Top Features Families Love in the 2025 Toyota Highlander
July 25 2025,
When Gatineau families need an SUV that handles school runs, hockey practice, and weekend getaways with equal ease, the 2025 Toyota Highlander delivers. Available in nine different grades across gas and hybrid powertrains, the Highlander offers both seven and eight-passenger configurations to match your family's exact needs.
The Highlander's thoughtful design addresses real family challenges: getting three kids buckled safely, loading sports equipment without wrestling with cargo space, and keeping everyone comfortable during longer drives to visit grandparents or explore cottage country. With standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ and available features like captain's chairs and panoramic moonroofs, the Highlander makes family transportation both safer and more enjoyable.
Flexible Seating for Growing Families
The Highlander offers two distinct seating configurations to match different family needs. Eight-passenger models feature a 60/40 split folding second-row bench seat that accommodates three children or adults, making it ideal for larger families or frequent carpooling.
Seven-passenger models replace the bench with second-row captain's chairs, providing easier access to the third row and individual comfort for passengers. The captain's chairs include armrests and individual climate controls on higher trim levels, making longer trips more comfortable for older children and adults.
All models feature a 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row bench that easily accommodates adults for shorter trips or children for daily use. When extra cargo space is needed, the third row folds completely flat, creating up to 2,387 litres (84.3 cubic feet) of storage space behind the front seats.
Advanced Safety That Protects Everyone
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard on every Highlander, providing a comprehensive safety net for family driving. The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection actively monitors for potential accidents and can apply emergency braking if the driver doesn't respond to warnings.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control maintains safe following distances during highway driving, reducing fatigue on family road trips. Lane Tracing Assist helps keep the Highlander centred in its lane, particularly helpful when dealing with distractions from backseat passengers.
Key safety features across all trims include:
- Eight airbags protecting all three rows
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Backup camera with dynamic guidelines
- Toyota Star Safety System
- Tire pressure monitoring with automatic location
- Child protector rear door locks
Power Options Built for Family Life
Families can choose between efficient gas and hybrid powertrains, both designed for real-world family use. Gas models feature a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and up to 309 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. These models offer a 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) towing capacity for boats, trailers, or cargo haulers.
Highlander Hybrid models use Toyota's proven Hybrid Synergy Drive, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators for 243 total system horsepower. The hybrid achieves an impressive 6.7L/100 km fuel consumption rating (city/highway combined) while maintaining a 1,588 kg (3,500 lb) towing capacity.
All Highlander models feature intelligent all-wheel drive systems that automatically adjust power distribution based on road conditions, providing confidence during Quebec winters or summer cottage trips on gravel roads.
Technology That Keeps Families Connected
The Toyota Multimedia system integrates wirelessly with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless access to navigation, music, and messaging without requiring cables. Parents can easily switch between devices, letting kids connect their tablets for entertainment while keeping phones available for navigation.
Available JBL Premium Audio systems with up to 11 speakers ensure everyone hears their music clearly, while available dual-zone or tri-zone climate control lets family members set individual temperature preferences.
Trim level technology highlights include:
|
Feature |
XLE/LE |
XSE/Limited |
Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Display Size |
8-inch |
12.3-inch |
12.3-inch |
|
Audio System |
6 speakers |
JBL 11 speakers |
JBL 11 speakers |
|
Digital Gauge Cluster |
7-inch |
12.3-inch |
12.3-inch |
|
Wireless Charging |
Available |
Standard |
Standard |
|
Moon Roof |
Standard |
Panoramic |
Panoramic |
Practical Storage Solutions
The Highlander's interior design prioritizes family organization with strategically placed storage throughout the cabin. Front passengers have access to a large centre console, door pockets, and available wireless charging dock for phones. Second-row passengers enjoy seat-back pockets, cup holders, and available USB-C charging ports.
Even with all three rows in use, the Highlander provides dedicated storage for family essentials. Hidden compartments keep valuables secure, while the power liftgate (available with kick sensor) makes loading groceries or sports equipment easier when hands are full.
The low load floor and wide rear opening accommodate everything from strollers and hockey bags to weekly grocery runs and camping gear.
Comfort Features for Long Journeys
Long drives become more pleasant with available heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The available panoramic moonroof creates an open, airy feeling that kids particularly enjoy, while adults appreciate the added natural light.
Available leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces create a premium environment that's also practical for families. Materials are chosen for durability and easy cleaning, important considerations for busy family life.
Higher trim levels include memory settings for the driver's seat, mirrors, and steering wheel position, making it easy for parents to share driving duties on family trips.
Trim Levels That Match Family Budgets
The Highlander lineup starts with the LE Hybrid, providing exceptional value with standard safety features, Toyota Multimedia, and hybrid efficiency. Families seeking more features can step up to XLE models with enhanced comfort and convenience features.
The XSE grade adds sport-tuned suspension and unique styling for families who want a more dynamic driving experience, while Limited and Platinum grades provide luxury features like leather upholstery, premium audio, and advanced technology.
The available Nightshade Edition offers unique black exterior accents and special interior treatments for families who want their Highlander to stand out.
Why Gatineau Families Choose Highlander
Local families appreciate the Highlander's ability to handle Quebec's diverse driving conditions while providing the space and features needed for active lifestyles. Whether navigating Hull's winter streets, loading equipment for trips to Mont-Tremblant, or simply managing the daily routine of school and activities, the Highlander adapts to family life.
Ready to see how the 2025 Highlander can simplify your family's transportation needs? Visit us at Toyota Gatineau to explore the available configurations and find the perfect match for your family's lifestyle and budget.
