- Choice of Four Gas and Three Hybrid Grades are Available, with Standard All Wheel Drive on Gas and Hybrid Grades
- Gas Models Have a Manufacturer Estimated 24 MPG Combined Rating and Hybrid Models Have a 35 MPG Combined Manufacturer Estimated Rating
- Standard Three Row Seating for up to Seven, with Optional Bench Seat for up to Eight (XLE and Limited Grades)
- Stylish Interior with Options like Available Leather-Trimmed Seating, Ambient Interior Lighting, and Panoramic Moonroof
- Toyota Audio Multimedia with 8.0-inch or an Available 12.3-inch Touchscreen and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ Standard
PLANO, Texas (Sep. 5, 2025) – Toyota today announces the 2026 Highlander, which continues moving forward with bold style, a well-appointed three row interior, ample room for passengers and cargo, and a choice of gas or hybrid powertrains. For 2026, Highlander makes All Wheel Drive standard on gas models and a simplified grade structure, with feature-packed models available in four gas and three hybrid grades.
For over 25 years, the Toyota Highlander has earned a reputation for delivering passenger-car-like handling and control coupled with the power and versatility of a mid-size SUV. Gas models will be available in XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades and hybrid models will be available in XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Assembled in Princeton, Indiana, Toyota Highlander gas models have a manufacturer-estimated 24 MPG combined rating and hybrid models have a manufacturer-estimated 35 MPG combined rating.
Highlander’s interior brings style, utility, and comfort to drivers and passengers alike. It’s available with Sof-Tex® or leather trimmed seating, depending on grade. It seats seven when equipped with second row captain’s chairs, and the gas or hybrid XLE, and Limited gas grades have an optional second row bench for seating up to eight. It has up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second and third row folded down. Highlander also has standard three zone climate control, Qi-compatible wireless charging, and the choice of 8.0-inch or available 12.3-inch touchscreen, which run the Toyota Audio Multimedia system.
Depending on the grade, exterior colors include Midnight Black Metallic and Blueprint. Extra cost colors include Heavy Metal, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Wind Chill Pearl. Interior colors also vary by grade, with models that have SofTex-trim available in black or graphite; leather-trimmed models come in black, graphite, and the Platinum grade has an exclusively available glazed caramel interior color.
The 2026 Highlander lineup is expected to start arriving at U.S. Toyota dealerships this coming November. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP) will start at $45,270 for the gas XLE grade and $47,020 for hybrid XLE grade, excluding Dealer Processing and Handling fee.
Remarkably Hybrid
The 2026 Highlander Hybrid will be available in XLE, Limited, and Platinum grades. All hybrid models will be equipped with Toyota’s Electronic On-Demand AWD system and have up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators. The gas engine employs Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft, and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. A variable cooling system (electric water pump, electric thermostat) and a fully variable oil pump help to further enhance engine efficiency.
The gas engine and Motor Generator 2 (MG2) work in concert to deliver dynamic performance, while both MG1 and MG2 charge the hybrid battery. The bottom line is a jaw dropper for the efficient-minded: 243 net combined horsepower, a manufacturer-estimated 35 combined MPG rating, and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds for all hybrid grades. The Highlander Hybrid’s battery pack was developed with convenience in mind and is installed under the second-row seats, so it does not take away any cargo or passenger space.
Like all Toyota hybrid vehicles, the Highlander Hybrid simply goes about its business. For example, the system optimizes the level of electric motor assistance and gas engine speed without the engine running at high revs. Engine speed is synchronized with vehicle speed, yielding effortless and quiet acceleration. The unique AWD system for Highlander Hybrid employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. Like the hybrid powertrain itself, the AWD system is designed to work seamlessly, switching on and off and sending power to the wheels as needed.
Highlander Hybrid offers selectable Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes that let the driver choose the vehicle’s performance personality. ECO mode extracts maximum efficiency from the fuel and battery, while NORMAL mode is ideal for everyday driving. SPORT mode quickens the throttle response from the hybrid system for improved acceleration control. There is also an EV mode button, which allows electric-only driving at low speeds for short distances.
