Toyota Highlander Celebrates 25 Years with Special Edition
Turning 25 is often seen as a milestone in adulthood, where responsibilities like getting to work on time, ensuring safety, and maintaining composure become part of everyday life. For the Toyota Highlander, these duties have been a constant for the past quarter-century, providing families with reliable transportation, safety, and a legacy of dependable performance. To commemorate the Highlander's 25 years of success, Toyota is launching a special, limited-run 25th Edition of the beloved SUV, marking a milestone in both style and capability.
A Limited-Run Tribute to a Family Favorite
Limited to just 2,500 units, the 2025 Toyota Highlander 25th Edition is a celebration of the SUV's impressive history. Built on the Hybrid Limited trim, the special edition takes luxury and performance to new heights while paying homage to its predecessors. It’s a striking example of Toyota’s dedication to blending design, technology, and functionality in an SUV that’s become synonymous with family life.
Exterior Highlights
One of the major standout features of the 25th Edition is its exclusive exterior details. Borrowing components from several Highlander trims, this model includes:
- 20-inch wheels from the XSE model, painted silver instead of the usual gloss black.
- Chrome-plated rocker trim from the Limited trim.
- Chrome-plated grille surround and silver front and rear fascias borrowed from the Platinum model.
Buyers can choose between two eye-catching colors: Wind Chill Pearl white or Heavy Metal gray (a brand-new color for the Highlander lineup). The exterior is designed to command attention, whether cruising down the highway or parked in the driveway.
Interior Refinement
Inside, Toyota has ensured that the Highlander 25th Edition stands apart with an exclusive color scheme and premium materials. The cabin is adorned with Portobello leather, a rich brown hue available only on this model, giving the interior a sophisticated yet comfortable feel. From the moment passengers step inside, they’ll notice the special touches that set this edition apart, including:
- 25th Edition branding projected by the puddle lamps.
- Unique badging on the front headrests.
- Illuminated door sills, carpeted floor mats, rubber cargo liner, and even the key glove all sport the 25th Edition logo.
With seating for seven, the interior maintains the spacious and family-friendly design that the Highlander is known for, while adding a layer of exclusivity and luxury.
Performance and Efficiency
The Highlander 25th Edition doesn’t just look good—it also packs impressive performance thanks to its hybrid powertrain. Under the hood, it’s equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine paired with three permanent-magnet motors, delivering a total of 243 horsepower. What makes this powertrain even more appealing is its fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. This hybrid system now comes standard with all-wheel drive, ensuring a smooth and confident ride in all conditions.
Technology and Features
Toyota has packed the 25th Edition Highlander with high-end technology and premium features, making it a true standout in the SUV segment. These include:
- A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that provides vital driving information in a sleek and modern display.
- A 12.3-inch infotainment screen, perfect for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings.
- A premium 11-speaker JBL audio system that delivers high-quality sound throughout the cabin.
- A 360-degree camera system, which is an optional upgrade on the standard Limited trim, comes standard in the 25th Edition, offering a bird’s-eye view to aid in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
A Legacy of Innovation
The Toyota Highlander’s journey began 25 years ago at the 2000 New York Auto Show, where it debuted as Toyota’s first unibody SUV. At a time when body-on-frame SUVs like the Ford Explorer were still the norm, the Highlander’s carlike architecture, shared with the Camry sedan, helped usher in a new era of family vehicles. Its smooth ride, enhanced handling, and practical design immediately set it apart. Over the years, the Highlander has grown in popularity, with over 3.6 million units sold in the U.S. alone. Its ability to evolve with the needs of drivers and families has kept it at the forefront of the midsize SUV market.
Arrival and Pricing
The 2025 Toyota Highlander 25th Edition is set to arrive at dealerships in November 2024, and while official pricing hasn’t been announced, it’s expected to fall between the Hybrid Limited and Platinum trims—likely just over $50,000. This price point reflects the Highlander’s combination of premium features, hybrid efficiency, and limited-edition exclusivity, making it an excellent choice for buyers who want something truly special.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander 25th Edition is more than just a celebration of 25 years of success—it’s a testament to Toyota’s commitment to building reliable, family-friendly vehicles that blend performance, technology, and style. With its exclusive features, limited availability, and a legacy that spans generations, this special edition is set to be a collector’s item and a favorite among discerning buyers who appreciate both the past and the future of the Toyota Highlander. Whether you’ve been a Highlander fan for years or are just discovering the model, the 25th Edition is an SUV that delivers on all fronts.
