The 2026 Toyota Highlander returns with updated technology, available hybrid power and seating for up to eight passengers. Toyota continues focusing on comfort, safety and fuel efficiency for families shopping in the midsize three-row SUV segment.
What’s New for 2026 Toyota Highlander
Toyota continues offering the Highlander with both gas and hybrid powertrains for 2026 along with updated technology and driver assistance features across multiple trims. The SUV remains available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations depending on trim and powertrain selection.
Highlights include:
- Available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- Available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ standard
- Available hands-free power liftgate
- Seating for up to eight passengers
- Hybrid models with good fuel economy
Powertrains and Performance
The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers looking for better fuel economy can choose the Highlander Hybrid, which combines a 2.5-liter engine with Toyota’s hybrid system.
Front-wheel drive comes standard on select trims while all-wheel drive is available throughout much of the lineup. Toyota continues positioning the Highlander as a comfortable daily driver with enough capability for road trips and family hauling duties.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the Highlander continues emphasizing passenger comfort and cargo flexibility with available second-row captain’s chairs and three-row seating. Toyota offers multiple soft-touch interior materials and storage areas throughout the cabin aimed at family use.
Technology features include:
- Digital key capability on select trims
- Available 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Multiple USB charging ports
- Available JBL premium audio system
New Stylish Options
Toyota now offers a stylish interior with options like available leather-trimmed seating for the limited and platinum trims (the lower XLE and XSE trims come with SofTex (synthetic leather) upholstery instead of genuine leather), ambient interior lighting for the sport-oriented XSE trim (also included in the limited and platinum trims as part of their premium interior packages), and panoramic moonroofs for the top-tier platinum trim.
Fuel Economy
The 2026 Highlander gas models have a manufacturer-estimated 24 MPG combined rating. Hybrid models have a 35 MPG combined manufacturer-estimated rating.
Safety Features
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ remains standard on the 2026 Highlander lineup. The suite includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available, depending on trim level.
2026 Toyota Highlander Pricing
Starting MSRP for the 2026 Toyota Highlander lineup:
- XLE: $47,365
- XSE: $49,435
- Limited: $51,820
- Platinum: $55,020
- Hybrid XLE: $49,115
- Hybrid Limited: $53,570
- Hybrid Platinum: $56,770
Includes the destination fee of $1,495.Â
