I recently went to a Toyota showroom to see the 2025 Toyota Highlander 25th Anniversary Edition. This specific model holds a unique place in Toyota’s history and celebrates the 25 years the Highlander has been in production. The Highlander, which made its debut with the second generation in the mid-2000s, was not only Toyota’s first unibody SUV but also its first hybrid SUV.

For this 25th Anniversary Edition, Toyota is limiting production to just 2,500 units. It comes in two stunning color options: Heavy Metal Gray, which debuted on the GR Corolla, or Wind Chill Pearl.

The model also features sleek 20-inch wheels painted in a silver-gray finish with a clean, modern design.

Exterior Highlights

The 25th Anniversary Edition borrows some features from the Platinum grade, even though it’s based on the Limited trim. You’ll notice the silver-painted lower door trim and front and rear bumper accents, giving it a premium feel.

Unique 25th Edition badges are placed throughout the vehicle. Open the tailgate, and you’ll see one on the trunk mat. They’re also scattered across the Highlander to add an exclusive touch.

Interior Details

The interior is where the 25th Edition really shines. Badges are embossed on the door sills, headrests, and even the key sleeve. When you turn the vehicle off, the puddle lamps under the side mirrors project a “25th Edition” logo onto the ground—a very cool touch.

Toyota has given this model a unique interior finish called Porto Bello, which looks fantastic. The Highlander received an interior refresh back in 2023, and it’s clear that Toyota prioritized ergonomic improvements. To improve the user experience overall, they rearranged some of the controls and relocated the wireless charging pad from the central console.

With superb fit, finish, and materials, the interior quality is nearly Lexus-like. I can state with confidence that the 2021 Highlander is among the most fuel-efficient and useful SUVs for daily usage after using it for a while as a family car and daily driver.

Powertrain Hybrid

The 25th Edition has a 2.5L hybrid drivetrain and is exclusively offered as a hybrid. This combines comfort and efficiency, making it an environmentally beneficial option for families.

Cost and Usefulness

The starting price of the 2025 Toyota Highlander 25th Edition is $54,130. It’s a fitting tribute to the Highlander’s legacy as a reliable and versatile family SUV. Unlike Toyota’s body-on-frame SUVs, the Highlander’s unibody design allows for better interior packaging, providing more space in the third row.

Of course, the Grand Highlander now offers even more room for larger families. But for most people, the third row in the standard Highlander is sufficient. I’m 6 feet tall, and with the captain’s chairs in this model, I found the space adequate for short trips.

Toyota’s thoughtful details—like seat belt keepers to prevent rattling—add to the overall experience. And let’s not forget how striking the Heavy Metal Gray color looks on this edition.

The 2025 Toyota Highlander 25th Edition, a head-turner that combines elements of a practical family hauler and an anniversary celebration. This Highlander knows how to make an impression, whether it’s through its distinctive emblems, the Porto Bello interior (nice name, huh?), or simply the fact that it’s a hybrid sipping fuel like a tea connoisseur at a tasting.

Yes, it costs $54K, but let’s be honest: when you drive this limited edition, you’re driving a collector’s item rather than just an SUV. Hey, the new black is Heavy Metal Gray.