Toyota Highlander 2026 : Toyota has rolled out the 2026 Highlander for the USA market, making all-wheel drive standard across gas and hybrid models while simplifying the trim lineup.
This midsize three-row SUV sticks to its reliable formula but faces tough questions about its place amid rising prices and fiercer competition.
Major Updates for 2026
The big news is standard AWD on every gas-powered Highlander, a shift from previous years where front-wheel drive was an option on base trims.
Gas models now come in XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades, while hybrids offer XLE, Limited, and Platinum—no more entry-level LE to keep things straightforward.
YouTubers like Kirk Kreifels point out this makes spec-for-spec pricing rise only about $200 from 2025 equivalents, but the base jumps $5,000 since LE is gone.
Built in Princeton, Indiana, these SUVs hit dealerships starting November 2025. Reviewers in videos note the carryover design feels dated next to the roomier Grand Highlander, but Toyota banks on its proven handling and family-friendly vibe.
One YouTube breakdown calls it “on borrowed time,” urging buyers to eye alternatives unless deals pop up.
Powertrain Choices
Under the hood, gas versions pack a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic.
Expect a manufacturer-estimated 24 mpg combined, with up to 5,000 pounds towing—impressive for family hauls.
Hybrids pair a 2.5-liter four with electric motors for 243 net hp and 35 mpg combined, plus Electronic On-Demand AWD standard and 3,500-pound towing.
Drive modes add versatility: Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, plus Mud & Sand or Rock & Dirt on higher trims with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD.
YouTube test drives, like Car Confections’ Platinum review, praise the smooth pull in Sport mode and quiet highway cruising, though some note turbo lag off the line. Hybrids shine for efficiency, with regen braking mimicking engine braking on descents.
Interior Comfort and Space
Step inside, and it’s all about practicality: seven seats standard with captain’s chairs, or eight via optional second-row bench on XLE/Limited gas.
Cargo swallows up to 84.3 cubic feet with rows folded. SofTex or leather seats (grade-dependent) come heated/ventilated up top, with three-zone climate control and Qi wireless charging.
Higher trims spoil with panoramic moonroofs, ambient lighting, and 12.3-inch touchscreens running Toyota Audio Multimedia—wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto included. Platinum adds JBL audio, head-up display, and digital rearview mirror.
Walkaround videos highlight second-row sunshades and USB-C ports galore, perfect for road trips, though some creators gripe about screen software feeling clunky.
Tech and Safety Features
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard: pre-collision with pedestrian detection, full-speed adaptive cruise, lane tracing, road sign assist.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come on all models, with eight airbags and Star Safety System.
Limited/Platinum get front/rear parking assist with auto braking; Platinum ups it with 360-degree panoramic view.
Infotainment supports Drive Connect trials for cloud nav and voice commands (“Hey Toyota”). Wi-Fi hotspot and Remote Connect let you lock/start via app.
YouTubers demo the intuitive paddle shifters and multi-terrain select, calling safety suite “top-notch” for families, though one notes wind noise creeps in at highway speeds.
Pricing and Availability
MSRP kicks off at $45,270 for gas XLE and $47,020 for hybrid XLE (plus $1,395 destination). Fully loaded Platinum hybrids push $58,000-ish.
Colors like Midnight Black or extra-cost Ruby Flare Pearl vary by trim. Dealers are clearing 2025s with discounts, but 2026 stock arrives soon—shop around, as YouTube analysts spot better deals on rivals like Pathfinder or Santa Fe hybrids.
ToyotaCare covers maintenance for two years/25,000 miles, with hybrid battery warrantied 10 years/150,000 miles. Resale holds strong, per reviewer nods to Highlander’s legacy.
Competition Check
Why struggle with Highlander’s price hikes when Grand Highlander LE hybrids undercut it by $2,000+ for more space? Kirk Kreifels trashes it against Sienna’s sliding doors or Crown Signia’s style.
Nissan Pathfinder V6 tows more for less; Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid packs flashier tech cheaper. Honda Pilot edges in refinement.
Videos urge cross-shopping: Highlander’s efficient but squeezed by siblings stealing thunder.
Driving Impressions
From YouTube drives, gas turbo feels peppy post-spool, hybrids whisper-quiet in EV mode. Ride absorbs bumps well, handling car-like for its size—0.84 g skidpad in tests.
Braking solid at 170 feet from 70 mph. Sport mode sharpens throttle; eco maximizes mpg. Critics say it’s comfy cruiser, not corner-carver, ideal for soccer runs.
Toyota Highlander 2026 Final Thoughts
The 2026 Highlander delivers Toyota reliability in a familiar package, now with mandatory AWD boosting all-season appeal.
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Yet at higher entry prices and with Grand Highlander/Sienna outshining it, this feels like a stopgap till EV refresh—maybe 2027. If you snag a deal on XLE hybrid, it’s a smart family hauler; otherwise, shop wider. Solid choice for loyalists, but competition tempts.