2026 Toyota Highlander: What's in stock, trim-level comparison, FAQ's.

    Updated 2026-06-02
    Quick Answer

    The Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV offered in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, with a separate Highlander Hybrid line in the same four trims. Gas models use a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 265 horsepower with an 8-speed automatic and tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. The Hybrid pairs a 2.5L engine with electric motors for 243 horsepower combined and EPA estimates as high as 36 mpg combined, towing up to 3,500 lbs. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard; AWD is available across the lineup.

    Highlights of the 2026 Toyota Highlander

    7 highlights
    • Two powertrain choices — 2.4L turbocharged gas (265 hp) or 2.5L hybrid (243 hp combined) — with the same trim ladder on each
    • EPA-estimated up to 36 mpg combined on Highlander Hybrid trims; gas trims rate roughly 24 combined
    • Towing up to 5,000 lbs on properly equipped gas Highlander trims; up to 3,500 lbs on the Hybrid
    • Three rows of seating standard — second row seats either three (60/40 bench) or two (captain's chairs on Limited and Platinum)
    • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard: pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, full-speed dynamic radar cruise, automatic high beams, and road-sign assist
    • 12.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster standard on XLE and above; 8-inch touchscreen on LE
    • AWD optional on every trim and standard on Hybrid Limited and Platinum, with hill descent control and multi-terrain select on capable trims
    No trim data available yet.

    Inside the Toyota Highlander

    Choosing between the gas Highlander and the Highlander Hybrid

    The gas Highlander runs a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder making 265 horsepower paired to an 8-speed automatic — a punchy, traditional powertrain that tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, useful for boats, small trailers, and pop-ups. The Highlander Hybrid pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with electric motors for 243 horsepower combined and EPA-estimated up to 36 mpg combined — roughly 50% better fuel economy than the gas model. Towing on the Hybrid is rated up to 3,500 lbs. Buyers who routinely tow at the upper end, or who want the most low-end punch, lean gas; buyers focused on commuting fuel economy and long-term fuel costs lean hybrid.

    Trim ladder: LE, XLE, Limited, Platinum

    LE is the volume trim and includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the 8-inch touchscreen, three-zone climate, and tri-zone manual rear climate control. XLE adds the 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauge cluster, SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and second-row sunshades. Limited steps up to leather seating, ventilated front seats, a 1,200-watt JBL premium audio system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and standard second-row captain's chairs. Platinum is the loaded trim — head-up display, panoramic roof, heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs (Hybrid), 360-degree camera, and 20-inch wheels.

    How it stacks up in the three-row midsize segment

    The Highlander competes with the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, and Subaru Ascent. The Highlander's hybrid option is its differentiator — the Pilot doesn't offer a hybrid in the U.S. market, and the Palisade Hybrid is positioned differently. Cargo space behind the third row is smaller than the Pilot and Telluride; buyers who routinely use the third row for cargo runs may prefer those rivals or the larger Toyota Grand Highlander. AWD is available across the lineup; Toyota's predicted resale value remains a strong point versus the Korean competition.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Hybrid option delivers EPA-estimated up to 36 mpg combined — uncommon in the three-row midsize segment
    • Strong towing on gas trims (up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped)
    • AWD available on every trim and standard on Hybrid Limited and Platinum
    • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard across all trims
    • Quiet cabin and comfortable second-row captain's chairs available on Limited and Platinum
    • Strong predicted resale value supported by Toyota three-row SUV history
    • Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim
    Cons
    • Third-row legroom and cargo space behind the third row trail the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride
    • Hybrid towing capacity (3,500 lbs) is lower than the gas model's 5,000 lbs
    • LE infotainment screen feels small next to the 12.3-inch unit on higher trims
    • Buyers needing maximum third-row room or cargo behind it should look at the larger Grand Highlander
    • Platinum trim pricing approaches near-luxury territory once AWD and the panoramic roof are added

    New 2026 Toyota Highlander Inventory at Swope ToyotaLive

    Current in-stock units at Swope Toyota in Elizabethtown, KY with full specifications, pricing, and direct links to each vehicle's detail page.

    Total in stock0vehicles
    Price range—
    Available powertrains—
    Last syncedJun 2, 2026 · 4:12 PM
    No vehicles in stock
    Swope Toyota doesn't currently have any 2026 Toyota Highlander units available.

    Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Toyota Highlander

    Yes. Toyota offers two parallel lineups — the gas Highlander with a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder, and the Highlander Hybrid with a 2.5L four-cylinder paired to electric motors. Both share the same LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trim ladder.
    EPA-estimated up to 36 mpg combined on FWD Hybrid trims. AWD Hybrid trims rate slightly lower. The gas Highlander rates roughly 24 mpg combined depending on trim and drivetrain.
    Gas Highlander trims tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped with the towing package. Highlander Hybrid trims tow up to 3,500 lbs. Both ratings assume the manufacturer-spec hitch and trailer brake setup.
    Yes. AWD is optional on every trim. On the Hybrid lineup, AWD is standard on Limited and Platinum. On the gas lineup, AWD is a stand-alone option across the trim ladder.
    The gas Highlander's 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder makes 265 horsepower paired with an 8-speed automatic. The Highlander Hybrid produces 243 horsepower combined from its 2.5L engine and electric motors with an electronically controlled CVT.
    Eight passengers with the standard second-row 60/40 bench seat, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs (standard on Limited and Platinum). Three rows are standard on every trim.
    The Grand Highlander is a separate, larger three-row SUV with significantly more third-row room and cargo space behind the third row. The standard Highlander is sized for buyers who want a midsize three-row footprint and rarely use the third row for adults or cargo.
    Every trim includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0: pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range, automatic high beams, road-sign assist, and proactive driving assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on Limited and above.
    Roughly 16 cubic feet behind the third row, ~48 cubic feet behind the second row, and ~84 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Third-row cargo space trails larger rivals like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride.
    Toyota covers the Highlander with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty (Hybrid only). Two years / 25,000 miles of ToyotaCare scheduled maintenance are included.