2026 Toyota Highlander Specs
Vehicle Overview
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV that combines ruggedness and versatility with modern style and advanced technology. It is designed to meet the needs of families and outdoor enthusiasts who seek a vehicle that can handle both urban and off-road adventures.
The Highlander boasts a spacious cabin with seating for up to eight passengers, ensuring ample room for families and their gear. Its exterior features a bold and muscular design with sharp lines and a commanding presence.
Exterior Design
The 2026 Highlander’s exterior is characterized by its rugged yet refined appearance. The front fascia features a prominent grille with a honeycomb mesh pattern, flanked by sleek LED headlights and integrated daytime running lights. The vehicle’s muscular stance is further enhanced by pronounced wheel arches and a sloping roofline that culminates in a rear spoiler.
Interior Design
The Highlander’s interior offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with a focus on practicality and convenience. The dashboard features a clean and intuitive layout with a large touchscreen infotainment system and easy-to-reach controls. The seats are upholstered in premium materials and provide ample support for long journeys.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a robust powertrain lineup and exceptional performance capabilities.
With its advanced engines, responsive transmissions, and versatile drivetrain configurations, the Highlander delivers a smooth and efficient driving experience. The vehicle’s handling and towing capacity make it an ideal choice for families and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Engine Options
The 2026 Highlander comes with two powerful engine options:
- A 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.
- A 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for seamless gear shifts and optimal performance.
Drivetrain Configurations
The Highlander is available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The AWD system provides enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions, including inclement weather and off-road terrains.
Driving Modes
The Highlander offers a range of driving modes that tailor the vehicle’s performance to specific driving scenarios:
- Eco Mode: Prioritizes fuel efficiency by adjusting engine and transmission settings.
- Normal Mode: Provides a balanced driving experience for everyday use.
- Sport Mode: Enhances throttle response and transmission shift points for a more dynamic driving experience.
- Trail Mode (AWD only): Optimizes traction and torque distribution for off-road driving.
Performance Capabilities
The 2026 Highlander delivers impressive performance with responsive handling and a comfortable ride. The vehicle’s suspension system effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and controlled driving experience.
The Highlander’s towing capacity varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. With the V6 engine and AWD, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Technology and Features
The 2026 Toyota Highlander boasts an impressive array of advanced technologies and features designed to enhance safety, comfort, and convenience.
Advanced Safety and Driver-Assist Technologies
The Highlander comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assist technologies, including:
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ | Includes lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control |
| Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Alerts the driver to vehicles in blind spots and when reversing |
| Front and Rear Parking Sensors | Assists with parking maneuvers by providing audible alerts |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Braking | Automatically applies the brakes if the driver is reversing and cross-traffic is detected |
Infotainment System
The Highlander’s infotainment system features a large touchscreen display that provides access to a variety of features, including:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Navigation with real-time traffic updates
- SiriusXM satellite radio
- JBL premium audio system
Comfort and Convenience Amenities
The Highlander offers a range of comfort and convenience amenities to make every journey enjoyable, including:
- Tri-zone climate control
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Panoramic moonroof
- Wireless charging pad
- Ample storage space
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a range of trim levels to cater to diverse preferences and budgets. Each trim builds upon the previous one, offering additional features and amenities.
Trim Level Comparison
The following table compares the key specifications, features, and pricing of each available trim level:
| Trim Level | Key Features | Pricing |
|—|—|—|
| LE | Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. | Starting at $36,500 |
| XLE | Adds features like 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats. | Starting at $39,500 |
| XSE | Offers a sportier look with 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and a sport-tuned suspension. | Starting at $42,500 |
| Limited | Includes premium features such as leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. | Starting at $46,500 |
| Platinum | The top-of-the-line trim offers a luxurious experience with features like a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and a premium audio system. | Starting at $50,500 |
Unique Features and Value Propositions
Each trim level offers unique features and value propositions:
– LE: The base LE trim provides a solid foundation with essential features and a competitive price point.
– XLE: The XLE trim adds comfort and convenience features, making it a good choice for families.
– XSE: The XSE trim caters to those who prioritize sporty styling and handling.
– Limited: The Limited trim offers premium amenities and a luxurious cabin experience.
