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Thanks to a new entry-level LE trim, the Grand Highlander is more affordable than ever before
November 4, 2024 at 18:15
- Toyota has introduced the 2025 Grand Highlander, which offers a new LE trim as well as a Hybrid Nightshade.
- The Grand Highlander LE starts at $40,860 and comes equipped with eight-seats, a power liftgate, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system.
- Customers looking for a blacked out appearance will need to fork over $52,610 for the Grand Highlander Hybrid Nightshade.
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 $40,860 before a $1,450 destination fee.
That’s a considerable savings as the 2024 lineup began with the $43,320 Grand Highlander XLE. Of course, there were a few tradeoffs to cut the price by $2,460.
Review: The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Is A Jack Of All Trades, Master Of Some
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 (198 kW / 269 PS) and 310 lb-ft (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 $1,600.
Customers can also get a hybrid variant, which begins at $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 (183 kW / 248 PS), 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 $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 $310, while the Limited is up $250. Likewise, the range-topping mouthful known as the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum AWD starts at $58,775 which is an increase of $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.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Pricing