Toyota kicked off the 2026 Highlander launch in early October, giving families a fresh take on their go-to three-row SUV. This midsize hauler keeps the reliable bones of the current gen but drops the old V6 for a peppier turbo four-cylinder, making it quicker off the line and easier on gas. Starting at around $40,000 for the base XLE trim, it’s priced right for folks eyeing rivals like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. No full redesign here – that’s slated for 2027 – but smart updates like standard all-wheel drive across the board mean better grip in rain or snow without extra cost. It’s built for hauling kids, groceries, and weekend gear, all while wrapping you in quiet comfort that feels a step above basic.
Smooth Power Under the Hood
Gone is the 3.5-liter V6 that powered older Highlanders; in its place, a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder cranks out 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic, it zips to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds – not race-car fast, but plenty for merging or passing semis. Front-wheel drive is gone too; every 2026 model packs all-wheel drive standard, boosting traction for light off-road jaunts or slick city streets. Towing tops out at 5,000 pounds, enough for small campers or boats. Hybrid fans get a 2.5-liter setup with electric motors for 243 combined horses and up to 35 mpg combined – a real win if you log highway miles. The gas version sips 24 mpg mixed, keeping fill-ups reasonable without sacrificing pull.
Plush 7-Seater Cabin Loaded with Luxury Touches
Slide into the 2026 Highlander, and it’s like a rolling living room for seven – or eight with the bench second row. The seats fold flat for 84 cubic feet of cargo, and clever cubbies keep snacks and tablets from vanishing underfoot. Leatherette or real leather wraps the dash and chairs on higher trims, with heated fronts and ventilated options up top. It’s quiet inside thanks to extra sound deadening, so podcasts or tunes play clear over road hum. Third row works best for tweens, but adults fit for short hops. Toyota tuned the ride soft for bumpy school runs, yet it stays planted on twisty backroads.
Advanced Tech That Feels Effortless
Screens steal the show this year: An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, but 12.3-inch versions on Limited and Platinum trims run crisp graphics with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice commands handle nav or calls without fumbling, and a 11-speaker JBL system thumps on premium models. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes baked in – think adaptive cruise that reads traffic signs, lane-keeping that nudges gently, and emergency braking that spots bikes or deer. A surround-view camera eases tight parking lots, and wireless charging keeps phones juiced. It’s not flashy like some EVs, but the tech just works, no steep learning curve for grandparents hopping in.
Quick Specs Snapshot
Here’s the essentials for the 2026 Highlander lineup:
| Trim | Starting Price | Engine/Power | MPG (Combined) | Seating/Towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLE | $40,000 | 2.4L Turbo/265 hp | 24 | 8/5,000 lbs |
| XSE | $43,000 | 2.4L Turbo/265 hp | 24 | 7/5,000 lbs |
| Limited | $47,000 | Hybrid/243 hp | 35 | 7/3,500 lbs |
| Platinum | $52,000 | Hybrid/243 hp | 35 | 7/3,500 lbs |
Prices skip fees; hybrids shine for efficiency.
Why Families Can’t Get Enough
Dropping the cheap LE trim bumps the entry price, but you get more standard goodies like AWD and safety nets that rivals charge extra for. It’s no thrill machine – the engine drones under hard push – but for carpools, vacations, or quick Target runs, it’s a stress-free champ. Resale holds strong, and Toyota’s three-year warranty adds trust. Early buzz from test drives calls it the “smart pick for sensible hauls,” edging the Palisade on reliability. With lots moving fast, chat your dealer soon.
The 2026 Highlander proves Toyota still nails family wheels: comfy, capable, and clever without the drama. It’s the SUV that shrinks chaos into calm, one turbo boost at a time.