Man, the Toyota Highlander 2026 is like that dependable family SUV that’s had a serious upgrade—bigger, bolder, and ready to haul your crew through city traffic or road trips without missing a beat. Launched in September 2025 for the 2026 model year, it’s Toyota’s refreshed midsize three-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive, a simplified lineup, and a high-torque 2.4L turbo engine across gas models, making it a no-brainer for busy parents or adventure seekers against the Honda Pilot or Ford Explorer. Priced from $46,765 for the XLE AWD base (up to $55,000 for Platinum), it’s a value champ with 265 hp and 24 mpg combined—perfect if you’re upgrading from an older Highlander or jumping from a RAV4, though the $5,000 price hike might make you pause before loading up the third row.
Bold, Family-Ready Design
This SUV’s a spacious powerhouse—194.9 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 68.1 inches tall, with a 112.2-inch wheelbase that’s steady for highway cruises or city parking. Weighing 4,145-4,515 lbs with 8 inches ground clearance, it glides over bumps without scraping. The 2026 drops the LE base trim, starting with XLE, and rocks a sleeker front end with thinner LED headlights tied by a slim strip, plus wraparound taillamps in shades like Midnight Black Metallic or Blueprint—seven or eight seats in 2-3-3 layout for clan loads. 18-20 inch alloys with 235/65 R18 tires grip steady, roof rails add utility—it’s got that crossover stance, wide doors for easy loading, but nimble for urban spots without feeling bulky.
Roomy, Tech-Savvy Cabin
Slide in, and cloth or leatherette seats fit seven or eight with heated fronts and 60:40 folding rears for 84 cu ft max cargo—no squeeze, but third row’s tight for adults. The 8-12.3 inch touchscreen blasts wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto for maps or Spotify, while the 7-12.3-inch digital cluster shows speed and modes. Three-zone AC chills quick, panoramic sunroof floods light on higher trims, ambient LEDs set moods—wireless charging and cooled cup holders keep gadgets and brews handy. It’s airy for road trips, JBL 11-speaker audio pumps bassy vibes—no massage seats on base, but build quality nails long hauls without creaks.
Turbo Power That’s Punchy and Efficient
The 2.4L turbo i-FORCE four-cylinder (265 hp, 310 lb-ft) pairs with 8-speed auto for smooth shifts, zipping 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds and topping 115 mph. EPA 22 city/29 highway/25 combined mpg (real-world 20-24) stretches the 17.8-gallon tank to 400-450 miles at $3-4/gallon—torquey low-end for overtakes, hybrid option sips 35 mpg combined. FWD or AWD grips wet roads, MacPherson struts up front and multi-link rear soak potholes softly—no wallow on curves, refined NVH keeps chats quiet, though turbo lag nags at low revs.
Safety Suite Loaded
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 packs automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-tracing assist, and full-speed adaptive cruise—standard on all, earning 5-star NHTSA ratings. 8 airbags, 360-camera, and blind-spot monitor add confidence—tough for urban knocks, stability control shrugs slippery winters, ISOFIX anchors make it parent-proof.
Price and Easy Snag
XLE AWD at $46,765, Platinum $55,000—street price $45,000-$53,000 with taxes. Dealers or Carvana September deals: $500-1,000 off with Chase cards, no-interest financing, trade-ins up to $2,000. Waits 7-15 days, 3-year/36k mile warranty, $400-600 yearly service—resale 75% after three years.
What Folks Say
Owners love the space and efficiency—”family hauler with mpg magic,” one Colorado parent raves—but third row cramps adults, no diesel bugs some. Service Toyota solid, AWD premium irks FWD folks. Vs. Pilot’s value or Explorer’s power, Highlander wins on reliability—top if versatile family SUV’s your jam.
Quick Specs
2026 model year, $46,765-$55,000, 2.4L turbo, 265 hp, 22/29/25 mpg, four trims. Check dealers for Blueprint or deals—your SUV’s waiting.
