2026 Toyota Highlander Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Toyota’s spacious three-row family hauler, the Highlander, is expected to land a redesign for 2026. The SUV should receive upgrades to styling, tech, safety, and functionality. More critically, it might eschew pure combustion power altogether and come as a hybrid-only three-row SUV. Rivals will continue to include the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-90.
Need more space in the third row? Toyota also has the Grand Highlander—read all about it here.
2025 Highlander pictured above
Isn’t There Already a Highlander Hybrid?
Yes, but it’s possible Toyota could introduce a second stronger powertrain with the redesign. It could also do away with the gas-only model altogether (as it did with the much larger Sequoia and more recently the Camry sedan). The previous hybrid powertrain would essentially become a new base setup. It combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 hp. In the 2025 Highlander Hybrid, the powertrain returns fuel economy of 35/35 mpg, which is good for a rather large SUV. All Highlanders, regardless of hybrid system, could adopt AWD like the final model years of the previous-generation Highlander Hybrid.
Toyota could go a couple different ways for the upgrade powertrain, but we’ll zero in on the most logical possibility. The Grand Highlander’s Hybrid Max setup could be fun in a top-spec Highlander. It pairs a turbo 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder with electric motors to develop 362 hp in the Grand Highlander, returning fuel economy of 26/27 mpg city/highway. It should make the Highlander Hybrid quicker than the 2023 XSE AWD gas Highlander we tested, which managed a just-ok time of 8.0 seconds in the 0-60-mph run.
A plug-in hybrid variant is another possibility for the 2026 Toyota Highlander lineup. The automaker already has plug-in versions of the RAV4 and the Prius, both offering more than 40 miles of all-electric range.
Will the Next Highlander Be Bigger?
Possibly, but remember Toyota already has a bigger version, the Grand Highlander. We doubt dimensions will change too much but always welcome more space. The last Highlander provided great second-row legroom and plenty of cargo capacity, especially with the third row stowed (48.4 cubic feet). Like many in the class, though, the seats furthest back are the least accommodating, sized mostly for children.
Technology
An easy upgrade for the new 2026 Highlander will be cabin screens. In the last model, the standard screens were small: a 7.0-inch driver display and 8.0-inch central touchscreen. Perhaps the 12.3-inch upgrades will become standard, and the new available infotainment interface will be the 14.0-inch screen Lexus is using. There could even be a trim with a third screen for the front passenger.
Look for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to return, as well as the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense driver assists. A head-up display, hands-free liftgate, and premium audio should also be available.
How Much Is the 2026 Highlander? When Will It Be Available?
If the Highlander is only offered as a hybrid, expect what will look like a big jump in pricing. That’s because the Highlander Hybrid was already the pricier model. The 2026 model could start around $49,000, given the 2025 XLE hybrid base model starts at almost $47,500. The same year LE gas base model starts at roughly $41,000, some $8,000 less than our estimated starting price. Comparing hybrid for hybrid, though, and the jump isn’t as extreme.
Look for Toyota to spill the beans on the next Highlander in mid-2025 with debuts to follow later in the year.
