2026 Toyota Highlander

• 2026 Toyota Highlander goes AWD-only, removing front-wheel drive and starting around $46,800—about $5,000 higher than the old base price.

• Bold platform enhancements include a high-torque 2.4L turbo engine and an efficient hybrid system offering 35 combined MPG and 3,500-lb towing.

• The interior gets a modern touch—three-zone climate control, wireless charging, and 7- or 8-passenger flexibility make it a smart everyday choice.

Subtle Design, Sharper Attitude

When you first glance at the 2026 Toyota Highlander, what stands out most is its posture. It sits a bit more planted than before, helped by the absence of entry-level front-wheel-drive models. The wheel arches fill tightly around new wheel designs, lending a more confident stance—like a car subtly asserting better control without shouting about it.

From the side, the proportions feel familiar. A three-row midsize SUV silhouette hasn’t changed much, but the front end gets a sharper cut. The facelifted grille is reshaped with tighter angles and more focused lighting elements. There's something measured in the update—no bold reinvention, just intention at rest.

Under the Hood: Efficient Power

2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, putting out 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with Toyota’s well-known Electronic On-Demand AWD.

The Highlander Hybrid brings a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine combined with dual electric motor generators. It makes 243 net horsepower, returns an efficient 35 MPG combined, and treats weekend hauls without skipping a beat. The hybrid trims are all AWD and rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds—not sports car numbers, but generous for a family SUV.

Under the second-row seat is the hybrid battery—out of the way and preserving interior space. There’s a thoughtful efficiency there: hybrid finesse without cabin trade-offs.

Interior: Modern, Practical, and Flexible

Inside, the 2026 Highlander takes cues from more modern Toyota cabins. There’s three-zone automatic climate control, a center stack hosting either an 8-inch or an available 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—standards set low now, but welcome still.

Seating flexibility remains: XLE and Limited trims can lower the second row into a bench for eight seats, while captain’s chairs hold firm on higher levels. Regardless, those behind the wheel will appreciate thoughtful storage—Qi wireless charging, USB ports up front, and an airy cabin feel.

In a Crowded Field

The Highlander has always sat between rugged SUVs and those oriented toward comfort. Now, with AWD standard and hybrid efficiency, it tries harder to be a reliable companion that handles well in all seasons. Versus rivals—Ford Explorer, Honda Passport—the Highlander’s updates feel more practical than flashy. It’s not chasing performance headlines, but subtly reinforcing its everyday appeal.

Technical Specification

Performance (hp and kW)

• Turbocharged 2.4 L inline-4 engine: 265 hp (~198 kW) and 310 lb-ft (~420 Nm) of torque
• Hybrid AWD system (2.5 L engine with electric motor): 243 hp (~181 kW) net output

Body Measurements (dimensions)

• Exact measurements specific to 2026 Highlander are not separately listed; comparable to prior-generation Highlander (mid-size three-row SUV).

Powertrain & Drivetrain

• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is now standard across all trims; no front-wheel-drive option

Capacities & Features

• Seating: Three-row configuration standard; XLE and Limited trims offer optional second-row bench to increase capacity to eight passengers
• Fuel Economy (Manufacturer Estimates):
• Gas models: ~24 mpg combined
• Hybrid models: ~35 mpg combined

Price (U.S. Market)

• Highlander XLE AWD (gas): $46,765 MSRP
• Highlander Platinum AWD (gas): $54,420
• Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD: $48,515
• Hybrid Platinum AWD: $56,170

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