2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Gets New Tech, Trim Updates and More Family Features

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May 28, 2026
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The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander returns with updated technology, multiple hybrid powertrain options and the spacious three-row seating that families continue to demand. Toyota keeps the focus on comfort, cargo space and everyday practicality for the new model year.

What’s New for 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The interior of the Grand Highlander. (Photo courtesy Toyota)

Highlights for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander include:

  • Spacious and Functional Multi-Purpose Interior with Adult-Sized Third Row Seating
  • Large Rear Cargo Area with 97.5 cu. ft. of Space with Rear Seats Folded Down
  • Three Powertrain Choices – a 2.4L Turbo Gas Option, a 2.5L Hybrid, and a 2.4L Turbo Hybrid MAX, All with Available All-Wheel Drive
  • Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Gives Incredible Performance with 362 Horsepower
  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and Toyota Audio Multimedia Standard
  • Available Tech Like Traffic Jam Assist, Head-Up Display and Digital Rearview Mirror
  • LE, XLE, Limited, Hybrid Nightshade, and Platinum Grades Available
    Introducing All-Wheel Drive

Introducing Hybrid Night-Shade Edition

Nightshade trim of the Highlander. (Photo courtesy Toyota)

The biggest change for the Grand Highlander is the introduction of the new Hybrid Nightshade Edition, which adds black exterior accents, black alloy wheels, and a black badge overlay to the Hybrid Limited trim. 

Interior Features and Technology

Interior of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. (Photo courtesy Toyota)

The Grand Highlander also offers technology like traffic jam assist, head-up display and digital rearview mirror.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard and include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 which has a plethora of different features like Lane Departure Assist and Proactive Driving Assist.

Even More Room

  2026 Toyota Grand Highlander (Photo courtesy Toyota)

Unlike many midsize SUVs where the third row is cramped, the Grand Highlander offers 33.5 inches of legroom and 37.2 inches of headroom in the back. This allows adults and teenagers to sit comfortably for extended periods, making it a viable daily seating option rather than just for emergencies. The cabin can be configured to seat up to eight passengers with a second-row bench or seven with captain’s chairs.

The vehicle excels in cargo versatility, offering class-leading space at every configuration:

Behind third row: 20.6 cu.  ft. (enough for ~7 carry-on suitcases), allowing full passenger capacity without sacrificing all luggage space.

Behind second row: 57.9 cu.  ft. when the third row is folded. 

Maximum capacity: 97.5 cu. ft. with both rear rows folded flat, creating a nearly flat load floor suitable for large items. 

Fuel Economy

 2.4L Turbo Gas Engine of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. (Photo courtesy Toyota)

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offers three distinct powertrain choices, all available with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), catering to different priorities regarding efficiency, towing, and performance: One of these being the 2.4L Turbo Gas Engine that outputs 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with an 8-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 5,000 lbs. While AWD is optional on most gas and standard hybrid trims, it is mandatory for the high-performance Hybrid MAX and the top-tier Platinum gas trim. The standard Hybrid LE and Limited trims also come with AWD. 

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Pricing

Pricing starts at $43,355. (Photo courtesy Toyota)

Starting MSRP for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander lineup:

  • LE: $43,355 
  • XLE: $46,125 
  • Limited: $50,855
  • Platinum: $56,540 
  • Hybrid LE: $46,705
  • Hybrid XLE: $47,875
  • Hybrid Limited: $54,205
  • Hybrid Nightshade: $55,185
  • Hybrid MAX Limited: $57,185
  • Hybrid MAX Platinum: $61,270

Includes the destination fee of $1,495.

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