The Toyota Highlander has long been the gold standard for families who want a midsize SUV that simply works—every day, in every situation. For 2026, Toyota gives America’s best-selling three-row SUV a complete refresh with sharper looks, more power, better tech, and the kind of bulletproof reliability the nameplate is famous for.
Bold New Design That Turns Heads
The 2026 Highlander finally sheds the conservative styling of the past. Up front, a massive hammerhead grille is flanked by slim LED headlights that stretch into the fenders. The body sides now have stronger character lines, and the rear gets full-width LED taillights for a premium look at night.
- Available two-tone roof options on XSE and Platinum trims
- New 20-inch gloss-black wheels on the sporty XSE model give it an almost Lexus-like stance
Overall length grows by just 2 inches, but the wheelbase stays the same, so parking and garage fit remain family-friendly.
Powertrain Choices for Every Need
Toyota gives buyers three distinct powertrain options in 2026:
The big news is the all-new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that replaces the old V6. It now produces 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque—up 30 hp and 48 lb-ft over the outgoing engine—while improving highway fuel economy to an EPA-estimated 31 mpg.
Hybrid fans get the carryover 2.5-liter hybrid system with 243 total system horsepower and a class-leading 36 mpg combined. For the first time, Toyota offers a Hybrid MAX version borrowed from the Crown and Grand Highlander: 362 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and 0-60 in about 6 seconds—perfect for buyers who want performance without giving up efficiency.
Every 2026 Highlander comes standard with an 8-speed automatic (or eCVT on hybrids) and available all-wheel drive.
Interior: Quiet, Spacious, and Loaded with Tech
Step inside and the 2026 Highlander feels two classes above its price point. Soft-touch materials cover almost every surface, and the new dashboard design features a massive 14-inch floating touchscreen running Toyota’s latest interface.
Key comfort upgrades:
- Second-row captain’s chairs now slide and recline more than before, with available heating and ventilation on Platinum models
- Third row actually fits real adults for short trips, and power-folding seats make access easy
- Acoustic front glass and extra sound deadening drop cabin noise to near-Lexus levels
Families will love the 12 USB-C ports scattered throughout all three rows, a digital rearview mirror that works even with the third row up, and a new removable center console that doubles as a cooler.
Safety and Driver Assistance – Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Every 2026 Highlander comes standard with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite:
- Full-speed adaptive cruise control with lane centering
- Automatic emergency braking with motorcycle and pedestrian detection
- New front cross-traffic alert and automatic braking when turning at intersections
- Road sign assist and curve speed management
For the first time, the Highlander offers hands-free highway driving on mapped interstates (similar to GM’s Super Cruise) on Limited and Platinum trims.
Real-World Reliability You Can Count On
Toyota didn’t forget what made the Highlander famous. The 2026 model keeps the brand’s legendary durability with:
- A 10-year/150,000-mile powertrain warranty on hybrid components
- Standard ToyotaCare 2-year/25,000-mile free maintenance plan
- Projected 5-year ownership costs among the lowest in the segment
The 2026 Toyota Highlander proves you don’t have to choose between style, performance, comfort, and reliability. Whether you pick the punchy turbo, the ultra-efficient hybrid, or the rocket-ship Hybrid MAX, you’re getting a three-row SUV that looks sharper, drives better, and still shows up for work every single day without complaint. For millions of American families, the Highlander just rewrote the rulebook—again.
FAQs – 2026 Toyota Highlander
Q: Is the V6 engine completely gone?
A: Yes, the 3.5-liter V6 has been discontinued for 2026. The new turbo 2.4-liter makes more power and gets better fuel economy.
Q: Can you still get a front-wheel-drive model?
A: Absolutely. FWD is standard on all trims except Hybrid MAX, which is AWD-only.
Q: How much cargo space is behind the third row?
A: 16.0 cubic feet—class-average—and it expands to 48.4 cu ft with the third row folded and 84.3 cu ft with both rows down.
Q: When will the 2026 Highlander hit dealerships?
A: Production starts in late summer 2025, with the first customer deliveries expected in fall 2025.
Q: Is the panoramic moonroof still available?
A: Yes, and it’s now standard on Limited and Platinum grades, with a power sunshade and one-touch open/close.
