2026 Toyota Highlander – Adds More Power, Technology, and Safety!
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is shaping up to be one of the most important family sport utility vehicles of the coming years. Toyota is preparing this three-row model for one of its most significant redesigns, a step that will bring a more modern and confident exterior look, a more refined and premium cabin, updated technology features, and stronger safety systems. For over two decades, the Highlander has been a trusted option for families across the globe. With the arrival of the next generation, Toyota is aiming to continue that long tradition while also pushing more boldly toward an electrified future.
Pricing for the 2026 Toyota Highlander is expected to begin at around forty-nine thousand dollars. This marks a noticeable increase compared to the current gasoline-powered Highlander, which today starts at about forty-one thousand dollars. However, when compared to the existing Highlander Hybrid, which already begins close to forty-seven thousand five hundred dollars, the increase appears far less dramatic. By shifting toward a lineup that focuses entirely on hybrid powertrains, Toyota is positioning the Highlander as a stronger competitor in value against other hybrid rivals while stepping away from traditional gasoline-only versions.
The current Highlander Hybrid is powered by a two point five liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, producing a total of two hundred forty-three horsepower. It delivers an impressive fuel economy of around thirty-five miles per gallon in both city and highway driving, which is excellent for a three-row family sport utility vehicle. For the 2026 model year, Toyota may expand the lineup by adding a second hybrid option that is aimed at performance. The most likely choice is the Hybrid Max system, already offered in the larger Grand Highlander. This system combines a turbocharged two point four liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to generate as much as three hundred sixty-two horsepower. Fuel economy would decrease to an estimated twenty-six miles per gallon in city driving and twenty-seven miles per gallon on the highway, but it would transform the Highlander into a much more powerful and dynamic vehicle.
Another possibility for 2026 is the introduction of a plug-in hybrid version. This option would take inspiration from Toyota models such as the RAV4 Prime and the Prius Prime, both of which can travel more than forty miles using only electric power. If the Highlander adopts a similar setup, families would be able to handle most daily commutes fully on electricity while keeping the flexibility of a hybrid system for long-distance travel.
In terms of size, Toyota is not expected to make the 2026 Highlander significantly larger. For families seeking maximum space, the Grand Highlander already fills that role. The current Highlander offers a balanced layout with generous second-row legroom and up to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row when the third row is folded down. As with most three-row vehicles in this segment, the third row is more suitable for children than adults.
Inside the cabin, the new Highlander is expected to showcase more advanced technology and comfort features. Standard displays could expand to 12.3 inches for both the driver’s instrument panel and the central infotainment screen, while a larger 14-inch system is anticipated for higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Toyota’s newest Safety Sense driver assistance package are expected to come standard. Premium features such as a head-up display, a hands-free power liftgate, and upgraded audio will likely be available as well.
Toyota is expected to release full details of the 2026 Highlander by the middle of 2025, with an official debut later that year. With its hybrid-only lineup, stronger performance choices, more advanced technology, and a refreshed design, the new Highlander is preparing to remain one of the leading family sport utility vehicles against strong competitors such as the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-90.
Disclaimer:
The information in this video is based on topics that are being explored in various media. We also present illustrations that we generated from AI technology. The purpose of this video is to share the information we know. We sincerely hope you find our information useful.
#mvpauto #toyotahighlander #highlander
source
