Toyota just rolled out details on the 2026 Highlander, a midsize SUV that’s all about making family drives smooth, safe, and fun. Announced back in September 2025, this update brings fresh tweaks like standard all-wheel drive on gas models, making it a top pick for folks dealing with rain, snow, or just everyday errands. With room for up to eight passengers and smart hybrid options, the Highlander blends tough performance with easy-on-the-wallet efficiency. It’s built in Princeton, Indiana, and hits dealerships this November, giving buyers a solid choice in a crowded SUV market. Whether you’re hauling kids to soccer or gear for a weekend getaway, this ride keeps everyone comfy without skimping on power.
Bold Looks and Big Space: Style That Fits Your Life
The 2026 Highlander keeps its clean, boxy shape but adds sharper lines and LED lights for a modern edge that turns heads. It’s about 194 inches long, with a wheelbase that gives plenty of legroom in the first two rows think 41 inches up front and 38 in the middle. The third row squeezes in for kids or quick trips, but folding it flat opens up 48 cubic feet of cargo room, or 84 with everything down. Families love the flexible seating, and the higher trims toss in extras like a panoramic sunroof to let in that open-road feel. It’s not as huge as the Grand Highlander, but for city parking and highway zips, it’s just right. Toyota says it’s designed for real life, not show, so you get durable fabrics or leather that hold up to spills and scuffs.
Engine Choices: Muscle with a Green Twist
Power comes from a punchy 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder in gas models, cranking out 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque enough to hit 60 mph in around 7.5 seconds. Paired with an eight-speed automatic, it feels peppy for passing or merging, and now every gas version gets all-wheel drive standard for better grip in bad weather. Towing maxes at 5,000 pounds, perfect for boats or campers. Want more smarts? The hybrid swaps in a 2.5-liter engine with electric motors for 243 total horses and up to 35 mpg combined, sipping fuel on long hauls. Both setups run quiet and smooth, with the hybrid edging out on city stops. Toyota’s betting on these powertrains to keep the Highlander competitive against rivals like the Hyundai Palisade or Kia Telluride.
Here’s a quick look at the main options:
| Powertrain | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | MPG Combined | Towing (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Turbo | 265 | 310 | 25 | 5,000 |
| Hybrid | 243 | 175 | 35 | 3,500 |
Tech and Safety: Connected and Protected
Inside, the Highlander shines with Toyota’s Audio Multimedia system a crisp 8-inch screen standard, or 12.3 inches on higher grades for wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Add Drive Connect for cloud navigation and voice commands that actually listen. Comfort perks include three-zone AC, seven USB ports, and wireless charging to keep devices buzzing. Safety leads with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, packing auto braking, lane tracing, and adaptive cruise control. It earned top crash scores from NHTSA and IIHS, plus blind-spot alerts and eight airbags for peace of mind. Upper trims like Limited or Platinum throw in JBL audio, heated seats, and a head-up display to make drives feel premium without the luxury price tag.
Trims and Value: Pick Your Perfect Fit
The lineup simplifies to four gas trims XLE, XLE Nightshade, Limited, Platinum and three hybrids in XLE, Limited, Platinum. No more base LE, so entry starts higher but packs more goodies. Expect pricing around $41,000 for gas XLE, jumping to $46,000 for hybrids, with full details soon. Toyota backs it with two years of free maintenance via ToyotaCare and strong warranties, including 10 years on the hybrid battery. Resale holds strong too, thanks to Toyota’s rep for reliability. It’s a smart buy for budget families who want upscale without the fuss.
All in all, the 2026 Highlander nails the family SUV sweet spot reliable power, clever space, and tech that doesn’t overwhelm. If you’re shopping three-row rides, this one’s worth a test drive when it lands next month. Toyota keeps evolving it, proving why it’s sold millions over 25 years. Ready to upgrade your crew’s wheels? The road ahead looks pretty great.