2026 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2026 Toyota Highlander is standard AWD on every gas model; hybrids already had it. Otherwise, this is a light final-year update with a smaller trim lineup rather than a redesign.
About the 2026 Toyota Highlander
4th generation (2020-2026), final year before the all-new 2027 Highlander redesign.
Toyota positions the Highlander as a comfortable, easy-to-live-with midsize three-row SUV that blends car-like road manners with SUV usefulness. Its core job is family hauling without the bulk or truck-like feel of a larger SUV: everyday comfort, flexible seating, practical cargo space, and a choice between stronger gas towing capability or better hybrid fuel economy. The Highlander’s main draw is that it balances safety tech, familiar controls, and Toyota’s reputation for long-term dependability in one polished package.
The 2026 Highlander lineup spans the comfort-focused XLE and Limited, the sportier XSE, and the fully equipped Platinum. XLE has heated seats, synthetic leather, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free liftgate, while Limited adds leather, 12.3-inch displays, and JBL audio. XSE pairs a turbo gas engine with a sport-tuned suspension and bolder styling, while Platinum adds a panoramic glass roof, head-up display, surround-view camera, and digital rearview mirror.
What changed, by category
2026 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid / Gas | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Hybrid / Gas |
| MPG City | 21–35 mpg | 21 mpg | 21–35 mpg | 21–35 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28–35 mpg | 28 mpg | 28–34 mpg | 28–34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 243–265 hp | 265 hp | 243–265 hp | 243–265 hp |
| Torque | 175–310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 175–310 lb-ft | 175–310 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500–5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in |
| Seats | 8 | 7 | 7–8 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Does every 2026 Toyota Highlander have AWD?
Yes. Every 2026 Highlander has standard AWD, including both gas and hybrid models. The change for this year is that AWD becomes standard across the gas lineup; hybrids already had it.
Which trims were dropped for the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Three trims were dropped for 2026: LE, Limited 25th Edition, and XLE Nightshade. The remaining lineup centers on XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum.
Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander a redesign?
No. The 2026 Highlander is the final model year of the fourth generation, which began in 2020. The all-new Highlander redesign arrives for 2027.
Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander meaningfully different from the 2025 model?
The main difference is standard AWD across the 2026 gas lineup. An AWD-equipped 2025 Highlander is otherwise broadly similar based on this year's limited changes, while the 2026 lineup has fewer trims.
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2026 Toyota Highlander Gets Standard All Wheel Drive Across The Lineup
- pressroom.toyota.com — Celebrate The Best Of Toyota Highlander With Limited 25Th Edition Hybrid
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2027 Toyota Highlander
- pressroom.toyota.com — Elevated Style Meets Modern Power In The Next Generation 2027 Toyota Highlander
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2026 Toyota Highlander
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid