Toyota’s Family SUV Gets Smarter, More Capable, and More Efficient

Toyota just unveiled the refreshed 2026 Toyota Highlander, which will be arriving in the U.S. this November. It gets a refreshed design, standard AWD on all gas models, updated tech, and a more simplified trim lineup. The starting price for the new model is $45,270 for the gas model, and $47,020 for the hybrid version.

Why It Matters

Why this refreshed Highlander matters is because it is one of Toyota’s most popular three row SUVs, with a 25 year reputation for comfort, space, and handling like a car. The move to a standard AWD on all the gas models, shows the demand for more capability in family cars, something Subaru has been doing for years.

Powertrains

The gas version of the Highlander has a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which gives an output of 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft torque. All of that with a middle-range 5,000-lb towing capacity.

As for the hybrid it gets a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with two electric motors, 243 hp, 35 MPG, and 3,500-lb of towing capacity. The hybrid battery sits right under the second-row seats, which preserves cargo and passenger space.

Interior

The standard seating arrangement is 7, but you can get 8 seats if you need. On the seats you will either get SofTex or leather-trimmed seating, depending on your trim. With the rows folded down you get a 84.3 cubic feet of cargo room, and it also has 3-zone climate control.

Tech

The tech in this car also gets an upgrade with a 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an available JBL Premium Audio system, cloud based navigation, wireless charging, over the air updates, the “Hey Toyota” voice assistant, and Wi-Fi hotspot support for up to 5 devices.

Safety

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard which comes with Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assistant, Road Sign Assistant, Auto High Beams, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, 8 airbags, and Star Safety System.

Exterior

The exterior comes in either Black Metallic, Blueprint, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Heavy Metal, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Wind Chill Pearl. This refresh also has a pretty similar styling to the last version.

So you like this refresh of the Highlander? Are you thinking of getting it? Let us know in the comments!