Toyota adds two new trims to the Grand Highlander line-up, a new base LE and the distinctively styled Nightshade Edition, which only comes as an AWD hybrid.
Just last year, we saw a brand new, larger, three-row crossover SUV the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. Just one model year later, we already have two new trims of Grand Highlander to see. A new, base, LE trim and a mid-range, hybrid-only, Nightshade Edition. These come in addition to the XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims that Toyota introduced as part of the inaugural Grand Highlander.
WHAT COMES WITH THE LE?
The LE trim serves as the entry point into Grand Highlander. And it comes in a variety of engine and drivetrain combinations. The least expensive version comes with front-wheel-drive, and the non-hybrid, turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder engine, the same one in the current Highlander. It makes 265 HP and 310 lb.-ft of torque. Toyota also offers this engine with all-wheel-drive for an extra $1600.
Or instead pay an additional $3350 and get all-wheel-drive and the 2.5-liter hybrid engine. With it, you get 245 HP and an undisclosed amount of torque, but I bet it’s at least 245 lb.-ft. Less power, certainly, but impressive fuel economy: 36 mpg in the city, 32 on the highway, 34 combined. That handily beats the 21/27/23 mpg (city/hwy/cmb) of the all-wheel-drive turbocharged 2.4-liter equipped Grand Highlander LE.
Aside from powertrain, the LE Grand Highlander seats eight people and includes a fair amount of equipment. A power lift gate is standard, for example, as is a three-zone climate control system, 7 usb ports, and a flurry of cupholders inside. Moreover, the driver gets a power adjusting seat and both front passengers use a 12.3-inch center display. Though the instrument cluster is still analog, with a 7-in screen in between.
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE with front-wheel-drive and the turbo motor starts at $42,310, if you include the $1450 destination charge. That’s $2770 less than the equivalent XLE.
What about the NIGHTSHADE EDITION?
On the other hand, Toyota builds the new Nightshade Edition from a Limited Grand Highlander. It includes 20-in wheels as well as black door handles, badges, sideview mirror covers, and rear spoiler. You choose between three colors: Midnight Black Metallic, Wind Chill Pearl, and Cement. Or, Black, White, and Grey.
Inside, the Nightshade Edition get leather seats, that are also heated and ventilated in front. The second-row seats are heated as well as is the steering wheel. Unlike the LE, in addition to the 12.3-in center display, you also get a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 11-speaker JBL sound system to listen to. Finally, the Nightshade Edition adds ambient lighting to the mix.
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade Edition starts at $54,060 including the destination charge, making it the most expensive, non-hybrid MAX Grand Highlander available.
The hybrid MAX is the most powerful of the three engines offered, only available in AWD, and offered in Limited and Platinum trims. These cost $56,140 and $60,225, respectively. Hybrid MAX uses the turbo 2.4-liter combined with hybrid tech to deliver 362 Hp and 400 lb.-ft.
PRICING
Toyota did make a few changes to the entire 2025 Grand Highlander line-up, mainly moving color options around and a few other tweaks. Toyota also released pricing, see the full list below:
| Configuration | Price | Price +Dest |
| LE FWD | $40,860 | $42,310 |
| LE AWD | $42,460 | $43,910 |
| XLE FWD | $43,630 | $45,080 |
| XLE AWD | $45,230 | $46,680 |
| Limited FWD | $48,360 | $49,810 |
| Limited AWD | $49,960 | $51,410 |
| Platinum AWD | $54,045 | $55,495 |
| Hybrid LE AWD | $44,210 | $45,660 |
| Hybrid XLE FWD | $45,380 | $46,830 |
| Hybrid XLE AWD | $46,980 | $48,430 |
| Hybrid Limited AWD | $51,710 | $53,160 |
| Hybrid Nightshade AWD | $52,610 | $54,060 |
| Hybrid MAX Limited AWD | $54,690 | $56,140 |
| Hybrid MAX Platinum AWD | $58,775 | $60,225 |
It’s a very modest increase from 2024 model year, which is nice to see.
The Grand Highlander filled a gap in Toyota’s SUV lineup in between the standard highlander and the massive, truck-based Seqouia. Adding two new trims is a clear sign the SUV is doing well. And for good reason, I find the Grand Highlander spacious, comfortable, and easy to use. It’s good to see Toyota added a more affordable version to make it obtainable for more families.
And I look forward to getting a chance to review the Nightshade Edition as soon as I can.
