The 2026 Toyota Highlander: What We Know So Far
While the 2026 Toyota Highlander's still shrouded in speculation, here's what we know so far about the upcoming three-row SUV.
This image depicts the 2025 Toyota Highlander.
Three-row SUVs are all the rage for large families, and the Highlander stands out as a selection with a hybrid powertrain for the ultimate value in every dollar. Thanks to its popularity, there will be a 2026 Toyota Highlander. While we don’t know much yet, there are some significant rumors about the 2026 Highlander.
It’s always helpful to get ahead of the crowd if you’re considering a vehicle investment for an upcoming model year, learning as much about it as possible to determine if it’s right for you. The more you know, the simpler the choice. Keep reading to learn more about when the 2026 Highlander will come out, what’s new in the machine, and other helpful details.
2026 Toyota Highlander Release Date: When Will It Come Out?
We don’t have any official information on the release date for the 2026 Toyota Highlander. However, some sources think it could come out at the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026. The timeline can shift for the 2026 Highlander, so we’ll keep you updated when there’s more information.
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What’s New in the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
One of the biggest rumors for the 2026 Toyota Highlander is that it will provide an all-electric powertrain. Toyota seems to be taking steps to keep up with the Kia and Hyundai competition, which an all-electric Highlander would do. We don’t think that’s the only upgrade we’ll see.
- Updated exterior styling
- New technology features
- Interior upgrades
There will be several redesign elements in the 2026 Toyota Highlander.
We don’t expect there to be dramatic changes in the 2026 Toyota Highlander, but we do anticipate it will be better than the previous version. Comfort and technology must be upgraded for the 2026 Toyota Highlander. Time will reveal what other features we will find in the 2026 Toyota Highlander, and we hope to see more.
2026 Toyota Highlander Pricing: How Much Will It Cost?
We don’t have official information on the price point of the 2026 Toyota Highlander, but it’s safe to assume the price points for these trims will be higher than the previous versions - especially if there’s an all-electric iteration of the Toyota Highlander. We anticipate there could be a new trim level for the Highlander.
According to caranddriver.com, here are the price points for the 2025 Toyota Highlander:
- Toyota Highlander LE: $41,000
- Toyota Highlander XLE: $44,000
- Toyota Highlander XSE: $46,000
- Toyota Highlander LE Nightshade: $47,000
- Toyota Highlander Limited: $48,000
- Toyota Highlander Platinum: $52,000
The price point for each trim of the Toyota Highlander will be slightly higher than these.
The Toyota Highlander is more expensive than your average vehicle because it offers three rows of seating and plenty of storage space for all your belongings and whatever your passengers bring inside. We could see more trim levels added on the higher end for the 2026 Toyota Highlander.
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER PROS & CONS
If you’re interested in this vehicle, it’s helpful to consider the features. What are the Toyota Highlander pros and cons?
How Does the Performance Look?
There is a possibility of an all-electric iteration of the Toyota Highlander, which is exciting for those who need ample space but also want to save money on their machine. However, this information is a rumor. There are many confirmed all-electric Toyota releases, but we aren’t certain if the Highlander will fall into this category.
We’ll likely see similar specs to last year, which include the following:
- 265 horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine
- Front or all-wheel drive
- 0-60 mph in an unhurried manner
The gas-powered selection likely won’t improve too much.
One of the best parts about the Toyota Highlander is that, even though it’s large, it provides excellent control over the machine. It’s predictable, though it isn’t speedy. Those who want safe driving over excessive power will enjoy what the Toyota Highlander provides in the performance category. We’ll see if anything else is revealed later on.
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER RESALE VALUE
We evaluate the Toyota Highlander resale value and everything else you need to know. Does it hold its value over time?
What’s Safety Like?
Safety is something Toyota takes seriously, and that continues in the Toyota Highlander. We expect we’ll see most of the same features in the 2026 Toyota Highlander that we saw in the 2025 iteration, with some slight upgrades in areas like lane centering and the effectiveness of the automatic emergency braking.
According to motorwheel.com, here are some common safety features in the Highlander:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
These will all aid the driver in keeping the majestic car on track.
The best driver assistance features are to make the experience safer for the person behind the wheel without taking away their ability to drive the car. We expect Toyota to continue upgrading its system and working to make its safety features effective and better than those of the competition. We will see if they add anything else in the future.
What’s the Interior Like?
The interior is another place where we expect to see an improvement in the 2026 Toyota Highlander. It should be spacious and ready to accommodate ample individuals in the rear. We also hope there will be more room for the legs, heads, and arms of passengers to ensure there’s space to stretch out during long car rides.
Technology should also see an improvement in the 2026 model year. There should be an available all-around camera system around and outside the car, thin pillars to make it much easier to see outside the windows, and a camera-based rearview mirror to provide vision even if the vehicle is full. The 2026 model year will bring much to the table.
Is It Worth Waiting for the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
There could be plenty of features in the 2026 Toyota Highlander, but the most exciting possibility is an all-electric powertrain. We know Toyota is adding the all-electric system to many of their cars, so we wouldn’t be surprised if they chose to place it in the iconic three-row powertrain. It’s one of their most popular, and they do well with it.
We think it’s worth waiting for the 2026 Toyota Highlander, especially if the rumor of the all-electric system turns out to be true. However, it is vital to note the price point for the car will rise for the 2026 model year.
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