I’m looking at the 2025 Highlander Hybrid Limited or Platinum, but they are really hard to find. Should I wait until 2026? I’ve heard rumors about a major redesign for 2026, but I’m not sure if that’s accurate.
As a general rule, I would avoid getting a first-year car or truck. I’m not sure what changes they might make.
Shannon said:
As a general rule, I would avoid getting a first-year car or truck. I’m not sure what changes they might make.
^ Always wait for at least the second year of a new generation so the smaller issues get worked out. First years tend to have a lot of warranty issues, and Toyota is no exception.
@Zyler
I’ve learned this lesson three times. Please take this advice!
Shannon said:
As a general rule, I would avoid getting a first-year car or truck. I’m not sure what changes they might make.
I have a 2020 model. No problems at all. It drives like new even four years later.
Ask the dealer what they have coming in. Pick the one you like and put a $500 deposit on it to hold it when it arrives. If you change your mind, you should get your deposit back. Good luck!
Zaid said:
Ask the dealer what they have coming in. Pick the one you like and put a $500 deposit on it to hold it when it arrives. If you change your mind, you should get your deposit back. Good luck!
Do you need to negotiate the price before it arrives?
@Jason
No, you don’t.
We have a 2015 Highlander, the first year of the new design. Not a single issue in over 100k miles; it’s still a reliable workhorse. At the end of the day, it’s a Toyota.
YukiJane said:
We have a 2015 Highlander, the first year of the new design. Not a single issue in over 100k miles; it’s still a reliable workhorse. At the end of the day, it’s a Toyota.
2014 was the first year of that design, so your 2015 is actually the second year.
@Kit
Yes, you’re right. We have a 2014, lol.
I saw a preview of the 2026 model. The front looks like it combined with a Cybertruck.
I heard from a Toyota dealer that 2025 might be the last year for the Highlander. No one else has confirmed that. But you have to wonder if they will just rename the Grand Highlander the Highlander in 2026. It can be tricky to jump in on a redesign.
@Soren
That’s not likely, as far as the name change goes. I can’t say much since Toyota monitors this forum.
CYNTIAH said:
@Soren
That’s not likely, as far as the name change goes. I can’t say much since Toyota monitors this forum.
Hopefully, they are keeping an eye on my comment! I think the Highlander should go all electric, there’s no need for silly names like bz5X.
@EDAH
I believe the Highlander needs to be a larger two-row SUV with great cargo space and second-row legroom. If you have the Grand Highlander, there’s no need for a third row in the regular Highlander, especially since the Grand Highlander is $1k cheaper when comparing base models.
@CYNTIAH
Yeah, Toyota has a lot of SUVs. I agree, no need for a third row unless it has a different drivetrain. I’d prefer an all-electric car. It’s already hard to distinguish between their lineup with the Corolla Cross, RAV4, and Crown Signia for two-row options. I think you envision it being a bit larger than those three, but I’d like the third row option for occasional use. Otherwise, it seems similar to the Mazda CX-70/CX-90, which I’m surprised got the green light for two different models.
@EDAH
I suspect the Highlander won’t go fully electric unless Toyota has battery tech that significantly increases range while reducing charge time. The issue will be cost and availability based on that cost. If they can achieve 500-530 miles of range on one charge while keeping the price similar to the current Highlander, that would be a game changer, and demand would be huge.
@CYNTIAH
I don’t think a 500-mile range is coming soon at the Highlander’s price point. I’d be happy with a 350-mile range and decent charging speeds. The reality is it’s a family hauler, and we might get over 100 miles at a time if we’re lucky, but over 200 miles is nearly impossible, so a huge battery size isn’t needed if reasonable infrastructure is available. I’m just curious if they really want another model for this. I know it’s been delayed, but battery factories are getting up and running, so I hope it doesn’t get scrapped completely. I want at least a PHEV with a third-row option, or I might just get a used Highlander Hybrid to last a few more years while the technology improves.
@EDAH
If that vehicle mentioned has solid-state batteries, that could boost range due to battery density. The concern would then be charging. Honestly, if Toyota really wanted to make an impact, they could sell the car at the same price point or with a small increase for the battery tech and make up the difference in volume. Since the Sienna, Highlander, and Grand Highlander are built at the same location (different plants, I know), they could really profit if they solve the charging issue. There’s more to the Highlander than people realize, but I’ll leave it at that. And for the third-row PHEV, they have the Lexus TX for that; it’s a PHEV with a 3.5L V6.