2026 Toyota Highlander | Price & Release Date 

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a reliable and comfortable three-row SUV, perfect for families. It offers great safety, efficiency, and Toyota’s trusted dependability. This makes it a popular choice for family trips.

However, the midsize SUV market is very competitive. The Kia Telluride is a strong rival and has been highly rated since 2020. Toyota also offers alternatives like the fuel-saving Highlander Hybrid and the larger Grand Highlander for more space. Other competitors include the Hyundai Palisade, known for being practical, and the stylish, performance-focused Mazda CX-90.

While the Highlander is good for most family needs, its third row is small and best for kids, and the cargo space isn’t very large. The driving experience is also not as exciting as some rivals. Families wanting more space, better handling, or extra features might consider these other options.

What’s New for 2026?

For 2026, the Toyota Highlander brings some updates to enhance its features and appeal. All-wheel-drive is now included as standard on the XSE and Platinum trims, improving performance and versatility. Two new color options, Heavy Metal and Cement, have been introduced for select trims, adding fresh styling choices.

However, a few options have been removed this year. The LE Nightshade trim, along with the Moondust exterior color and Harvest Beige interior, are no longer available. Additionally, the XSE trim has been updated to start in its Sport drive mode by default, providing a sportier driving experience right from ignition.

These changes aim to refine the Highlander’s offerings, keeping it fresh and competitive in its class.

2026 Toyota Highlander Redesign

For 2026, the Toyota Highlander gets subtle updates that enhance its overall appeal. While the exterior remains familiar, the front grille and headlights are slightly redesigned for a more modern look. Inside, the cabin receives updated materials and improved tech features, including an upgraded infotainment system with a larger touchscreen. 

The 2026 Highlander also offers new trim levels and options for more customization. These small but meaningful changes make the Highlander more appealing while keeping its family-friendly nature intact.

How Does It Compare to Its Competitors?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander competes with SUVs like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Mazda CX-90. The Highlander is known for being reliable, comfortable, and fuel-efficient, but it has less space in the third row and cargo area compared to some rivals. The Telluride and Palisade, for example, offer more room for passengers and better comfort. 

2026 Toyota Highlander Price

The Toyota Highlander 2026 is priced between $40,970 and $53,375, with the final cost varying based on the selected trim and added features.

2026 Toyota Highlander Release Date

Toyota has not yet announced an official release date for the 2026 Highlander. However, updates are expected soon. Keep an eye out for the latest details on the release as they become available.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2025 Toyota Highlander gives buyers the option of a gasoline or hybrid engine, with the hybrid model covered in a separate review. The gasoline version is powered by a 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers the choice between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. 

The Highlander is known for its smooth and stable ride, making it a great option for family travel and daily commutes. While it doesn’t provide a thrilling driving experience, it excels in comfort and predictability. Drivers looking for a reliable and refined ride will find the Highlander perfectly suited to their needs.

0–60-MPH Times

During performance testing, the all-wheel drive 2025 Highlander accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The hybrid model, despite its focus on fuel efficiency, closely matched the gas-powered version. It trailed by only 0.1 seconds in the same sprint, demonstrating impressive performance for a hybrid SUV. 

Both versions provide similar acceleration, with the gasoline model holding a slight edge. This balance of power and efficiency makes the Highlander a solid choice for families seeking reliable performance without sacrificing fuel savings.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is rated by the EPA at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Opting for the all-wheel drive version slightly lowers these numbers, reducing fuel economy by 1 mpg for both city and highway driving. 

Although we haven’t yet conducted our 75-mph highway fuel economy test with the Highlander, we plan to update the results as soon as testing is complete. The Highlander balances performance with reasonable fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for families.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The base LE model of the 2025 Highlander seats up to eight passengers, though optional second-row captain’s chairs on XLE and higher trims reduce capacity to seven. Passenger space is comparable to or slightly more generous than the CX-90, but the Chevrolet Traverse excels in this area, offering nearly six extra inches of legroom in its third row enough for adults. 

The Highlander also trails in cargo space, with room for just four carry-on suitcases behind the third row, while the Traverse fits six. The cabin features quality materials with a simple, practical design. Limited and Platinum trims offer premium comforts like leather seats, a larger infotainment screen, and ventilated seats, but still fall short compared to the more feature-rich Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 Highlander comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen in the LE and XLE trims, while a 12.3-inch display is optional on the XLE and standard on Limited and Platinum. These higher trims also include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, while other models feature traditional analog gauges with a 7-inch digital information screen. 

A six-speaker audio system is standard, but an 11-speaker JBL system is available on the XSE and comes standard on Limited and Platinum. All models include SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Wireless smartphone charging is standard on XLE and higher trims. Navigation is available on the XSE and standard on the Limited and Platinum.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2026 Toyota Highlander comes with many safety features to keep drivers and passengers safe. The standard safety package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. For more information on crash tests, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Some key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross-traffic alert
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Toyota’s warranty coverage is standard for the industry, though brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi offer longer coverage. However, Toyota stands out by offering two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, a benefit many competitors don’t provide.

• Limited warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance: 2 years or 25,000 miles

FAQs

What are the engine options for the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Highlander offers both a gasoline engine and a hybrid option. The gasoline version features a 265-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model is more fuel-efficient but provides similar acceleration performance.

What is the 2026 Toyota Highlander’s towing capacity?
The 2026 Highlander has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it suitable for hauling trailers and boats for family trips.

Does the 2026 Toyota Highlander have a third-row seat? 

Yes, the Highlander comes with a third-row seat, though it may feel cramped for adults. It’s more suited for children or smaller passengers, especially in the third-row space.

What is the price of the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The price of the 2026 Toyota Highlander ranges from $40,970 to $53,375, depending on the trim and added features.

Conclusion

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a great choice for families looking for a safe, comfortable, and reliable SUV. It offers good fuel efficiency and plenty of features for daily driving or long trips. Toyota’s strong reputation for making dependable cars makes the Highlander a smart option for families who want a vehicle they can count on. New updates for 2026, like better standard features and new trims, help keep the Highlander up to date and ready to compete with other SUVs.

Still, the Highlander faces tough competition from SUVs like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, which offer more space and a fun driving experience. The Highlander’s third row is a bit small, and its cargo space is limited compared to some rivals. For families that need more room or want a sportier feel, other options might be better. However, for those who value reliability, safety, and comfort, the 2026 Toyota Highlander remains an excellent choice.