2025 Toyota Highlander: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
Among 201 mid-range SUVs, the 2025 Toyota Highlander scores well across safety, fuel cost, and reliability. NHTSA has 3 recall campaigns on file, more than the 1.7 average for SUVs.
- Starting MSRP
- $40,320 - $52,725
- EPA Combined MPG
- 24-25 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,400 - $2,500 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 5 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 3 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $1,000 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 5 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,332 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.84
- Brand Origin
- Japan
Priced from $40,320 to $52,725, the 2025 Toyota Highlander is one of 201 mid-range SUVs. Safety ratings, recall history, and ownership costs are all covered below.
- Avg repair cost $249 per year below SUV average
- Fuel cost $292 per year above mid-range SUVs average
- 3 recalls on file (above SUV average of 1.7)
2025 Toyota Highlander at a Glance
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2025 Toyota Highlander are an above-average RepairPal reliability rating and high published crash-test results, with lower estimated fuel cost. The main caution is that the recall history is not a standout.
- reliability
- safety
- fuel cost
Strengths in the data
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.5/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2025 →
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2025 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $2,400. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2025 →
Cautions in the data
- There are 3 recalls on file, above the current SUVs average. Zero-recall cars 2025 →
- AAA estimates $13,584 per year in non-fuel costs for the Medium SUV class: insurance $1,873, maintenance $1,817, depreciation $5,074. These are class averages, not specific to this model.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander earned the highest possible 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Among SUVs, 82% have earned this top score. Ratings are based on frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance tests on production vehicles. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 16.4%
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Crash Imminent Braking | Standard |
| Dynamic Brake Support | Standard |
NHTSA uses a five-star scale. IIHS rates individual crash types with Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. Looking at both tells you more than either one alone.
How Did the 2025 Toyota Highlander Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2025 Toyota Highlander but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. A vehicle can still perform well in most categories without earning the overall award. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | M Marginal |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G Good |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize SUVs
Crash tests show how a vehicle handles impacts in a lab. The recall record shows what has gone wrong after thousands of 2025 Toyota Highlanders have been driven on real roads.
Does the 2025 Toyota Highlander Have Any Recalls?
With 3 recall campaigns on file, the 2025 Toyota Highlander exceeds the 1.7 average for SUVs. Affected components include BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE. Note that more recalls can indicate more proactive defect identification. All recall repairs are free. Source: NHTSA.
3 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.
Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
Most recent: December 2025
Units affected: 123,158,328
What Do 2025 Toyota Highlander Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 5 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Toyota Highlander. This is below the average of 32 complaints for 2025 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
1 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-01-21
Most-reported problem areas
- Engine1
- Brakes1
- Restraints1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Families drive more miles and make more trips. That makes fuel economy one of the biggest factors in the real cost of owning the 2025 Toyota Highlander.
What Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander achieves up to 25 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400. That is $292 more per year than the $2,108 average for mid-range SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 24 to 25 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE FWD GAS | 25 MPG | 22 | 29 | $2,400 per year |
| LE AWD GAS | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $2,500 per year |
| XLE FWD GAS | 25 MPG | 22 | 29 | $2,400 per year |
| XLE AWD GAS | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $2,500 per year |
| XSE AWD GAS | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $2,500 per year |
| Limited FWD GAS | 25 MPG | 22 | 29 | $2,400 per year |
| Limited AWD GAS | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $2,500 per year |
| Platinum AWD GAS | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $2,500 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $12,000 to $12,500 depending on trim.
A family vehicle racks up miles fast. That means the hidden costs, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, matter as much as what you pay at the pump. AAA estimates them below.
What Does the 2025 Toyota Highlander Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2025 Toyota Highlander ranges from $92,890 to $129,645 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,817 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873 per year |
| Depreciation | $5,074 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $862 per year |
| Financing | $1,815 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.84 per mile |
Families often prioritize safety features and cargo space over horsepower. The trim table below shows how those factors vary across the 2025 Toyota Highlander lineup.
How Do the 2025 Toyota Highlander Trims Compare?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is available in 8 trims, with base prices ranging from $40,320 to $52,725. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. The table below compares key specifications and costs across all available trims. Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and do not include destination charges, dealer fees, taxes, or incentives.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE FWD GAS | $40,320 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | FWD | 4,155 lbs | $92,890 |
| LE AWD GAS | $41,920 | 24 MPG | $2,500 per year | AWD | 4,332 lbs | $118,840 |
| XLE FWD GAS | $43,470 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | FWD | 4,199 lbs | $120,390 |
| XLE AWD GAS | $45,070 | 24 MPG | $2,500 per year | AWD | 4,376 lbs | $121,990 |
| XSE AWD GAS | $47,140 | 24 MPG | $2,500 per year | AWD | 4,420 lbs | $124,060 |
| Limited FWD GAS | $47,575 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | FWD | 4,265 lbs | $100,145 |
| Limited AWD GAS | $49,525 | 24 MPG | $2,500 per year | AWD | 4,453 lbs | $126,445 |
| Platinum AWD GAS | $52,725 | 24 MPG | $2,500 per year | AWD | 4,453 lbs | $129,645 |
The Toyota Highlander lineup has contracted from 10 trims in 2024 to 8 trims in 2025. The entry price has increased $1,050 since 2024.