– Platinum: The Platinum trim is the ultimate expression of luxury and sophistication.
Packages and Options
In addition to the standard features, the 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a range of packages and options for further customization. These include:
– Convenience Package: Adds features like a power liftgate, keyless entry, and blind-spot monitoring.
– Premium Audio Package: Upgrades the audio system with a premium sound system and navigation.
– Safety Sense 2.5+: Includes advanced safety features such as lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection.
– Towing Package: Increases towing capacity and adds features like a tow hitch and trailer sway control.
Fuel Efficiency and Emissions
The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a range of powertrain options, each with varying fuel efficiency and emissions performance.
The base 2.4-liter inline-four engine with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. With all-wheel drive, those figures drop slightly to 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
The 3.5-liter V6 engine with front-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. With all-wheel drive, those numbers decrease to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Hybrid Powertrain
The Highlander Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with two electric motors for a combined system output of 243 horsepower. The EPA estimates that the Highlander Hybrid will get 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, those figures drop slightly to 35 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
The Highlander is also available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which combines a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with two electric motors and a 18.1-kWh battery pack. The EPA estimates that the Highlander PHEV will get an all-electric range of 40 miles and an MPGe of 85 when fully charged. When the battery is depleted, the Highlander PHEV will operate as a regular hybrid, getting an EPA-estimated 35 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Emissions Performance
The Highlander meets all applicable emissions regulations, including the EPA’s Tier 3 Bin 30 standards and the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) LEV III standards. The Highlander also has a low carbon footprint, emitting only 190 grams of CO2 per mile.
Fuel-Saving Technologies
The Highlander offers a number of fuel-saving technologies, including:
- Stop-start system
- Regenerative braking
- Eco mode
- Low-rolling resistance tires
Safety and Reliability
The 2026 Toyota Highlander prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of standard and available features. It has earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The vehicle’s solid construction and advanced safety systems provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Safety Features
The Highlander comes equipped with an array of active and passive safety technologies. Standard features include:
– Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which includes lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
– Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
– Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
– Rearview camera
Available safety features include:
– Head-up display
– Front and rear parking sensors
– Surround-view camera
– Adaptive headlights
Reliability and Warranty
Toyota has a well-established reputation for reliability, and the Highlander is no exception. It has consistently ranked highly in reliability surveys and has a low incidence of recalls.
Toyota offers a comprehensive warranty package for the Highlander:
– Basic warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
– Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
– Hybrid battery warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles
Comparison to Competitors
The Toyota Highlander competes in the midsize SUV segment against established rivals like the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade. Each model offers its strengths and target audience, with the Highlander distinguishing itself through a combination of reliability, fuel efficiency, and value.
Key Competitors and Target Audience
| Competitor | Strengths | Weaknesses | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | Spacious interior, refined driving experience, strong resale value | Lackluster fuel economy, dated infotainment system | Families seeking a comfortable and practical SUV |
| Kia Telluride | Bold styling, spacious cabin, generous warranty | Some interior materials feel cheap, ride can be stiff | Adventure-seeking families who prioritize style and functionality |
| Hyundai Palisade | Luxurious interior, advanced safety features, excellent fuel economy | Handling can be uninspiring, some infotainment quirks | Families seeking a premium midsize SUV with a comfortable and tech-savvy cabin |
Highlander’s Differentiation
The Highlander stands out from its rivals by offering a well-rounded package that emphasizes reliability, fuel efficiency, and value. It boasts a proven track record for durability, strong fuel economy figures for its class, and a competitive price point. While it may not have the most opulent interior or the most engaging driving dynamics, the Highlander delivers a solid and dependable driving experience that appeals to families and value-conscious consumers.
Common Queries
What are the engine options available for the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander will offer a range of engine options, including a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The fuel economy of the 2026 Toyota Highlander will vary depending on the engine option and drivetrain configuration. The EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings will be released closer to the vehicle’s launch date.
What safety features are available on the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander will offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes features such as lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features may include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera.
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The towing capacity of the 2026 Toyota Highlander will vary depending on the engine option and drivetrain configuration. The maximum towing capacity is expected to be around 5,000 pounds.
