Toyota Highlander Hybrid (XU70), rear 3/4 exterior. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a three-row midsize SUV with a 243-hp hybrid powertrain, standard all-wheel drive and an EPA rating of up to 35 mpg combined. This guide covers US trims, specs, safety, recalls and how it compares with the Grand Highlander Hybrid.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of the best-known three-row hybrid SUVs in the US. Outside North America the same vehicle is sold as the Toyota Kluger, which is why some guides mention that name. This review covers the 2025 US model: trims, powertrain, EPA ratings, safety and what to check if you buy one used.
It also compares the Highlander Hybrid with the larger Grand Highlander Hybrid If you want a smaller two-row hybrid SUV instead, see our 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid review.
What Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The Highlander Hybrid is a midsize, three-row SUV built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, Indiana. It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motor-generators for 243 net combined horsepower, and Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive is standard on every hybrid grade.
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE (XU70), front 3/4 exterior, grey. Photo: HJUdall, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Why Choose a Hybrid Three-Row SUV?
The main reason is fuel cost. The EPA rates the 2025 Highlander Hybrid AWD at 35 mpg city, 35 highway and 35 combined (35/34/35 on Limited and Platinum). The gas Highlander with its 2.4L turbo is rated at 24 to 25 mpg combined, so the hybrid uses roughly 30 percent less fuel.
The hybrid battery sits under the second-row seats, so it does not reduce passenger or cargo space.
Fuel Costs Compared
Using EPA combined ratings, a driver covering 15,000 miles a year would use about 430 gallons in the 35-mpg Highlander Hybrid and about 600 gallons in a 25-mpg gas Highlander. At the same price per gallon, that is roughly 170 fewer gallons a year. Your savings depend on local fuel prices and how much of your driving is in town, where the hybrid gains most.
Because the hybrid system recharges its battery through regenerative braking and the engine, there is nothing to plug in. You fill it with regular gasoline like any other Highlander.
Interior and Practicality
The Highlander Hybrid seats up to eight, depending on grade and second-row configuration. The third row is best for children or short trips; adults who need a usable third row should look at the Grand Highlander.
With the second and third rows folded, cargo space reaches up to 84.3 cubic feet. Higher grades add a hands-free power liftgate, which helps when loading with full hands.
Who Should Buy It?
Families who need occasional third-row seating and want about 35 mpg.
Drivers in snowy states who want all-wheel drive as standard.
Buyers who plan to keep the vehicle a long time and value the transferable hybrid battery warranty.
2025 Highlander Hybrid Trims
For 2025, the Highlander Hybrid is offered in XLE, XLE Nightshade, Limited, Limited 25th Edition and Platinum grades. Toyota’s 2025 Highlander pricing started at $39,520 for the gas LE FWD, excluding the delivery fee, and hybrid grades cost more; check Toyota’s site or a dealer for the current hybrid MSRP.
Grade
Key features
XLE
SofTex-trimmed seats, power driver seat, touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (screen size varies by package)
XLE Nightshade
XLE equipment with black exterior trim
Limited
20-inch wheels, heated and ventilated leather front seats, hands-free power liftgate, 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital cluster, 11-speaker JBL audio
Limited 25th Edition
Limited-based special edition marking 25 years of Highlander
Platinum
Top grade with the Limited equipment plus additional luxury features
Key Specs
Spec
2025 Highlander Hybrid
Powertrain
2.5L four-cylinder hybrid, two electric motor-generators
Net horsepower
243 hp
Drive
Electronic On-Demand AWD (standard)
EPA mpg
35/35/35 (XLE); 35/34/35 (Limited, Platinum)
Towing
Up to 3,500 pounds
Seating
Up to 8
Max cargo
Up to 84.3 cubic feet
Hybrid battery warranty
10 years/150,000 miles, transferable
Toyota Highlander (XU70, China version), interior / dashboard with 12.3-inch screen. Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Highlander Hybrid vs. Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander is longer, with a more usable third row and more cargo space. Its regular hybrid is EPA-rated at 36 mpg combined (FWD) or 34 (AWD), and the Hybrid MAX version trades economy for power at 27 mpg combined. The regular Highlander Hybrid is the better choice if you want a smaller footprint and the same 35-mpg range of economy.
