2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Performance 

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid drivetrain begins with a 2.5-liter DOHC inline-four. Two front and one rear permanent magnet synchronous motors have been added, which draw power stored in a nickel-metal hydride battery. The rear motor means that all Highlander Hybrid models come standard with electronic on-demand all-wheel drive. Total system power adds up to 243 horsepower. The system is paired to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with sequential shift mode. Together, the system has an EPA mpg rating of 35 in both the city and highway for XLE grades, with Limited and Platinum grades getting 34 on the highway. However, the city and combined ratings remain at 35 mpg.

The Highlander Hybrid features a four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts, trailing wishbone, and a stabilizer bar at the front. At the rear, it has multi-link geometry with a stabilizer bar. As a hybrid, the model uses both regenerative and friction brakes. For the friction brakes, the Highlander Hybrid is fitted with generously sized 13.3-inch discs on both the front and rear.

All Highlander Hybrid models have up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.   

Exterior

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a striking vehicle with broad lines and a commanding front end that helps it stand out from other mid-size SUVs. Its prominent grille and standard LED headlights (with optional LED projector headlights) look serious and aggressive, while maintaining a function-first approach. The chrome-plated twin exhaust tips give the rear a sporty appearance and a pleasing tone when starting the Highlander. Polished 20-inch alloy wheels, standard on Limited through Platinum trims, are stylish and elegant while keeping a large tire sidewall for better ride comfort.

Enjoy the convenience of an available hands-free power liftgate that senses your approach; just a simple kick of your foot under the rear bumper and the hatch opens effortlessly—no buttons needed! Plus, the available power-folding side mirrors help keep your Highlander safe from bumps in busy parking lots, making every trip a little easier and more relaxed.

Exterior Dimensions (inches):

Wheelbase 112.2
Overall Length 194.9
Overall Width 76.0
Unloaded Height 68.1
Track – Front/Rear 65.3/65.4
Ground Clearance 8.0
Approach/Departure Angle: 18.1/22.7

Interior

The interior of the Highlander Hybrid is all about comfort and practicality. It comfortably seats seven, with second-row captain’s chairs as standard, and for more passenger capability, the XLE offers a second-row bench that can seat eight. There’s plenty of room for everyone, and getting to the third row is a breeze. Some models also come with heated and ventilated front seats, along with heated second-row seats for added convenience. An optional panoramic sunroof bathes the cabin in natural light, creating an airy, welcoming atmosphere.   

All hybrid models come standard with a Qi wireless charging pad just below the air conditioning vents, so you won’t have to worry about plugging your phone in to charge while you’re on the go. Limited and higher grades feature a 120V/1500W power outlet in the rear cargo area for plugging in electronics such as projectors, generators, and devices.

Interior Dimensions:   

Technology   

All trim levels come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to stay connected. When you pair your phone with the available 12.3-inch Toyota multimedia touchscreen, you’ll enjoy a clear view of Google or Apple Maps, where you can quickly find or switch songs, audiobooks, podcasts, or tune into your favorite SiriusXM with the free three-month trial of the SiriusXM Platinum Plan and subsequent subscription. The optional 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster shows you all the essential info about your Highlander in vibrant, easy-to-read colors. For an incredible audio experience, the optional JBL premium sound system features 11 speakers and 1200 watts, delivering studio-quality sound—like your own personal concert, right inside your Toyota Highlander.

If you have children or often go on outdoor adventures, you will appreciate Wi-Fi Connect. This mobile hotspot keeps you connected for work and leisure while letting your passengers save their phone data. Up to five USB ports are available for both front and rear passengers, making sure everyone can charge their devices while on the move.

Toyota Remote Connect uses your smartphone or smartwatch with the downloaded Toyota app to start the engine, lock and unlock your doors, and locate your vehicle if you’ve lost it in a large parking lot. If you find yourself in a car accident or experiencing car trouble, you can use Safety Connect in your vehicle to get 24/7 Toyota Roadside Assistance or Emergency SOS support.

Using Drive Connect helps you navigate to your destination with Cloud Navigation and Intelligent Assistant. Destination Assist allows you to talk to a live agent who guides you with turn-by-turn directions. Remove the worry of maintaining your Highlander by using Service Connect. Service Connect keeps you informed about the status of your vehicle. You can check your mileage, fuel level, and service history. Set maintenance alerts and get reminders when your vehicle needs service again. You can also have those reminders sent to your preferred dealer to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has designated the Toyota Highlander as a Top Safety Pick. This means the vehicle is among the safest you can purchase, scoring top marks in crash testing and crash avoidance systems, among other things. The 2026 Toyota Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+.

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection   

PCS w/PD will help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist and give drivers an audio/visual forward-collision warning in certain circumstances. If you don’t react in a timely manner, the system will provide automatic emergency braking.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control   

DRCC and the available Full-Speed Range DRCC are adaptive cruise control systems designed for speeds above 20 mph. They use vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you.  

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist   

When white/yellow lane markings or certain road-edge boundary lines are detected at speeds above 32 mph, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) is designed to issue an audio/visual lane departure warning if your vehicle moves outside of your lane without activating the turn signal. If the driver does not attempt to return to his or her lane, the system will provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.

Lane Tracing Assist   

When Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) or available Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar DRCC is enabled, and lane markers are detected, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) uses the lines on the road and/or preceding vehicles to provide active driving assistance and help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

Road Sign Assist   

Using a built-in camera, your Highlander can read road signs and display them on the Multi-Information Display (MID). It can detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, and yield signs, displaying them in the gauge cluster display.

Automatic High Beams   

Above 21 mph, the vehicle recognizes when it is too dark outside and automatically turns on the high beams to assist drivers in seeing better. The system will deactivate the high beams once it notices headlights from oncoming traffic, taillights of vehicles in front of you, or overhead road lights. 

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert   

When driving, cars can easily venture into your blind spots. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) displays an orange icon in the side mirrors when a vehicle drives into the blind spot. When reversing, the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) helps detect vehicles approaching from either side, warning you with side mirror indicators and a warning tone.

Panoramic View Monitor   

The available Panoramic View Monitor uses front, side, and rear-mounted cameras to display a panoramic overhead view when parking or at low speeds. This allows you to park your vehicle in tight spaces.

Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking   

This system warns drivers when it detects nearby obstacles and, if needed, will reduce engine power and apply the brakes in certain situations.