Trims no longer available
last available 2024
- XSE FWD GAS
- Platinum FWD GAS
Price changes since 2024
- XSE AWD GAS $45,965 (2024) → $47,140 (2025) +$1,175
- LE FWD GAS $39,270 (2024) → $40,320 (2025) +$1,050
- LE AWD GAS $40,870 (2024) → $41,920 (2025) +$1,050
- XLE FWD GAS $42,420 (2024) → $43,470 (2025) +$1,050
- XLE AWD GAS $44,020 (2024) → $45,070 (2025) +$1,050
- Limited FWD GAS $46,525 (2024) → $47,575 (2025) +$1,050
- Limited AWD GAS $48,475 (2024) → $49,525 (2025) +$1,050
- Platinum AWD GAS $51,675 (2024) → $52,725 (2025) +$1,050
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE FWD GAS | $39,270 25 MPG | $40,320 25 MPG | — |
| LE AWD GAS | $40,870 24 MPG | $41,920 24 MPG | — |
| XLE FWD GAS | $42,420 25 MPG | $43,470 25 MPG | — |
| XSE FWD GAS | $44,015 25 MPG | — | — |
| XLE AWD GAS | $44,020 24 MPG | $45,070 24 MPG | — |
| XSE AWD GAS | $45,965 24 MPG | $47,140 24 MPG | — |
| Limited FWD GAS | $46,525 25 MPG | $47,575 25 MPG | — |
| Limited AWD GAS | $48,475 24 MPG | $49,525 24 MPG | — |
| Platinum FWD GAS | $49,725 25 MPG | — | — |
| Platinum AWD GAS | $51,675 24 MPG | $52,725 24 MPG | — |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Picking a trim covers the upfront decision. The next question is what happens after year one. RepairPal tracks how often this model needs repairs and what they cost.
How Reliable Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
RepairPal rates the 2025 Toyota Highlander at 4.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, above average for mid-range SUVs. This means lower expected repair frequency and cost compared to similar vehicles. Source: RepairPal.
RepairPal rates what repairs cost out of pocket. The warranty determines what Toyota covers at no cost. Here are the published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2025 Toyota Highlander Come With?
The warranty terms below reflect Toyota's published coverage for the 2025 Highlander. All trims share the same warranty. Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 2yr/25k |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2yr/25k |
What Are the 2025 Toyota Highlander Specs?
The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2025 Toyota Highlander. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size crossover SUV
| Engine | 2.4L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 265 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 119.0 - 127.6 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $152 - $199 |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 17.9 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 447 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 194.9 - 197.4 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 76.0 in |
| Height | 68.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,155 - 4,453 lbs |
What Changed for the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
All data shown for the 2025 Toyota Highlander comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. The safety and reliability data above is especially relevant for a vehicle your family depends on. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2025 Toyota Highlander FAQ
Which 2025 Toyota Highlander trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 8 available trims, the LE FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $92,890, starting at $40,320 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $129,645. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
In the suv segment, the closest alternatives to the 2025 Toyota Highlander are 2025 Honda Pilot (starting at $40,200, 5-star NHTSA, 21-22 MPG); and 2025 Mazda CX-70 (starting at $40,445, 5-star NHTSA, 25 MPG / 25 MPG (Plug-In Hybrid)); and 2025 Nissan Murano (starting at $40,470, 5-star NHTSA, 23 MPG). Each page on this site covers the same data sources so you can compare directly. Browse all 2025 SUVs.
What changed on the 2025 Toyota Highlander from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 2 trims were dropped and the entry price increased by $1,050 for the Toyota Highlander lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2025 Toyota Highlander cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2025 Toyota Highlander include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $200 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,332 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Toyota based?
Toyota is a Japan-based automaker. The 2025 Toyota Highlander may be assembled in a different country than where Toyota is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our Japan-brand cars 2025 list.
What other Toyota models are available for 2025?
Each 2025 Toyota model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Toyota models page for the full lineup.
What is the 2025 Toyota Highlander safety rating?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 3 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.