Feature
Highlander Hybrid
Grand Highlander Hybrid
Drive
AWD standard
FWD or AWD; Hybrid MAX AWD
EPA combined
35 mpg
34-36 mpg (27 Hybrid MAX)
Third row
Tighter
Roomier
Towing
Up to 3,500 lb
Up to 3,500 lb (Hybrid), higher on Hybrid MAX
Other Toyota Hybrids to Consider
If you do not need three rows, smaller Toyota hybrids cost less and use less fuel. The 2026 RAV4 is now hybrid-only and EPA-rated at up to 43 mpg combined, and the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a smaller, cheaper option. Both are two-row SUVs, so they suit couples and small families better than buyers who regularly carry six or more people.
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control and road sign assist. NHTSA rates the 2025 Highlander Hybrid AWD 5 stars overall (4 frontal, 5 side, 4 rollover); check IIHS for its current crash-test results.
Toyota Highlander (XU70, China version), detail – cargo area with third row folded. Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Buying a Used 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid? What to Check
A 2025 Highlander Hybrid is now often bought used or as leftover stock. Here is what to check.
NHTSA recalls
25V872: the third-row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at the wrong angle (2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid).
26V128: the second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during adjustment (2021-2025).
25V744: a Panoramic View Monitor display campaign covering many 2022-2026 Toyota and Lexus models with that camera system.
The EPA lists a 2026 Highlander Hybrid AWD with the same 35-mpg rating, so the hybrid continues largely unchanged. The Highlander is still sold new.
Practical checks
Confirm the transferable 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty dates.
Check the third-row belt and second-row seat recalls, since both affect family use.
Make sure the trim matches what you are paying for: 20-inch wheels, JBL audio and the 12.3-inch screen mark Limited and Platinum.
Pros and Cons
Pros: 35 mpg combined with standard AWD, seats up to eight, transferable hybrid battery warranty, strong resale reputation.
Cons: tight third row, higher price than the gas Highlander, smaller than the Grand Highlander.
FAQs
Where is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid made?
The US Highlander Hybrid is built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, Indiana.
How does the Toyota Highlander Hybrid work?
It combines a 2.5L gas engine with two electric motor-generators for 243 net horsepower, using regenerative braking to recharge the battery. All-wheel drive is standard.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid: How long does the battery last?
Toyota covers the Highlander Hybrid battery for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the coverage transfers to later owners. Actual life varies with climate and use.
How much to replace Toyota Highlander Hybrid battery?
Replacement cost varies by dealer and parts source and can run to several thousand dollars, so check whether the 10-year/150,000-mile battery warranty still applies first.
How much does a Toyota Highlander Hybrid cost?
Toyota priced the 2025 Highlander from $39,520 for the gas LE FWD, before the delivery fee. Hybrid grades (XLE and up) cost more; check Toyota or a dealer for current hybrid pricing.
Does the 2025 Highlander Hybrid have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists three campaigns, including a third-row center seat belt anchor (25V872) and second-row seat backs that may not lock (26V128). Check your VIN.
What mpg does the 2025 Highlander Hybrid get?
The EPA rates it at 35 mpg combined with standard AWD (35/35/35 on XLE, 35/34/35 on Limited and Platinum).
Conclusion
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a strong choice for US families who want three rows, standard AWD and about 35 mpg. If you need a roomier third row, look at the Grand Highlander Hybrid; if you buy a 2025 used, check the three recalls first.
Morgan Reyes is the founder and editor-in-chief of NextCarReview, which Morgan launched in August 2024. A 2022 graduate of Columbia University, Morgan is based in New York and writes and edits the site’s reviews, comparisons and buying guides. Morgan does not road-test vehicles. Every article is built from published primary data: EPA FuelEconomy.gov ratings, NHTSA crash ratings, recalls and owner complaints, IIHS results, and manufacturer specifications and pricing, with each figure cited and checked before publication. Contact: admin@nextcarreview.com
