2026 Toyota Highlander Redesign, Specs, Price

2026 Toyota Highlander Redesign, Specs, Price – Safety Sense, Toyota’s autonomous driving technology, quickly set fires all over the world. Features like front collision warning that are standard in modern vehicles do not excite me. The bosses of these nannies constantly give the idea that they are too preoccupied to provide their full attention to the child. Being in my automobile eliminates the need for a babysitter. A 2026 Toyota Highlander equipped with an autonomous nanny helped me make sense of it all.

During my recent road trip in my roomy Toyota Highlander, I placed my reliable Super Big Gulp in the cup holder. My cherished SBG, as I affectionately refer to it, became jammed on the small lever that accommodates cups of varied sizes when I attempted to place it into the cup holder following my Coke consumption. The vehicle ahead of me slid to a halt as I quickly glanced down while racing up.

The Highlander began a sudden braking motion as soon as the alert and frontal collision warning lights stopped working. I screeched to a stop millimeters from the lead vehicle’s bumper after slamming on the brakes and shouting out a stream of NSFW hate words. My gaze thereafter ascended to the heavens. It seemed like the ABS was really hammering.

I was overcome with excitement and secretly lauded Toyota for standardizing all of its safety features. I spared myself the embarrassment of having to contact my supervisor since we were able to come to a resolution during our meeting. 2026 Toyota Highlander Redesign

Table of Contents

2026 Toyota Highlander Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior & Interior

Though it isn’t my favorite, the Entune infotainment system is decent. Neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto is available for now, and Toyota has remained mum on whether or not they want to integrate them. However, third-party software developers may link their items to the Highlander through Toyota’s software Suite.

By connecting your iOS or Android device to Entune, you can receive real-time traffic and weather data, in addition to popular applications such as Slacker, Yelp, and Pandora.

While the integrated navigation is helpful, lower trim levels are unable to use Scout GPS without the Entune app. The optional 8-inch touchscreen activates the system the second the vehicle is started up, allowing for quick inputs.

Along with a 9-inch screen, Bluetooth headphones, and a remote control, my test car has an optional rear-seat DVD system. It seems wasteful to add $1,810 to the total when you consider how many children already own iPads. With three front USB ports and two on the back, the latest Highlander is perfect for families with active children.

2026 Toyota Highlander Specs

Engine & Performance

For one mile I cruised around Denver, Colorado, behind the wheel of the SE Highlander, which looked sporty. Most vehicles will seem slower at an altitude of little over 5,000 feet due to the thinner air. But the new 3.5-liter V6 engine that was an available upgrade for the Highlander more than compensated with its generous horsepower. The Highlander’s 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque allowed it to deftly navigate several winding mountain routes.

If you prefer to take it easy on difficult terrain, the SE is for you thanks to its fine-tuned suspension. I still enjoy it, even if it’s not as good as my ideal Mazda CX-9 or other fast three-row family haulers. Under pressure, the eight-speed automatic gearbox maintains its composure regardless of the rate of shifts or engine RPM. The ride is comfortable despite the slight stiffness. You can’t rely on luck alone to ensure your success—not even the press vehicle lottery. Had the choice been available, I would have chosen my test car with all-wheel drive. 2026 Toyota Highlander Redesign

2026 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy

The fuel economy of the Toyota Prius is estimated by the EPA to be 23 MPG city, 27 MPG highway, and 21 MPG total. A perfect 24.0 total rating is something I’ve never seen before.

The standard engine in the Highlander is a 2.7-liter unit that generates 185 horsepower. Even though I’ve never been behind the wheel before, I’ve seen several two-row SUVs with a surprising number of horsepower. The less impressive engine will make the bigger three-row Highlander look uninteresting, in my view. The bigger 3.5-liter engine already gets better gas mileage, but this one gets even worse: 24 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city.

A hybrid Highlander might be better for the environment. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 306 horsepower via its two electric motors. Consequently, the hybrid outperforms the front-wheel drive V6 by 29 miles per gallon in city driving and nine miles per gallon on the interstate, according to EPA estimates.

When compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Mazda CX-9, the Highlander’s standard tow capability of 5,000 pounds is significantly higher. Because of its minuscule size, its cargo capacity is lower than that of the other three vehicles in its category. With the rear seats folded down, you’ll have 83.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is enough to hold almost 350 12-packs of Diet Dr. Pepper. 2026 Toyota Highlander Redesign

2026 Toyota Highlander Safety Features

The Toyota Highlander is a mid-range crossover that falls in between the more spacious RAV4 and the more functional 4Runner. Although the third row is more suited for little children in car seats than for an average-sized adult, the Highlander can accommodate seven or eight people depending on the trim level you choose.

In 2026, the Highlander had a substantial redesign. The most noticeable changes to this midsize crossover are the muscular new front fascia and the redesigned LED taillights. Toyota added an additional trim level called the SE. It has a number of sporty features, such as roof rails, a blacked-out front grille, and wheels that are 19 inches in diameter.

The 2026 model year Highlander models came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) package. Many individuals consider the functions included in this bundle to be essential. features including dynamic radar cruise control and lane-keeping assist, which collaborate to ensure the vehicle doesn’t veer off the road and keeps a certain gap between.

Unlike lane-keeping assist, dynamic radar cruise control is ineffective below 30 mph in stop-and-go traffic, rendering it unusable. These updates, together with the frontal crash warning, which might end a career, put Toyota in a good position.

2026 Toyota Highlander Release Date & Price

The 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE with heated seats is the most budget-friendly alternative, and I would choose it since I appreciate having a toasty back end. The top-tier Limited model comes with an optional Platinum Package that includes features like rear-seat entertainment and a 360-degree bird’s-eye view camera, but I’m not ready to make the leap just yet. Because to your assistance, I am certain that my mirrors will work.

My Highlander SE has a $30,630 base price but a $40,685 total (not including destination). Taking on Hyundai, Kia, and Chevrolet, here is the new Atlas from Volkswagen. Despite its understated design, the 2026 Highlander is a formidable opponent thanks to its competitive performance and excellent gas efficiency. Toyota Safety Sense, an advanced safety system, is the Highlander’s most appealing feature. Choose the cheaper Big Gulp just to be safe. Fits snugly 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.