In the fiercely competitive world of midsize SUVs, few names carry as much weight as the Toyota Highlander. For over two decades, it has served as the default choice for families seeking reliability, safety, and resale value. However, with the introduction of the larger Grand Highlander and aggressive rivals from Korea and domestic brands, the standard Highlander faces new challenges.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander XLE aims to defend its territory by offering a “Goldilocks” solution: not too big, not too expensive, but premium enough to feel special. It targets the heart of the market, balancing essential luxury features with pragmatic durability. This review analyzes whether the 2025 XLE trim remains the smartest buy for the modern family.
Quick Specs: 2025 Toyota Highlander XLE
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 2.4-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1,700-3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (Standard) / AWD (Optional) |
| Fuel Economy | 22 City / 29 Hwy / 25 Combined (FWD) |
| Seating | 7 (Standard Captain’s Chairs) or 8 (Bench) |
| Infotainment | 8.0-inch Touchscreen with Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto |
| MSRP (Starting) | Approx. $43,470 |
A Design That Ages Gracefully
The 2025 Highlander XLE maintains the sculpted, athletic aesthetic that defined the current generation. While it doesn’t shout for attention, it projects a quiet confidence. The XLE trim distinguishes itself from the base LE with significant exterior upgrades, including 18-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, silver-painted roof rails, and a power tilt/slide moonroof that floods the cabin with natural light.
For 2025, Toyota has kept the visual changes subtle, focusing on refinement. The introduction of new color options like “Heavy Metal” adds a sophisticated, industrial sheen to the lineup. It avoids the boxy, rugged pretenses of some competitors, sticking instead to a sleek, aerodynamic profile that helps with wind noise and fuel efficiency on the highway.
Interior: The “Sweet Spot” of Comfort
The interior is where the XLE trim truly justifies its price premium over the base model. Gone is the utilitarian cloth upholstery; in its place is SofTex-trimmed seating. This synthetic leather material is a highlight for families—it mimics the soft touch of genuine leather but is significantly easier to clean and more resistant to wear and spills.
The front seats are heated, and the driver benefits from a 10-way power-adjustable seat with lumbar support. In the second row, the XLE typically comes standard with Captain’s Chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven but drastically improving comfort and third-row access. Integrated sunshades for the second-row windows are a thoughtful inclusion, protecting rear passengers from glare.
While the third row remains best suited for children, the overall cabin ergonomics are excellent. Physical buttons for climate control remain, avoiding the frustrating trend of burying essential functions in touchscreens.
Performance: Torque Over Cylinders
Under the hood, the 2025 Highlander XLE continues with the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that replaced the V6 in previous years. While some purists lament the loss of the six-cylinder, the numbers tell a different story. This turbo unit generates 310 lb-ft of torque—a significant increase over the old V6—and it delivers that power much earlier in the rev range (from 1,700 rpm).
This low-end torque translates to effortless merging and passing power. The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, avoiding the droning sensation often associated with CVT transmissions found in hybrid competitors. For those living in snowy climates, the available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system features Dynamic Torque Vectoring, which can send up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels and further distribute it between the left and right wheels for optimal traction.
Technology and Safety
Toyota continues to lead with safety. The 2025 XLE comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, a comprehensive suite that includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) is also standard on the XLE, a critical feature for a vehicle of this length.
Tech-wise, the XLE features a standard 8-inch touchscreen with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for seamless smartphone integration. A Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charger is centrally located, keeping the cabin cable-free. While a larger 12.3-inch screen is available on higher trims, the 8-inch unit is responsive and perfectly adequate for daily navigation and media tasks.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2025 Toyota Highlander XLE carries a starting MSRP of approximately $43,470 for the Front-Wheel Drive configuration. Opting for All-Wheel Drive adds roughly $1,600 to the price tag.
This pricing positions the XLE aggressively. It undercuts luxury competitors while offering a build quality that often exceeds that of domestic rivals. When factoring in Toyota’s historically high resale value and low cost of ownership, the XLE represents one of the safest financial bets in the automotive market.
Summary
The 2025 Toyota Highlander XLE does not try to be a rugged off-roader or a track-focused performance SUV. Instead, it excels at being exactly what most buyers need: a comfortable, safe, and reliable family hauler. With its torque-rich turbo engine, durable SofTex interior, and practical tech features, the XLE trim remains the definitive choice for buyers who want a premium experience without the luxury car tax. It is a masterclass in competence.