While no one was looking, the Toyota Highlander had its 25th birthday, originally showing up in the calendar year 2000 as a 2001 model – causing the sort of mathematics chicanery in which us mere mortals would actually identify the thing as being twenty-three years old, not twenty-five. Anyway.
But 25 full model years it is, appearing for this annum with a prerequisite anniversary edition to mark the occasion. As is typical for these types of efforts, changes are relegated to appearance items like brightwork on select exterior surfaces, its own snazzy puddle lamps, Portobello-hued leather upholstery with 25th anniversary logos, plus a raft of special badging on the exterior. The trim is built on a Limited HEV grade model, meaning it will have twin 12.3-inch screens and a JBL-branded premium audio system in addition to three-zone climate control and a recent variant of Toyota Safety Sense suite of driving helpers.
This hybrid utilizes a 2.5L gasser with a couple of electric motor-generators to make 243 horsepower and, more importantly in this segment, return approximately 35 miles per gallon. It can also tow 3,500 pounds – enough for a utility trailer laden with an ATV or lawn tractor, or maybe even a lightweight camper – but don’t expect 35 MPG whilst doing so.
Those of you who were around at the time will recall the 2001 Highlander was a big deal, underpinned by the unibody Camry platform which set it apart from more agricultural competitors. More importantly, it gave sales staff something in which to stuff customers who had outgrown a RAV4, people who instantly felt at home with the ’01 Highlander interior design and familiar feel.
At present, the 2024 Highlander starts with an LE trim for $39,270 – which Toyota says will rise to $39,520 for this new model year. The range blows through nearly a dozen other trims before topping out at the Platinum HEV which commands $51,425. This 25th anniversary model will probably slot in right at 50 grand. Toyota says its 2025 Highlander lineup is expected to start arriving at American Toyota dealerships in November.
[Images: Toyota]
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