2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is mostly a carryover with no major lineup-wide changes. The main updates are small appearance tweaks: Hybrid Nightshade gets a black badge overlay, while Hybrid MAX models receive a gunmetal gray grille treatment.
About the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
1st generation, third model year (introduced for 2024), no refresh announced.
Toyota markets the Grand Highlander as the family SUV with extra room, a truly usable third row, and enough cargo space to handle everyday life without stepping up to a full-size SUV. The core pitch is capability, comfort, and confidence with room to spare: up to eight seats, a large standard touchscreen, and a choice of gas, hybrid, or Hybrid MAX power so families can prioritize either simplicity, fuel savings, or stronger performance without giving up space.
The 2026 Grand Highlander remains a roomy three-row family SUV offered with turbo gas, regular hybrid, and stronger Hybrid MAX powertrains. LE focuses on eight-passenger practicality, Limited adds leather seating and premium audio, and Platinum models bring features such as a panoramic moonroof, head-up display, and surround-view camera. Hybrid MAX versions stand out with 362 combined horsepower and standard AWD.
What changed, by category
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 21–36 mpg | 21–37 mpg | 21–36 mpg | 20 mpg | 36 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28–32 mpg | 28–34 mpg | 28–32 mpg | 26 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 245–265 hp | 245–265 hp | 245–265 hp | 265 hp | 245 hp | 362 hp | 362 hp |
| Torque | 175–310 lb-ft | 175–310 lb-ft | 175–310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 97.5 cu-ft | 97.5 cu-ft | 97.5 cu-ft | 97.5 cu-ft | 97.5 cu-ft | 97.5 cu-ft | 97.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Seats | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| SD Card Slot | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander redesigned?
No, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is not redesigned. It remains part of the first generation introduced for 2024, with only minor trim-specific appearance changes for 2026.
What changed on the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander compared with the 2025 model?
The 2026 Grand Highlander gets only small appearance updates. Hybrid Nightshade adds a black badge overlay and black-painted grille details, while Hybrid MAX models gain a gunmetal gray grille treatment; the broader lineup otherwise carries over.
Did the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander powertrains change?
No, the 2026 Grand Highlander carries over its three powertrain types: turbo gas, regular hybrid, and the stronger Hybrid MAX system. Hybrid MAX models continue with 362 combined horsepower, standard AWD, and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Did the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander get new safety or technology features?
No lineup-wide safety or technology changes were announced for 2026. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and the 12.3-inch touchscreen continue as standard equipment.
Is the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid Nightshade new?
No, the Hybrid Nightshade edition joined the Grand Highlander lineup for 2025. For 2026, it carries over with minor appearance details that include a black badge overlay and black-painted grille trim.