Toyota’s 2026 Highlander delivers gas and hybrid powertrains, three-row seating comfort and a bundle of safety features for spring adventures.

All-wheel drive is standard across all trims and enhances the SUV’s towing and off-road capabilities. Gas and hybrid models are available in a variety of trim levels and colors.

Midnight Black Metallic and Blueprint are the base colors. Higher level trims offer premium colors such as Heavy Metal, Ruby Flare Pearl and Wind Chill Pearl.

Highlander Gas-Powered Model

Toyota’s 2026 Highlander includes a 2.4-liter gas engine that produces 265 hp and 310 Ib-ft of torque. The engine delivers smooth acceleration for highway merging and achieves a combined city/highway rating of 24 MPG.

The turbocharged gas engine is paired with a direct shift 8-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission. Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow drive modes are optimized for varying driving conditions.

All gas-engine models come standard with all-wheel drive. The base XLE is equipped with an AWD system that directs 50% of available torque to the rear wheels.

This balanced distribution allows the vehicle to maintain grip and stability on slippery or uneven roads.

Toyota engineers fitted the higher trims with Dynamic Torque Vectoring. The system channels 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels and allocates power across wheels for enhanced traction.

The Highlander gas model has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. A Trailer Sway Control feature also stabilizes trailer movement in challenging terrain.

2026 Highlander Hybrid

Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter engine with two electric motor generators to generate 243 hp and a combined city/highway fuel economy of 35 MPG.

The 288-volt battery pack is located underneath the second-row seats for optimal passenger comfort and comes with a 10 year/150,000 mile warranty.

Regenerative braking technology captures kinetic energy when the SUV slows down and converts it into electricity to recharge the hybrid battery.  Drivers can also manually regulate regenerative braking using a sequential shift feature on the gear selector.

All hybrid models are equipped with Toyota’s Electronic On-Demand AWD system and have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This is ideal for towing trailers, fishing boats and recreational vehicles during spring camping adventures.

The Highlander offers Eco, Normal, Sport and EV drive modes for driving preferences. AWD models add Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock & Dirt settings for enhanced traction on rough terrain.

A Predictive Efficient Drive system comes standard on Limited and Platinum trims. The system analyzes data from regular routes, traffic patterns and road gradients to anticipate driving conditions. It also helps the hybrid SUV optimize battery use and maximize fuel efficiency.

Comfort and Convenience

Toyota’s entry-level 2026 Highlander features three-row seating for seven passengers. The XLE and Limited trims add an optional bench in the second row for an additional passenger.

The features of the gas powered SUV include an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, dual phone connectivity, a free 90-day satellite radio subscription and six-speaker audio setup.

An integrated streaming feature lets music lovers link their Apple Music or Amazon Music accounts directly to the multimedia touchscreen for an immersive in-car entertainment experience.

Other base amenities include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, three-zone climate control, five USB ports, auto-dimming rearview mirror, second row sunshades and a power-tilt moonroof.

The optional upgrades available on higher trims are a 12.3-inch multimedia display, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 10-inch color head up display, heated and ventilated front seats, height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protection, digital rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers and an 11-speaker premium audio system with subwoofer and amplifier.

Drivers get 16 cubic feet of storage behind the third row for groceries and several suitcases. A folding of the second and third row seats expands the cargo area to 84.3 cubic feet.

Entry-Level Hybrid

The standard features on the XLE include an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 7-inch color LCD multi-information display, 8-way power adjustability driver’s seat, five USB ports and in-zone climate control with an air filtration system.

Other features include a Smart Key system, wireless smartphone charger, auto-dimming rearview mirror, second row sunshades and roof rails.

Toyota’s Limited and Platinum trims feature leather-trimmed front and second-row seats, 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. An 11-speaker audio system with a subwoofer and 1,200-watt amplifier.

The hybrid Platinum trim exclusively adds heated second-row captain’s chairs, a 10-inch head up display with projector headlights, rain-sensing wipers, illuminated front doorsill metal scuff plates, a digital rearview mirror and panoramic glass sunroof with one-touch front power tilt/slide functions.

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.

The 2026 Highlander is 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.

Engineers have ensured all features work in tandem and safeguard occupants inside the 2026 Highlander.

A Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system seamlessly coordinates the SUV’s braking, steering, traction and stability control during sharp corners 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