2026 Toyota Highlander Specs
Safety and Driver-Assistance Systems
The 2026 Toyota Highlander prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety features. These systems work together to enhance driver confidence and protect occupants in various driving conditions.
Standard safety features include:
- Ten airbags, including front, side, and knee airbags
- Stability control
- Anti-lock brakes
- Electronic brake-force distribution
- Brake assist
Available advanced driver-assistance systems include:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
- Automatic high beams
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Parking assist
Airbags
The Highlander’s ten airbags provide comprehensive protection in the event of a collision. They include front airbags for the driver and passenger, side airbags for the front and rear seats, and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger.
Stability Control
Stability control helps prevent the vehicle from skidding or losing control during cornering or slippery conditions. It works by applying the brakes individually to each wheel and adjusting engine power as needed.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems
The Highlander’s available advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and assist the driver. These systems can help prevent collisions, reduce driver fatigue, and improve overall safety.
| Feature | Function |
|---|---|
| Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection | Detects potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and alerts the driver. If the driver fails to react, the system can apply the brakes automatically. |
| Lane departure alert with steering assist | Warns the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane and provides gentle steering assistance to keep it in the center. |
| Automatic high beams | Automatically switches between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic and ambient light conditions. |
| Adaptive cruise control | Maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead and adjusts speed accordingly. |
| Blind spot monitoring | Uses sensors to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and alerts the driver with a visual or audible warning. |
| Rear cross-traffic alert | Warns the driver of vehicles approaching from the sides when reversing. |
| Parking assist | Uses sensors to guide the vehicle into parking spaces and help prevent collisions with obstacles. |
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Toyota Highlander pricing and availability details are yet to be officially announced by Toyota. However, based on previous release patterns and industry estimates, we can expect the following:
Starting Price and Trim Level Options
The base trim level of the 2026 Toyota Highlander is expected to start around $36,000. This is a slight increase from the current base price of $35,855 for the 2023 model. The Highlander will continue to be offered in a variety of trim levels, including the LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Each trim level offers a different combination of features and amenities, with the higher trims offering more luxury and technology.
Availability
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is expected to be released in late 2025 as a 2026 model. The exact release date has not yet been announced, but it is likely to be similar to the release schedule of previous Highlander models. Deliveries are expected to begin in early 2026.
Trim Level Comparison
The following table provides a comparison of the key features and prices of the different trim levels of the 2026 Toyota Highlander:
| Trim Level | Starting Price | Key Features |
|—|—|—|
| LE | $36,000 | 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, 8-inch touchscreen, Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ |
| XLE | $38,000 | 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, power liftgate, leather-wrapped steering wheel |
| XSE | $41,000 | 20-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, leather upholstery, panoramic moonroof |
| Limited | $44,000 | 21-inch alloy wheels, premium audio system, navigation, heated and ventilated front seats |
| Platinum | $48,000 | 22-inch alloy wheels, semi-aniline leather upholstery, 12.3-inch touchscreen, head-up display |
Answers to Common Questions
What are the engine specifications of the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander will likely be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering an estimated 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.
How many trim levels will be available for the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is expected to be offered in five trim levels: L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum.
What are the key safety features of the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander will likely come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
What is the expected fuel economy of the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The official fuel economy ratings for the 2026 Toyota Highlander have not yet been released, but it is expected to be comparable to the current model, which offers an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for the V6 engine.
When will the 2026 Toyota Highlander be released?
The official release date for the 2026 Toyota Highlander has not yet been announced, but it is expected to arrive in dealerships sometime in 2025.
