2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Specs
Powertrain and Performance
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid boasts an advanced powertrain that seamlessly combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver impressive performance and fuel efficiency.
The hybrid system’s operation is designed to optimize power and efficiency. The gasoline engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit, generates 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, produces an additional 121 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission
The powertrain is mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provides smooth and responsive acceleration. The CVT adjusts the gear ratio to maintain optimal engine speed and torque, maximizing fuel economy and performance.
Performance Figures
- Combined horsepower: 243 horsepower
- Combined torque: 287 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph acceleration: 8.2 seconds
- EPA-estimated fuel economy: 36 mpg city / 38 mpg highway
Battery and Electric Range
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid utilizes a high-capacity lithium-ion battery with advanced chemistry to power its electric-only driving capabilities.
The battery is strategically positioned within the vehicle to optimize weight distribution and maximize cabin space. It is managed by a sophisticated electronic control unit that monitors and regulates its charging, discharging, and overall health.
Charging and Management
The battery is primarily charged through regenerative braking, which captures energy typically lost during deceleration and stores it for later use. Additionally, the vehicle can be plugged into an external power source for overnight charging, enabling drivers to start each day with a fully charged battery.
Electric-Only Driving Range
The electric-only driving range of the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid varies depending on factors such as driving conditions, temperature, and battery age. On average, the vehicle can travel approximately 30 miles solely on electric power before transitioning to hybrid mode.
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid boasts impressive fuel economy, a testament to its advanced hybrid powertrain. Let’s delve into its efficiency ratings and how the hybrid system enhances them.
Official Fuel Economy Ratings
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the official fuel economy ratings for the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid:
- City: 36 mpg
- Highway: 35 mpg
- Combined: 36 mpg
Hybrid System’s Contribution
The hybrid system in the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid plays a pivotal role in improving fuel efficiency. It combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, allowing the vehicle to switch between gasoline and electric power depending on driving conditions.
During low-speed driving and when braking, the electric motor powers the vehicle, eliminating gasoline consumption. This results in significant fuel savings, especially in urban areas with stop-and-go traffic.
Emissions Performance
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid meets strict environmental regulations, including the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standard. This certification indicates that the vehicle produces exceptionally low levels of tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Interior and Comfort
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid boasts a spacious and comfortable interior designed to enhance the driving experience.
The cabin features a modern and sophisticated design, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. The seats are upholstered in soft and supportive leather, providing excellent comfort for long journeys. The front seats offer power adjustment and lumbar support for optimal driving positions. The second-row seats are equally spacious, with ample legroom and headroom. The third-row seats, while slightly smaller, still offer decent space for occasional use.
Climate Control and Seat Amenities
The Highlander Hybrid comes equipped with an advanced climate control system that ensures a comfortable temperature throughout the cabin. The system features dual-zone automatic climate control, allowing the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperatures independently. The rear seats also have their own climate controls, ensuring comfort for all occupants.
The vehicle offers heated and ventilated front seats, providing additional comfort in extreme temperatures. The heated steering wheel further enhances comfort during cold weather.
Infotainment and Technology
The Highlander Hybrid features a state-of-the-art infotainment system that combines functionality and convenience. The large touchscreen display is intuitive to use and provides access to a wide range of features, including navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with smartphones.
The vehicle also offers a premium audio system with multiple speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin for an immersive sound experience. Passengers can enjoy their favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks with crystal-clear clarity.
Interior Space and Storage
The Highlander Hybrid offers ample interior space for both passengers and cargo. The spacious cabin provides plenty of legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for all occupants. The large panoramic sunroof adds to the airy and open feel of the interior.
The vehicle features numerous storage compartments and pockets throughout the cabin, providing convenient storage for personal items. The center console includes a large storage bin, while the door panels and seatbacks have additional pockets for smaller items. The cargo area behind the third row of seats offers ample space for luggage, groceries, or other bulky items. With the third row folded down, the cargo capacity expands significantly, providing even more space for larger items.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritizes safety, featuring an array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and comprehensive safety measures. These features aim to enhance driver confidence, prevent accidents, and mitigate the severity of collisions.
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite comes standard, providing a range of active safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a rearview camera further enhance the vehicle’s safety capabilities.
Driver Assistance Systems Performance
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system has consistently received high ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The system’s advanced sensors and algorithms effectively detect potential hazards and intervene promptly, reducing the risk of accidents. The adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed as needed. Lane departure alert and lane-keeping assist provide gentle steering corrections to keep the vehicle within its lane, preventing unintentional lane departures.
Safety Ratings and Crash Test Results
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. These accolades attest to the vehicle’s exceptional performance in crash tests, demonstrating its ability to protect occupants in various collision scenarios. The Highlander Hybrid’s rigid body structure, energy-absorbing crumple zones, and advanced airbag systems work in concert to minimize the impact of collisions and safeguard passengers.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid boasts a bold and refined exterior design that embodies the brand’s signature ruggedness and sophistication. Its muscular stance and aerodynamic lines create a visually striking presence on the road.
The Highlander Hybrid’s exterior is characterized by its sleek and streamlined silhouette. The front fascia features a prominent grille with horizontal slats and sharp LED headlights that lend a modern and aggressive touch. The hood is sculpted with subtle creases, adding depth and character to the design. Along the sides, the vehicle’s muscular fenders and flared wheel arches accentuate its rugged capabilities.
Dimensions
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid measures 194.9 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 68.1 inches in height. Its wheelbase spans 112.2 inches, providing ample interior space and a comfortable ride. The vehicle’s ground clearance of 8.2 inches enhances its off-road capabilities, allowing it to navigate rough terrain with ease.
Aerodynamic Features
The Highlander Hybrid incorporates several aerodynamic features to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. Its sleek body shape reduces wind resistance, while the sloping roofline and integrated rear spoiler help to channel airflow efficiently. The vehicle’s underbody is also equipped with aerodynamic panels to minimize turbulence and improve overall handling.
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is expected to carry a starting price of around $40,000. Higher trim levels and optional features will increase the price accordingly. The vehicle will be available in various markets across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Warranty and Maintenance
Toyota offers a comprehensive warranty package for the Highlander Hybrid, including a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid battery warranty. Regular maintenance is recommended every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first.
FAQ Section
What is the horsepower of the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid boasts an impressive horsepower of 243, providing ample power for effortless acceleration and smooth highway cruising.
What is the electric-only driving range of the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The Highlander Hybrid offers an electric-only driving range of approximately 25 miles, allowing you to experience zero-emission driving for short distances.
What safety features are standard on the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The Highlander Hybrid comes standard with an array of advanced safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beams.
