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The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers gas and hybrid powertrain options, spacious three-row seating and a full suite of advanced safety tech.
A standard all-wheel drive is available across all trims and enhances the SUV’s towing and off-road capabilities. Gas models come in XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum trims, while the hybrid is offered in XLE, Limited, and Platinum.
The exterior colors include Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Blueprint, premium options like Heavy Metal, Flare Pearl, Ruby and Wind Chill Pearl are available on select trims for individuals seeking an extra touch of sophistication.
Under the hood
Toyota’s Highlander gas models are equipped with a 2.4 engine that delivers 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque output. The engine provides a smooth and responsive acceleration for merging onto highways and offers a manufacturer-estimated 24 MPG rating.
Engineers have mated the turbocharged gas engine to a direct shift 8-speed Electronically-Controlled Automatic Transmission with Eco, Normal Sport and Snow features for an adaptable driving experience.
These selected modes optimize engine performance, boost fuel efficiency and enhance traction across a variety of driving conditions:
Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system comes standard on XSE, Limited and Platinum trims.
This advanced system sends up to 50% of the engine’s power to the rear wheels and distributes it between the left and right wheels for extra grip and stability on wet winter roads.
All models tow 5,000 pounds and are equipped with Trailer Sway Control which stabilizes trailer movement during windy conditions, sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
2026 Highlander Hybrid
Toyota’s Highlander hybrid is paired to a 2.5-liter engine with two electric-motor generators to produce 243 hp and achieve an estimated 35 MPG combined rating. The hybrid battery pack is optimized for fuel efficiency, responsive vehicle acceleration and comes with a 10-year/150,000 mile warranty.
All 2026 Highlander hybrid models are equipped with Toyota’s Electronic, On-Demand AWD system which has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This makes the Highlander Hybrid ideal for towing smaller trailers, boats and recreational vehicles with impressive fuel efficiency.
Regenerative braking technology captures kinetic energy from the wheels as the SUV slows down, creating electricity to recharge the hybrid battery. Drivers can manually adjust the regenerative braking system, delivering the feel of downshifting a manual transmission.
The Highlander Hybrid also offers multiple driving settings that match diverse road conditions and driver preferences:
- Eco prioritizes fuel and battery efficiency, while Normal is ideal for everyday driving. Sport mode boosts throttle response for quicker acceleration and the EV setting allows the Highlander to cruise at electric- only speeds for short distances.
- A Predictive Efficient Drive tech feature comes standard on Limited and Platinum trims. This intelligent system learns driving habits and analyzes road and traffic conditions to maximize battery use and develop more fuel-efficient driving patterns over time.
Comfort and convenience
The 2026 Highlander features a roomy three-row cabin that seats seven passengers. Higher trims add an optional bench in the second row that increases the capacity to eight.
A standard 8-inch multimedia system comes with dual phone connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 90-day free satellite radio plan and a six-speaker audio setup.
Additional amenities include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, five USB ports, a wireless smartphone charger, power tilt moonroof, three-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror and hands-free power liftgate.
The higher trims add a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, heated and ventilated front seats, 11-speaker premium audio system, digital rearview mirror, 10-inch color head- up display and height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protection.
Toyota’s 2026 Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row for groceries or a few suitcases. Folding down the third row expands the storage area to 84.3 cubic feet and accommodates Christmas trees, wrapped gifts and festive holiday decorations.
Base-level hybrid
The standard features on the XLE include an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, 7-inch color LCD multi-information display, 8-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and dual-zone automatic climate control with an air filter.
Other amenities feature a hands-free power liftgate, wireless smartphone charger, auto dimming rearview mirror, roof rails and second row sunshades.
Toyota’s Limited and Platinum trims deliver a 12.3-inch touchscreen, leather-trimmed front and second row seats, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory functions and lumbar support, 8-way power-adjustability front passenger seat and an 11-speaker audio system with a subwoofer and 1,200-watt amplifier.
The hybrid Platinum grade adds heated second-row captain’s chairs, a 10-inch head up display, with projector headlights, rain-sensing washer-linked wipers, illuminated front doorsill metal scuff plates, digital rearview mirror and a panoramic glass sunroof with one-touch front power tilt/slide function.
Safety
All 2026 Highlander SUVs come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. The suite includes driver-assistance features that enhance detection capabilities, provide steering support and prevent accidents or collisions.
The 2026 Highlander comes equipped with eight airbags including side curtain airbags that protect all three rows. A reinforced frame is designed to absorb collision impact and keep all occupants safe.
Toyota’s Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Stop Technology.
All the features work in tandem to protect the Highlander in a variety of challenging driving conditions.
A Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system also seamlessly coordinates the SUV’s braking, steering, traction and stability control when navigating sharp corners, slippery roads and sudden maneuvers.
Standard features:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
Available features:
- Panoramic View Monitor (360—degree camera)
- Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking
- Adaptive LED Project Headlights with Auto-Leveling
- Height-Adjustable Hands-Free Power Liftgate with Safety/Anti-Jam Features
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