Regenerative braking captures the energy of the turning wheels as the vehicle slows, sending it to the hybrid battery. To foster greater control when driving in hilly areas, the driver can manually control regenerative braking in steps, like the engine braking effect of downshifting a manual transmission. Highlander Hybrid Limited and Platinum models also come with Predictive Efficient Drive (PED), standard. PED analyzes the driver’s daily driving habits and upcoming road and traffic conditions to help optimize battery usage and charging. The more the vehicle is driven, the more data is accumulated, thereby helping to support fuel efficient driving patterns.
Travel in Style in the XLE Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid line starts with the XLE grade. It includes standard features like SofTex-trimmed front- and second-row seats with an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 7-inch color LCD Multi-Information Display (MID), in-zone automatic climate control with air filter, 8.0-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, five USB ports, a Smart Key System and more.
The Highlander Hybrid XLE is equipped with Electronic On-Demand AWD. Other standard equipment includes a hands-free power liftgate, Qi wireless smartphone charger, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener, and second row sunshades. For extra storage, roof rails come standard. Options include an upgrade to a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and second-row bench seat.
Take it Upscale with Limited and Platinum Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid Limited and Platinum grades have even more features. Both models have standard Electronic On-Demand AWD. They come with leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and 10-way power-adjustability and memory function for the driver’s seat that includes power lumbar support and 8-way power-adjustability for the front passenger seat.
Both grades also come standard with a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and 11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system that includes a subwoofer and amplifier. Additional standard exterior touches for the Limited and Platinum Hybrid grades include 20-inch wheels, power-folding heated outside mirror with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, puddle lights with integrated Highlander logo, and black painted grille with chrome-plated surround.
The Hybrid Platinum grade adds heated second-row captain’s chairs for even more rear passenger comfort, and a Panoramic Glass Moonroof with sunshade and one-touch front power tilt/slide function. The driver benefits from a Panoramic View Monitor, 10-inch color Head Up Display, and LED projector headlights with Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) auto leveling and LED-strip Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Additional Platinum features include a rear lower bumper accent piece and scuff plate, rain-sensing washer-linked wipers, illuminated front doorsill metal scuff plates, and digital rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener.
2.4-Liters of Turbocharged Efficiency
For customers looking for an efficient-yet-powerful gas option, the Highlander’s 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder models with 310 lb.-ft. of torque are the answer. It is available in XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades. The XLE grade has standard mechanical All Wheel Drive. The XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades have Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD. All Highlander 2.4-L turbo gas powered models have a 5,000-pound towing capacity.
All 2.4-liter gas model engines are paired with a direct shift 8-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission (AT) with selectable drive modes that include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow modes. They also have Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), allowing drivers to select Mud & Sand or Rock & Dirt modes for those times when outdoor adventure calls. For towing, all Highlander gas models include Trailer Sway Control (TSC), which uses the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help control unwanted trailer movement.
The Highlander XLE gas powered model’s mechanical AWD system can send up to 50% of available torque to the rear wheels to help counter wheel slip when necessary. The Highlander XSE, Limited, and Platinum gas powered models step up to a performance-minded Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system with Drive Mode Select. In addition to governing torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, this advanced system uses special couplings to actively manage torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels.
Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD doesn’t simply react to wheel slippage. Rather, a sophisticated AWD Integrated Management (AIM) system manages Electric Power Steering (EPS), throttle control, transmission shift control and drive torque distribution to continually help optimize handling. Using the Multi-Terrain Select control dial on the console, the driver can maximize traction for prevailing conditions. Mud & Sand mode works well for beach driving, while Rock & Dirt mode optimizes AWD traction for trails. The driver can monitor, in real time, torque allocation and slip control on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
Take a Turbo Tour
The XLE grade’s standard features include 18-inch machined-finished alloy wheels, a power tilt moonroof, SofTex-trimmed heated driver and passenger seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable seat for the driver. It has standard seating for seven, with an optional second row bench seat that can accommodate up to eight. It also has a Qi wireless smartphone charger, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink universal garage door opener, and second row sunshades.
For entertainment, an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with six speakers comes standard. An option to upgrade to a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen is available. It also has a 7-inch color LCD Multi-Information Display (MID), five total USB ports, Push Button Start, Smart Key, and several Connected Service trials*. For convenience it has a hands-free rear power liftgate.
