What's New for the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander arrives largely unchanged from the previous model year. It continues to impress families with its roomy interior, outstanding visibility, and extensive suite of driver-assist technologies. The Highlander provides a refined, quiet, and confident driving experience that makes daily commutes and long trips equally enjoyable. With several trims to choose from-from the well-equipped base model to the sportier and more luxurious variants-there's a Highlander to fit just about every driver's needs.
What Are the 2026 Highlander Trims & Features?
The 2026 Highlander lineup consists of five trims, each offering its own blend of style, comfort, and technology.
The LE trim starts things off with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate. Inside, you'll find a power-adjustable driver's seat, tri-zone climate control, and split-folding second and third rows. Tech highlights include an eight-inch touchscreen display, a digital gauge cluster, and keyless ignition.
Next up, the XLE adds a sunroof, roof rails, and a hands-free liftgate for extra convenience. The cabin is enhanced with heated front seats, captain's chairs in the second row, sunshades, and synthetic leather upholstery. A wireless charging pad comes standard, while navigation and a bench-style second row are available options.
The XSE stands out with sportier styling, larger wheels, and a tuned suspension for a more engaging drive. It also adds interior ambient lighting and a fully digital instrument display.
Moving to the Limited trim brings a more premium feel, featuring leather seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an upgraded digital instrument panel. Other highlights include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker premium sound system, a household-style power outlet, and additional safety enhancements.
At the top of the lineup, the Platinum model offers the most upscale experience with premium alloy wheels, adaptive headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assist technologies.
How Much Horsepower Does the 2026 Highlander Have?
Under the hood, the 2026 Highlander features a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options are available, allowing you to tailor performance to your driving preferences.
What Safety Features Does the 2026 Highlander Include?
The 2026 Highlander comes equipped with Toyota's advanced safety suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims like the Limited and Platinum add front and rear parking sensors for extra confidence when maneuvering in tight spaces.
