2026 Toyota Highlander Prices, Redesign, Review

2026 Toyota Highlander Prices, Redesign, Review – Safety Sense, an advanced driver assistance system that comes standard on Toyota automobiles, came to the rescue in an instant. Forward collision warning and other cutting-edge automotive safety features are not my cup of tea. The idea that these nannies prey on careless parents has long occurred to me. If I keep driving, I won’t have to hire a babysitter. However, I was enlightened by one of those digital babysitters for the 2026 Toyota Highlander.

When I got in my three-row Toyota Highlander last week for my journey, I put my reliable Super Big Gulp in the cup holder. I tried to place my cherished SBG—as I call it—into the cup holder after finishing my Coke, but it became stuck on the little lever that accommodates various cup sizes. I glanced down and sped up as the vehicle in front of me slid to a halt.

Upon activation of the frontal collision warning light and alarm, the driver of the Highlander jerked to a halt. I spat out a series of obscenities, glanced over my shoulder, and then slammed on the brakes, sending the anti-lock braking system into overdrive and bringing me to a crawl, inches from the lead car’s bumper.

I silently expressed my gratitude to Toyota for standardizing their safety features across all of their vehicles, even though my pulse was racing with anticipation. Thanks to that boardroom decision, I avoided an uncomfortable confrontation with my employer over the phone. 2026 Toyota Highlander Prices

Table of Contents

2026 Toyota Highlander Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior & Interior

The mid-range Highlander is a happy medium between the practical 4Runner and the roomier two-row RAV4. The Highlander can seat seven or eight people (depending on the trim level), although adults might not be the best choice for little children in the third row. In 2026, the Highlander had a substantial redesign. This midsize crossover is highlighted by its sharper front fascia and new LED taillights. The SE trim level was also introduced by Toyota. It is characterized by strong features like blacked-out front grille, 19-inch wheels, and roof rails.

Even if it’s not my favorite, Toyota’s Entune infotainment system does its job. Neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto are available on any Toyota vehicles at the moment, and the automaker has been mum on the matter. The alternative is to download third-party program installers for your Highlander via Toyota’s official program Suite.

Access applications like Yelp, Pandora, and Slacker, as well as real-time traffic and weather updates, by installing the Entune app on your iOS or Android mobile and connecting it to your device. The built-in navigation is easy to use, however lower trim levels can’t use Scout GPS unless they have the Entune app. The system began functioning at engine start, and the optional 8-inch touchscreen made inputs a breeze.

An optional 9-inch screen, Bluetooth headphones, and a remote were part of the rear-seat DVD system in my test vehicle. When you consider how many children already have iPads, the $1,810 price tag seems excessive. Perfect for powering the kids’ electronic devices, the new Highlander features five USB ports—three up front and two in the back. 2026 Toyota Highlander Prices

2026 Toyota Highlander Specs

Engine & Performance

I went for a drive around Denver, Colorado, in the SE Highlander, which is sportier than most. Although the air is thinner at a height of little over 5,000 feet, the new 3.5-liter V6 engine supplied by the Highlander nevertheless managed to provide enough acceleration. The Highlander effortlessly navigated several winding mountain roads thanks to its 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque.

For individuals who want to take it easy on country roads, the SE’s improved suspension is the way to go. While it doesn’t quite measure up to my ideal—the Mazda CX-9—it’s still a step up from competing sporty three-row family haulers. The eight-speed automatic gearbox keeps its cool under pressure regardless of the pace of the shift or the level of engine RPM maintained. The ride is still really nice, even if it is somewhat stiff. I really want the optional all-wheel drive on my test vehicle, but alas, that is simply the way the press car lottery operates.

2026 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy

This is the fuel economy that Toyota boasts about according to the EPA: 21 city, 27 highway, and 23 combined. The 23.0 final score was finally correct.

The 2.7-liter engine in the Highlander can generate 185 horsepower, even in the lowest trim. Although I was unable to take it for a spin, I can tell you that many two-row crossovers come equipped with that many horsepower. Due to the lesser engine, I anticipate that the bigger three-row Highlander will seem uninspired. As icing on the cake, it gets poorer gas mileage than the bigger 3.5-liter engine (24 highway mpg and 20 city mpg).

The Highlander hybrid is another environmentally conscious option. Together, the two electric motors and the 3.5-liter V6 engine produce 306 horsepower. As a result, the hybrid outperforms the front-wheel drive V6 by nine miles per gallon on the interstate and by twenty-nine miles per gallon in the city, respectively, as measured by the EPA.

The Highlander has a higher basic tow capacity than the MazdaCX-9, Ford Explorer, and Honda Pilot, at 5,000 pounds. There is obviously not enough room in the trunk of the smallest of the four cars positioned behind the third row of seats. Additionally, with the rear seats folded down, the massive 83.7 cubic feet of luggage room can accommodate almost 350 12-packs of Diet Dr. Pepper. 2026 Toyota Highlander Prices

2026 Toyota Highlander Safety Features

In 2026, Toyota’s Safety Sense P (TSS-P) package was standard on all Highlander trim levels. Many consider the functions included in this bundle to be crucial. capacity to keep the vehicle securely inside its lane and at a certain distance from the vehicle in front of it, as well as dynamic radar cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Since dynamic radar cruise control is ineffective below 30 mph, it is worthless in stop-and-go traffic; nevertheless, lane-keeping assist serves its purpose admirably. Toyota has the upper hand because to these features and the frontal accident warning, which might terminate a career.

2026 Toyota Highlander Release Date & Price

For someone like me who enjoys a warm rear, the 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE’s heated seats are a major selling point. If I could afford it, I would definitely choose that trim level. Since I am not yet prepared to upgrade to the top-tier Limited trim with the Platinum Package, I will forego the choice for rear-seat entertainment and the 360-degree Bird’s Eye View Camera. I appreciate it; I think my mirrors will work.

My Highlander SE costs $40,685 (not including destination), even though its base price is $30,630. Appearances by Hyundai, Chevrolet, Kia, and Volkswagen’s new Atlas all point to intense market rivalry. Despite its pared-down design, the 2026 Highlander is a formidable rival thanks to its respectable performance and fuel efficiency. The Highlander is now head and shoulders above the competition thanks to Toyota Safety Sense. Personally, I’d choose the smaller Big Gulp. It has a better chance of fitting in the cup holder.

Note: The details included in this blog post are derived from pre-release material that was accessible when the article was written. If you want the latest information, you should check official sources or call your nearest dealership.