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Toyota said today that the 2026 Highlander makes all-wheel-wrive standard on gas models. There’s also a shortened grade makeup, with models available in four gas and three hybrid grades. 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 fees.
“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,” Toyota said.
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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 3500 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 3500 pounds for all hybrid grades. The Highlander Hybrid’s battery pack is installed under the second-row seats, so it does not take away any cargo or passenger space,” Toyota claimed.
Highlander Hybrid has Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes:
- ECO mode extracts maximum efficiency from the fuel and battery.
- 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,” Toyota said.
The Highlander’s 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder models with 310 lb.-ft. of torque is optional in XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades. The XLE grade has standard mechanical All Wheel Drive. The XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades have Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD. All Highlander 2.4-L turbo gas powered models have a 5000-pound towing capacity.
All 2.4-liter gas model engines are paired with a direct shift 8-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission (AT) with selectable drive modes that include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow modes. They also have Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), allowing drivers to select Mud & Sand or Rock & Dirt modes for those times when outdoor adventure calls. For towing, all Highlander gas models include Trailer Sway Control (TSC), which uses the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help control unwanted trailer movement.
Toyota Highlander at a Glance
- Choice of Four Gas and Three Hybrid Grades are Available, with Standard All Wheel Drive on Gas and Hybrid Grades.
- Gas Models Have a Manufacturer Estimated 24 MPG Combined Rating and Hybrid Models Have a 35 MPG Combined Manufacturer Estimated Rating.
- Standard Three Row Seating for up to Seven, with Optional Bench Seat for up to Eight (XLE and Limited Grades).
- Stylish Interior with Options such as Leather-Trimmed Seating, Ambient Interior Lighting, and Panoramic Moonroof.
- Toyota Audio Multimedia with 8.0-inch or an optional 12.3-inch Touchscreen.
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ Standard.
- The 2026 Highlander also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 2 years of Roadside Assistance, unlimited mileage.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
First Look – 2026 Toyota Highlander
Click for more.
Toyota said today that the 2026 Highlander makes all-wheel-wrive standard on gas models. There’s also a shortened grade makeup, with models available in four gas and three hybrid grades. 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 fees.
“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,” Toyota said.
Click for more.
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 3500 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 3500 pounds for all hybrid grades. The Highlander Hybrid’s battery pack is installed under the second-row seats, so it does not take away any cargo or passenger space,” Toyota claimed.
Highlander Hybrid has Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes:
“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,” Toyota said.
The Highlander’s 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder models with 310 lb.-ft. of torque is optional in XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades. The XLE grade has standard mechanical All Wheel Drive. The XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades have Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD. All Highlander 2.4-L turbo gas powered models have a 5000-pound towing capacity.
All 2.4-liter gas model engines are paired with a direct shift 8-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission (AT) with selectable drive modes that include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow modes. They also have Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), allowing drivers to select Mud & Sand or Rock & Dirt modes for those times when outdoor adventure calls. For towing, all Highlander gas models include Trailer Sway Control (TSC), which uses the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help control unwanted trailer movement.
Toyota Highlander at a Glance
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.