A Family SUV Designed for Versatility

The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE is a mid-level trim designed for versatility while maintaining an affordable price point. With three rows, standard connectivity features, and AWD, the Highlander Hybrid XLE is a versatile family SUV.  

Key Features to Know About the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine paired with an electric motor to produce 243 horsepower. You can either get FWD or electronic on-demand AWD with drive modes like Sport, Normal, Eco, Trail, and Electric. Standard connectivity features include wireless Apple/Android integration.

As one of the mid-level options in the Highlander lineup, you can expect a comfortable and well-equipped standard interior in the XLE. It doesn't have some of the luxury options reserved for the higher trims, but it still has a long list of standard safety and tech features.

What to Consider on the XLE Trim

One of the main things that stands out about the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE model is that it starts at a price point below $50,000. This includes standard seating for eight passengers, the engine mentioned above with a 3,500-pound towing capacity, and key connectivity features for a modern experience. You can expect about 35 mpg in combined fuel economy.

Another option is the Hybrid XLE Nightshade Edition. This trim also stays below $50,000 and is about $1,000 more than the regular XLE. It adds black exterior accents on items like the shark-fin antenna, rear spoiler, and roof rails. Inside, you'll find black two-tone mixed-media seats with unique badging.

More Highlander Hybrid XLE Highlights

The Highlander Hybrid XLE does a good job of giving buyers the features they want without paying a premium price. It comes with 18-inch machined alloy wheels for a modern exterior look. Inside, you'll find an eight-inch Toyota multimedia system, plus Qi-compatible wireless charging.

Safety features include a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, plus LED headlights, tail lights, and fog lights for improved visibility. All models also come with the latest Toyota Safety Sense system.

Nightshade Editions add aesthetic extras like black-painted alloy wheels, a black grille, and black accents on the exterior and interior. However, the Nightshade Edition comes standard with second-row captain's chairs, so you'll get seating for seven instead of eight

Should You Buy the Highlander Hybrid XLE or XLE Nightshade?

If you're trying to decide between the regular Hybrid XLE or the XLE Nightshade, there are some differences. The latter is more of an aesthetics package, though it does come with second-row captain's chairs. The regular XLE also offers eight choices for exterior colors, while the Nightshade Edition only offers four. As mentioned previously, the Nightshade Edition runs about $1,000 more than the regular XLE.

There are three more trims above the XLE trims, and all start at a price over $50,000. Some of the premium extras on the top trims include leather seats, larger touchscreens, and a panoramic glass roof on the very top trim. You can find out more about the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE and if it's the right Highlander model for you at Toyota South.