2026 Toyota Highlander – Big Upgrades in Fuel Economy, Comfort, and Performance!
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is heading toward a full transformation. This well-known three-row sport utility vehicle is getting a complete redesign, with major improvements in styling, performance, technology, and safety. Toyota wants to bring the Highlander into the modern era while keeping it practical and family-friendly, just like before.
One of the most important changes is the removal of traditional gasoline-only engines. Instead, the 2026 Highlander is expected to focus only on hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. This move follows what Toyota has already done with other models such as the Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Camry.
The base model of the new Highlander is likely to use the same hybrid system found in the current version. This system combines a two point five liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. It produces a total of two hundred forty-three horsepower and delivers strong fuel efficiency. Drivers can expect about thirty-five miles per gallon in both city and highway driving. This setup is ideal for families who want to save on fuel without giving up space, comfort, or reliability.
For those who need more power, Toyota may offer the Hybrid Max powertrain. This advanced system features a turbocharged two point four liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors. It produces up to three hundred sixty-two horsepower, allowing for quicker acceleration. The fuel economy remains impressive, with estimates of around twenty-six miles per gallon in the city and twenty-seven miles per gallon on the highway. This version offers a noticeable boost in performance over the older gasoline-only models, which typically needed around eight seconds to go from zero to sixty miles per hour.
Toyota is also expected to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the Highlander. The company has already seen great success with plug-in hybrid versions of the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Prius. These vehicles can drive over forty miles using only electric power before the gasoline engine is needed. A plug-in hybrid Highlander would be ideal for families who want to complete daily trips using electric power alone, while still having the freedom to travel long distances without worrying about charging. It is a smart option for drivers who want to reduce fuel expenses and lower emissions.
Even with the full redesign, the overall size of the Highlander will likely stay the same. For those needing more room, the larger Toyota Grand Highlander will still be available. The regular Highlander will continue to offer comfortable seating in the second row, a third row suitable for children, and strong cargo space. With the third row folded down, it can provide almost forty-eight and a half cubic feet of storage.
Inside, the cabin will get major upgrades. Digital displays are expected to be standard, starting at twelve point three inches and increasing to fourteen inches on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will likely be included, along with safety and driver assistance features. Other available features may include a head-up display, a premium sound system, and a hands-free liftgate.
The starting price is expected to be around forty-nine thousand United States dollars. While that is higher than before, it reflects the improvements in performance, technology, and efficiency. Full details will be revealed by the middle of 2025, with the release planned later that year.
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.
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