Toyota Makes AWD Standard on 2026 Highlander Lineup
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is going all in on all-wheel drive; gas-powered versions no longer come standard with front-wheel drive, increasing its base price. The new base variant starts at $46,765, including a $1,495 destination fee — well above 2025’s $41,815 base price for the entry LE FWD model. Throughout the trim lineup, prices are up $200 over the outgoing model.
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Shop the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander near you
For the new model year, the Highlander sees fewer trims. Gas versions will be available in XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum trims, and hybrid models will be available in XLE, Limited and Platinum (all Highlander Hybrids already come standard with AWD). The Nightshade and 25th Anniversary trims aren’t available for 2026.
How Much Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Full pricing is as follows:
- XLE: $46,765
- XSE: $48,835
- Limited: $51,220
- Platinum: $54,420
- Hybrid XLE: $48,515
- Hybrid Limited: $52,970
- Hybrid Platinum: $56,170
What’s New and What’s Not on the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Aside from the driveline news, the Highlander largely carries over for 2026. Gas versions get power from a 265-horsepower, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making 310 pounds-feet of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Highlander Hybrids pair a normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with three electric motors and a continuously variable automatic.
Inside, the 2026 Highlander has standard captain’s chairs with seating for seven; an optional second-row bench seat on XLE and Limited grades increases capacity to eight. The three-row SUV again comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system; a 12.3-inch system is available.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard on the 2026 Toyota Highlander and includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-centering steering, road-sign recognition and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard.
When Does the 2026 Toyota Highlander Go on Sale?
Gas and hybrid versions of the 2026 Toyota Highlander will go on sale in November.
Read More About the Toyota Highlander:
- Toyota Celebrates Highlander’s Silver Anniversary With 25th Edition
- 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review: Long on Efficiency, Short on Space
- Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 3 Cons
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
- Find Your Next Car
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