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The 2025 Toyota Highlander continues its reign as one of the top-selling three-row SUVs, blending spaciousness, performance, and family-friendly versatility. Loved by families in Modesto, Fresno, and Madera, it remains a go-to choice for its reliability, premium features, and practicality. With seating for up to eight passengers and an impressive 98 cubic feet of cargo space when the third row is folded flat, the 2025 Toyota Highlander offers plenty of room for everything from grocery hauls to weekend getaways. Inside, staying connected is effortless, thanks to five USB charging ports, Wi-Fi connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, all standard across the lineup. Whether you opt for the gasoline-powered model or better gas mileage with the fuel-efficient hybrid variant, the Highlander delivers a smooth, balanced ride paired with strong performance. The hybrid trims now feature all-wheel drive as standard, adding more confidence on the road without sacrificing efficiency. With five gasoline trims and five hybrid trims, there’s a Highlander for everyone. But how does the 2025 Toyota Highlander stand up against another worthy competitor in the three-row SUV market, the 2025 Honda Pilot? At Merced Toyota, we’re here to help you explore the differences between these two popular SUVs, including engine specs, gas mileage ratings, size, and interior highlights. We hope that by the end of this review, you will agree with Merced Toyota that the Highlander has a leg up over the 2025 Honda Pilot!
Now available at Merced Toyota, the 2025 Toyota Highlander strikes an impressive balance of power, efficiency, and smooth performance, making it an ideal choice for families on the go. Under the hood, the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque, paired seamlessly with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provides strong acceleration and reliable passing power, whether you’re merging onto the highway or navigating city streets. For those prioritizing fuel savings without sacrificing capability, the Highlander Hybrid blends a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 243 horsepower and utilizes a continuously variable automatic transmission for smooth, efficient driving. The hybrid AWD system features an electric motor dedicated to the rear wheels, enhancing traction when you need it most. Fuel efficiency ratings are impressive on all fronts for the Highlander: the traditional gas-powered front-wheel drive Highlander sits at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel drive Highlander hybrid achieves 35 mpg combined!Though the 2025 Honda Pilot does provide a stronger base engine with a 285 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, this pales in comparison to the two powertrain options of the Highlander, and the optimal fuel economy – the Honda Pilot gets an average of 22 mpg combined with AWD. The 2025 Honda Pilot also does not have a hybrid option.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander boasts a modern, spacious, and family-focused interior, loaded with smart features and user-friendly technology to keep everyone comfortable and connected. Five standard USB ports ensure all passengers can charge their devices on the go, while an optional 120V household outlet adds extra convenience — perfect for powering laptops, game consoles, or other small electronics on long road trips. The Highlander’s versatile seating shines, with a sliding and reclining second row for enhanced comfort. Even the third row reclines, offering added flexibility for passengers or extra cargo space when needed. Speaking of cargo, the 2025 Toyota Highlander leads its class with 20.6 cubic feet of storage behind the third row. Fold down both rows, and you’ll unlock a massive 97.5 cubic feet of space. Technology is just as impressive. Most trims come with a bright, responsive 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims elevate the experience with a stunning 12.3-inch display. For audiophiles, the available JBL premium audio system delivers 11 speakers and 1,200 watts of rich, concert-quality sound.
When compared to the 2025 Honda Pilot, the 2025 Highlander wins on every level. The Highlander boasts nearly 11 extra cubic feet of storage than the Pilot, offers bigger infotainment screens, and has more USB ports available for charging devices.
In an effort to make sure there is a 2025 Toyota Highlander for every family in Modesto, Fresno, and Madera, there are 10 trims to choose from!! This far outpaces the six offerings of the 2025 Honda Pilot. Whether you prioritize affordability, luxury, sporty style, or hybrid efficiency, there’s a Highlander built for you. Let’s break down the trims.
LE Trim (Gas)
The base LE trim offers an impressive mix of comfort, convenience and technology with features like heated and power-adjustable side mirrors, fully automatic LED lights, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a height-adjustable power liftgate, and tri-zone automatic climate control. You will also enjoy the tech highlights, which include an 8-inch touchscreen, six-speaker stereo system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
XLE (Gas and Hybrid)
The XLE trim steps up with more luxury and convenience features like a sunroof and roof rails, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, and the option to get built-in navigation.
XSE (Gas Only)
Go sporty with the Highlander XSE trim, which injects athletic styling and handling. You will love the aggressive front fascia with a larger air intake, 20-inch wheels, bold headlights, a sport-tuned suspension, tighter steering and a rear anti-roll bar. Enjoy a performance-inspired cabin with a red-and-black interior theme, and take in the upgraded 12.3-inch center infotainment touchscreen.
Limited (Gas and Hybrid)
The Limited trims deliver standout upgrades like front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium 11-speaker JBL audio system. Keep everyone in sync on longer drives with the In-Car intercom system.
Nightshade Edition (Hybrid Only)
We love the edgy style of the Hybrid Nightshade Edition, which sports 18-inch black five-spoke wheels, blacked-out exterior accents, heated front seats, a power tilt moonroof, a hands-free power liftgate, a wireless charger, and second-row sunshades.
Platinum (Gas and Hybrid)
At the top of the lineup , the Platinum trims offer all the bells and whistles with adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, and heated second-row captain’s seats.
Hybrid 25th Anniversary
New for 2025, this special-edition hybrid builds up the Hybrid Limited with exclusive silver exterior accents, special badging, and unique interior trim.
With a skilled and knowledgeable staff who hold many years of experience between them, Merced Toyota is confident that we can help you choose the 2025 Toyota Highlander of your dreams! We know you will be satisfied with any 2025 Toyota Highlander you choose, and your goal to be more eco-friendly will be achieved with the five trims of the hybrid lineup! Our staff here at Merced Toyota can show you the details that define each model as a stellar possibility! Everyone who walks into Merced Toyota is impressed with our shining customer service, just ask any of our customers in the surrounding areas of Modesto, Fresno, and Madera. We offer expert advice for those needing financial assistance, and are here to answer any questions you may have about any car in our inventory, including the 2025 Toyota Highlander! So come on down to Merced Toyota of Modesto, where the Highlander is for sale, and test drive one today!