The Highlander XSE gas model rolls on all-black 20-inch wheels, wrapped in 235/55R20 all-season tires. A specially tuned suspension with high-rate springs, rear stabilizer bar, and low-friction shock absorbers works in concert with tuned electric power steering to give the XSE a distinctly sporty feel. XSE-exclusive styling applies to the front fascia, grille, lower spoiler and headlamps. Unique rocker panels add an edgy accent to the Highlander XSE’s sculpted lines. Black roof rails, mirror caps and window moldings dial up the subtle cool factor, finished off by a twin exhaust tip.
Inside, the Highlander XSE cradles passengers in black SofTex-trimmed seats, while ambient lighting and carbon-fiber style finish on the instrument panel adds a sporty vibe. The 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with six-speaker sound system comes standard, with an option to upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system with subwoofer and amplifier. It also has a hands-free power liftgate.
The Highlander Limited and Platinum grades have premium features like 20-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seating that’s heated and ventilated for driver and front passenger, height adjustable hands-free power liftgate, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium sound system. High end details like wood door and ornamental dash trim, high output LED fog lights, and puddle lights with integrated Highlander logo also come standard.
The Platinum grade adds even more features including power Panoramic Glass Moonroof with sunshade and front power tilt/slide function, an eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat, digital rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener, 10-inch color Head Up Display, rain-sensing wipers and Panoramic View Monitor, just to name a few.
The Highlander 2.4-L turbo model exterior colors vary by grade and come in a choice of Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Blueprint. Heavy Metal, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Wind Chill Pearl are also available as extra cost colors.
Multifaceted Multimedia
The 2026 Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch, and available 12.3-inch, Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team. Highlander drivers with an active Drive Connect* trial or subscription can enjoy a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls.
With an active Drive Connect* trial subscription, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. A one-year trial is included on select models. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more. Cloud Navigation, the available onboard navigation solution, utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing information. To ensure users have the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate the next destination.
The Toyota Audio Multimedia system allows for dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. For further connectivity, the Highlander’s available Wi-Fi Connect* offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices – turning the Highlander into an AT&T Hotspot (trial included for up to 30-days or 3GB, whichever comes first.
Wi-Fi Connect adds to the already robust offering of audio playback ability, including HD Radio®, USB data, and a SiriusXM® 3-month trial subscription. Wi-Fi Connect also enables the Integrated Streaming feature, providing customers with the ability to link their separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control (one month trial included, separate music subscriptions required).
For those looking for an enhanced audio experience, the Highlander offers a JBL® Premium Audio system boasting 1,200 watts of power playing through 11 speakers in nine locations creating a mobile concert from any music genre. With the use of Clari-Fi® technology, the system is also able to breathe life into compressed digital music formats, helping to enhance the audio experience. This system is available on XSE grades, while the Limited (gas and Hybrid), and Platinum (gas and Hybrid) grades include it as standard.
Each Highlander offers many additional Connected Services. Safety Connect* includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator with a 5-year minimum trial included. Service Connect* gives drivers the capability to receive Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts and reminders, also with a 5-year minimum trial included.
With the Toyota app, users can stay connected to their Highlander with a 1-year trial of the Remote Connect* included service available on all grades. Users can activate headlights, lock/unlock the doors and remotely start the vehicle. Users can also check vehicle status, receive service reminder notifications, and set Guest Driver Alerts.
Being ready to handle all your device charging needs, the Highlander is equipped with five USB ports in the cabin. Up front, two Type-C USB ports plus one Type-A port are located at the bottom of the center stack. For second-row passengers, two Type-C USB ports are located at the bottom rear of the center console.
Convenience features are aplenty for Highlander, too. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is standard on Limited and Platinum. A Panoramic View Monitor with Perimeter Scan is available on Limited, and standard on the Platinum grade for a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle.
* 4G network dependent.
Standard Safety and Convenience
Highlander comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system that includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/ PD)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Automatic High Beams (AHB)
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) is standard on all Highlander models. The 2026 Highlander is equipped with eight airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows. It also includes Toyota’s Star Safety System which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
The hybrid models employ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which provides integrated control of the ABS, Brake Assist, TRAC, VSC, Hill-Start Assist control and electric power steering (EPS) systems. The system helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by controlling the brakes, hybrid system output and steering assist.
Toyota Limited Warranty and Toyota Care
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership.
The 2026 Highlander also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 2 years of Roadside Assistance, unlimited mileage.