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.
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