, a stronger hybrid system, and tech-rich conveniences like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone compatibility. With nearly 3.6 million U.S. sales to date and IIHS Top Safety Pick honors as recently as 2024, the Highlander remains as family-ready as ever, honoring its past while forging forward for future generations.

Power Up the Party

Hybrid efficiency and turbocharged strength muscle ensures every drive feels worthy of the occasion.

The Highlander has always been effective at mixing practicality with punch, and the 2025 lineup continues that tradition. The 25th Edition comes standard as a hybrid, blending a 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder with electric motor-generators for a combined 243 horsepower and up to an estimated 35 MPG. It's as efficient as it is confident, delivering smooth acceleration and towing capacity up to 3,500 pounds. Drivers can switch between NORMAL, ECO, SPORT, and EV modes for the right balance of response and refinement, while Predictive Efficient Drive learns daily routes to optimize performance even further. For those who prefer turbocharged energy, Toyota offers a 2.4-liter, 265-hp engine with 310 lb.-ft. of torque which offers 5,000-pound towing capacity. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, this powertrain gives Highlander a spirited feel. Snow, Eco, and Sport modes let drivers fine-tune the experience, while Multi-Terrain Select ensures readiness for weekend getaways.

Get Ready to Rock

Precision-tuned AWD systems deliver confidence on winding roads and rugged terrain alike.

Toyota knows adventure belongs on the Highlander's resume. The 25th Edition arrives with standard Electronic On-Demand AWD, seamlessly channeling power when conditions call for it. Beyond the celebratory edition, turbo AWD models add Multi-Terrain Select with Mud & Sand and Rock & Dirt settings, plus Downhill Assist Control for tricky descents. Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Drive Mode Select takes it a step further, actively managing torque distribution between wheels for precision on winding roads or gravel trails.

Dress for the Occasion

Bespoke design cues give this commemorative edition a distinctly commemorative presence.

A milestone model deserves a memorable look, and the Highlander 25th Edition delivers. Its exterior pairs sleek rocker panels and silver-accented bumpers with bold 20-inch alloy wheels. Buyers can choose between two standout finishes: the debut of Heavy Metal or the luminous Wind Chill Pearl. Both hues complement the SUV's athletic stance while signaling its limited-edition prestige. The 25th Edition badge appears subtly yet proudly across the vehicle, adding to its bespoke identity. Beyond this exclusive version, Highlander's 2025 lineup offers a wide range of colors, from the bold Ruby Flare Pearl to the understated Cement, ensuring every family finds a shade that suits their style.

Make Room for Everyone

A tailored interior balances refinement with practicality, reinforcing Highlander's family-first appeal.

The refined interior of the 25th Edition greets passengers with a Portobello leather-trimmed cabin. Up to seven travelers enjoy premium touches like a panoramic view monitor, JBL® Premium Audio, and a 12.3-inch multimedia display. Illuminated door sills, logoed floor mats, and bespoke puddle lamps remind passengers they're part of Highlander's silver-anniversary celebration. Beyond this exclusive trim, the Highlander lineup showcases versatility. Clever storage solutions and 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space make it a road trip-ready companion whether choosing the Limited, Platinum, or sport-inspired XSE.

Crank Up the Tunes

Immersive sound and connected tech create an environment designed for modern journeys.

Technology takes center stage with Toyota's latest Audio Multimedia system in either 8-inch or 12.3-inch formats. Voice-activated Intelligent Assistant responds to Hey Toyota for hands-free convenience, while Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist help keep trips stress-free. Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Wi-Fi Connect support modern connectivity, while available Integrated Streaming connects music apps directly to the vehicle. The 11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system, standard on the 25th Edition, transforms playlists into concert-quality experiences. Sprinkle on top of that a few more features like a digital rearview mirror, Head-Up Display, and panoramic camera views for even more fun and safety.

Enjoy the Ride

Comprehensive safety and long-term reliability make the anniversary model as reassuring as it is special.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard across the Highlander family, offering advanced features like Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Tracing Assist. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are standard too, ensuring confident lane changes and parking maneuvers. With eight airbags, stability-enhancing systems, and hybrid-specific Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, Highlander keeps safety at the forefront. Backing it all is ToyotaCare, which covers scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, along with roadside assistance for peace of mind. With coverage extending to the hybrid battery for up to 150,000 miles, Highlander ownership is as worry-free as it is rewarding.

Twenty-five years ago, Highlander redefined what a midsize SUV could be. Today, the 25th Edition AWD honors that legacy with exclusive styling, premium features, and hybrid efficiency, all while reminding drivers why Highlander has been the #1 retail midsize SUV for nearly a decade. With its blend of style, performance, and practicality, this celebratory model isn't just a nod to the past but a confident step into the future.

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
2025 Toyota Highlander HEV

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options. Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed $110 million to create innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company's 14 U.S. operating sites.