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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $52,200–$66,446 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2025 Toyota Highlander SL at 8.1/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Performance at 7.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.9/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.9/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.1/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.0/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $52,200–$66,446, 25 MPG, seating 7, the Toyota Highlander SL sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The 7.4/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Our take: The 2025 Toyota Highlander SL is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2025 Toyota Highlander SL ranks #84 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 97% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.7 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $52,200 starting price is about 45% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2022 Toyota Highlander SL scores 7.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 8.1 — and starts roughly $4,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $52,200 | |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $50,680 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.0/10 | $49,159 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.9/10 | $47,638 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.9/10 | $46,118 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.9/10 | $44,597 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.8/10 | $43,078 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.8/10 | $41,557 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $40,037 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.7/10 | $38,516 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.6/10 | $36,996 | Read review → |
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
