Toyota Highlander Review 2026: A Better Bet for Families

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

Toyota

Highlander

Enhanced | SUV | Toyota

In this Toyota Highlander Review, we look at a midsize three-row SUV that still makes its strongest case through comfort, quietness, and everyday family practicality. The 2026 Toyota Highlander now comes standard with all-wheel drive on gas models, and it continues to feature a 265-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder that provides enough power for daily driving, road trips, and light towing without changing its core personality.

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 for kids only. The 265-hp turbo-four engine under the hood doesn’t use more gas than the next three-row SUV and delivers enough power, though not exceptional.

Depending on the trim, Toyota’s SUV accommodates seven or eight passengers and remains organized and quiet. However, the Highlander is less competitive in performance and has a higher starting price than some competitors, especially since base and front-wheel drive models will be discontinued after 2026. Those prioritizing fuel efficiency can choose the Highlander Hybrid, which, despite its higher price, delivers better fuel economy.

What's New?

For 2026, the Toyota Highlander gets a smaller but meaningful lineup update rather than a full rethink. Toyota has discontinued the base LE trim and made all-wheel drive standard on gas models, which pushes the Highlander a little further upmarket and changes the starting point for buyers. That means the entry version is no longer as budget-focused as before, but the standard-equipment story is stronger from the start.

Beyond that, the Highlander is largely unchanged. There is no major redesign, no new engine, and no big interior overhaul for 2026. So this model year is less about new features and more about a quieter shift in positioning: fewer base-level compromises, a simpler lineup, and standard all-wheel drive on the gas-only Highlander.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Highlander keeps things straightforward, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard on XLE and XSE trims and an available 12.3-inch display on higher versions such as the Limited and Platinum. Both setups support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the system also includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a wireless charging pad, so the everyday essentials are covered with minimal friction.

Audio and feature content improve as you move up the range. A six-speaker stereo comes standard, while upper trims can be equipped with an 11-speaker JBL sound system and built-in navigation. The Platinum stands out further with a head-up display, giving the Highlander a more premium tech feel, even if the overall setup still leans more practical than flashy.

Price and How to Choose

Pricing for the 2026 Toyota Highlander starts at $46,765, with the top Platinum trim beginning at $54,420, according to Cars.com. The XLE trim suits most buyers: it includes leatherette seats, heated front seats, and comprehensive driver-assistance technology. Buyers can choose seven or eight seats and an optional 12.3-inch entertainment screen.

Engine 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 features an eight-speed automatic gearbox, all-wheel drive, and a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 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.

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.

Fuel Economy

The EPA reports a city fuel economy of 21 mpg.
The EPA reports that it achieves 28 mpg on the highway.

The EPA has not yet released fuel economy figures for the 2026 Toyota Highlander, but estimates are expected to remain consistent. The 2025 all-wheel-drive model should return 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway—impressive ratings for a mid-size three-row SUV.

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.

Safety Features

Toyota equips all its cars, including the Highlander, with driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlamps.

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.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

Cargo Space:

The 23-cubic-foot cargo space fits four carry-ons with the third row down. More can be stored when the second row is folded, for a total of 57 cubic feet.

First Row:

The cabin uses high-quality materials and features a simple, understated design. Top trims, Limited and Platinum, include leather seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, and additional amenities.

Second Row:

The XLE and Limited trims replace the standard captain’s chairs in the second row with a bench seat for three adults, increasing capacity to eight.

Third Row:

The adults in the third row will complain about the lack of space in the back. This row should be for kids only.

Towing Capacity

It can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Comfortable ride quality makes it easy to live with every day.
The cabin stays quiet and well-organized for family use.
Standard safety tech is a strong part of the package.
Available seven- or eight-passenger seating adds flexibility.
Towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds gives it a useful extra capability.

Cons:

The third row is tight for adults and works best for kids.
Base pricing is higher than that of some key rivals.
Performance is adequate, but not especially strong for the class.
Some competitors offer more interior space or a more upscale feel.

The Toyota Highlander still does a lot of family-SUV things well, but that does not automatically make every asking price a fair one. Check the invoice pricing to get a clearer sense of what this SUV should cost before you buy.

Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander worth buying over the Grand Highlander or other three-row SUVs?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is worth buying if your priorities are comfort, quietness, standard all-wheel drive on gas models, and a family-friendly cabin that is easy to live with every day. It makes the most sense for buyers who do not need a truly adult-friendly third row and would rather have a slightly easier-to-manage SUV than a larger one. It becomes a less convincing choice if maximum third-row space or best-in-class value is your priority, especially now that some rivals and even the larger Grand Highlander give you more room for similar money.