2026 Toyota Highlander

Performance

It is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4, which produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the torquiest SUVs in its class. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the non-electrified Highlander with its standard AWD is 21 city/28 highway and 24 combined. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

In a bold move for its segment, the 2026 Highlander comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) on every model. XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims feature Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, which elevates the all-wheel drive system. It provides better overall stability and responds more quickly, distributing up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels and directing more power to whichever rear wheel needs it. All models also include Multi-Terrain Select, or MTS, enabling drivers to choose between four surface modes: Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal. Based on the selected mode, the vehicle’s AWD system optimizes stability and traction for that specific surface.

Highlander XSE models feature a sport-tuned suspension. With retuned shock absorbers, higher spring rates, and a rear stabilizer bar, the XSE offers better and more confident handling for drivers. It sits slightly lower, giving the vehicle a more athletic stance.

Regardless of your chosen model, all come with three Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Eco Mode helps maximize fuel efficiency by reducing throttle sensitivity, among other features. Sport Mode enhances throttle response to make the vehicle feel sharper. Normal Mode offers a balance of fuel economy and performance.

Exterior

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a striking vehicle with broad lines and a commanding front end that helps it stand out among other mid-size SUVs. Its prominent grille and standard LED projector headlights appear serious and aggressive while prioritizing function. The chrome twin exhaust tips give the rear a sporty look and an appealing tone when starting the Highlander.

With the available power-folding side mirrors, you can prevent your Highlander from getting bumped in parking lots by other vehicles and passersby. A hands-free power liftgate comes standard on all models. As you approach, the vehicle detects your key fob, and with a quick kick of your foot under the rear bumper, the hatch opens without needing to press a button.

Exterior Dimensions (inches):

Wheelbase                                   112.2
Overall Length                            194.9 (XSE – 197.4)
Overall Width                              76.0
Unloaded Height                        68.1
Track – Front/Rear                       65.3/65.4
Ground Clearance                      8.0
Approach / Departure Angle    17.9 / 23.4 degrees

Interior

The Highlander’s interior provides plenty of space and practicality. Depending on the trim level you select, it can have either seven or eight seats, with the second row configurable as either captain’s chairs or a bench seat for three. There is ample room for all passengers, and accessing the third row is straightforward, whether the second row has captain’s chairs or a bench. Some models can be upgraded with heated and ventilated front seats and heated outboard seats in the second row. If you choose a Highlander XSE, you can opt for two-tone red and black leather-trimmed seats with red accent stitching across the dashboard. An optional panoramic sunroof enhances the cabin’s open, airy feel by allowing abundant natural light.

Standard on all models is 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 to plug in electronics such as projectors, generators, and devices.

Interior Dimensions (inches):

Headroom

• Front Row
  • 39.9 (no moonroof)
  • 38.4 (moonroof)
  • 38.4 (panoramic moonroof)

• Second Row
  • 39.4 (w/o moonroof)
  • 39.4 (w/ moonroof)
  • 37.1 (w/panoramic)

• Third Row
  • 36.1 (All)

Legroom

• 42.0 / 38.7 / 28.0 (First / Second / Third)

Shoulder Room

• Front Seats
  • 59.0 (w/o shade)
  • 59.0 (with shade)

• Second Row
  • 58.7 (w/o shade)
  • 58.4 (with shade)

• Third Row
  • 55.0 (w/o shade)
  • 55.0 (with shade)

Hip Room 

• 57.2 / 57.0 / 45.6 (First / Second / Third)

Cargo Volume

• Behind front row: 84.3
• Behind the second row: 48.4
• Behind the third row: 16.0

Passenger Volume

• 144.5 (w/o moonroof)

Technology 

Standard on all trim levels are wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. When paired with the available 12.3-inch Toyota multimedia touchscreen, you can view Google or Apple Maps clearly, as well as quickly find and change songs, audiobooks, podcasts, or tune to your favorite SiriusXM channels through the three-month trial membership to a SiriusXM Platinum Plan when you purchase your Highlander and subsequent available subscription. An available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster displays all the information you need about the Highlander. Colors are vibrant, and everything is easy to read. The optional JBL premium sound system with 11 speakers delivers studio-quality sound in your Toyota Highlander. It’s like listening to a concert just for you and your passengers. 

If you have children or frequently go on outdoor adventures, you’ll love Wi-Fi Connect. This mobile hotspot keeps you connected for work and fun, while letting your passengers save their phone data. Up to five USB ports are available for front and rear passengers, ensuring everyone can charge their devices while on the go.

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 get turned around 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 access 24/7 Toyota Roadside Assistance or Emergency SOS support.

Using Drive Connect ensures you can navigate easily with Cloud Navigation and the Intelligent Assistant. Destination Assist allows you to talk to a live agent who will guide you with turn-by-turn directions. Remove the worry of maintaining your Highlander with Service Connect. Service Connect helps you stay informed about your vehicle’s service status. 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 these 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+, which includes:

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.

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  (Limited and Platinum) 

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

Road Sign Assist  (Platinum) 

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, and then display them in the gauge cluster display.