Our Opinion - 2026 Toyota Highlander Review It has three rows of seats and is a mid-sized SUV. People have come to expect the first two rows to be wide, comfortable, and equipped with driving aids. The third row, on the other hand, is only for kids. The 265-hp turbo-four engine under the hood doesn’t use more gas than the next three-row SUV and produces enough power, although not exceptional power. Depending on the trim level, Toyota’s saloon can fit seven or eight people and is well-organized and quiet. The Highlander, on the other hand, doesn’t perform as well and costs more to start than many of its rivals, as the base model and front-wheel drive versions will no longer be manufactured after 2026. People who want better gas mileage can achieve it with the Highlander Hybrid, even though it costs a bit more (when evaluated individually). What's New? There is no longer a base model called LE, and all-wheel drive is now standard on all models. Aside from that, the 2026 Highlander is the same. Pros and Cons Pros Hybrid powertrains work well. It’s still a great family SUV. Cons It might be expensive to have a range that is only hybrids. Not before 2025 ends. Engine, Transmission, and Performance It has a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 265 horsepower. Automatic transmission with eight speeds. All-wheel drive is built into the engine. For the 2025 Highlander, customers can choose between a regular gasoline engine and a hybrid drivetrain. We will still look at the Highlander Hybrid separately, though. This model runs on gas and has an eight-speed automatic gearbox, all-wheel drive, and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 265 horsepower. While the Highlander isn’t particularly exciting to drive, it offers a smooth ride that most people desire, along with the regular, predictable handling you’d expect from a family hauler. Safety Toyota has made a point of equipping all its cars with driver-assistance systems, and the Highlander is among them. Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlamps are all standard safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and blind spot tracking are all standard safety features. Front and rear parking sensors, as well as a 360-degree camera system, are optional safety features. Internal and External Cargo Capacity First Row: The cabin is crafted from high-quality materials and boasts a simple yet understated design. The best features are found in the most expensive types, the Limited and Platinum, which feature leather seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, and additional amenities. Second Row: The XLE and Limited types don’t have the standard captain’s chairs in the second row. Instead, they have a bench seat that can fit three adults. This means that there are now eight people on board. Third Row: The adults in the third row will complain about the lack of space in the back. This row should only be for kids. Cargo Space: The 23-cubic-foot cargo area can accommodate up to four carry-on bags when the third row is not in use. You can store more items behind the second row when you fold down those seats. There are 57 cubes of it. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The EPA reports a fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city. The EPA reports that it achieves 28 mpg on the highway. The EPA hasn’t announced how much gas the 2026 Toyota Highlander will use, but the figures are expected to remain the same. The 2025 all-wheel-drive model is expected to achieve 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, making it a mid-size three-row SUV with impressive fuel efficiency. We haven’t had a chance to check how well the Highlander uses gas on the 75-mph highway yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as we do. Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 8.0-inch touchscreen normal; 12.3-inch touchscreen available as an option Connectivity: Supports connectivity through both Bluetooth and WiFi, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto. Audio systems: 6-speaker stereo as normal; 11-speaker JBL stereo as an option All models can be equipped with the 12.3-inch tablet found on the Limited and Platinum models, but the XLE and XSE come standard with an 8.0-inch screen. Both screens work with wireless smartphone mirroring. A wireless charging stand is also included. The top models, such as the XSE, come with a JBL stereo system featuring 11 speakers and built-in navigation guidance. The Platinum, on the other hand, is the only type with a headliner. Range, Charging, and Battery Life 7.2 seconds for the test at 60 mph. The 340-hp Mazda CX-90 (6.3 seconds) and the Toyota Grand Highlander (7.0 seconds) are faster cars in this market. Towing And Payload Capacity Tow up to 5,000 pounds of weight. The Highlander can pull the same amount of weight as the Hyundai Palisade, but it is 500 pounds lighter than the Kia Telluride. Price and How to Choose Rates for the 2026 Toyota Highlander could range from $47,240 to $54,895, depending on the model and options selected. The XLE should be good for most buyers. It features leatherette seats, a warm front seat, and all the necessary technology to assist the driver. You can choose between seven or eight seats, and you can add a 12.3-inch screen for entertainment.
