2026 Toyota Highlander - New Powertrain, More Tech, and Bold Style!

2026 Toyota Highlander - New Powertrain, More Tech, and Bold Style!

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is set to receive a full redesign, making it an even stronger contender in the competitive three-row family SUV market. Known for its comfort, practicality, and reliability, the Highlander is expected to gain improvements in styling, technology, safety, and overall functionality. One of the most significant potential changes is that Toyota may discontinue the pure gasoline version entirely, offering the Highlander only as a hybrid. This approach would follow the path Toyota has already taken with larger models such as the Sequoia and the recently updated Camry. Main competitors will still include the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-90.

If the Highlander becomes a hybrid-only model, pricing will likely start around 49,000 dollars. This represents a notable increase over the current gasoline base model, which starts at about 41,000 dollars, but is more comparable when looking at the current hybrid version, which starts at nearly 47,500 dollars. Higher trims with advanced features and more powerful hybrid systems could cost significantly more. Official details are expected in mid-2025, with availability later in the year.

The existing Highlander Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower, offering an impressive fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. This is excellent for a vehicle of its size. All-wheel drive could become standard across all versions of the Highlander, providing better traction and handling in various driving conditions.

A more powerful option may also join the lineup. The Hybrid Max system from the Toyota Grand Highlander is a strong candidate. This setup combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce 362 horsepower, along with a fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. This would make the Highlander significantly quicker and more capable than the previous gasoline-powered version, which took 8.0 seconds to accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour.

Toyota may also consider adding a plug-in hybrid version, similar to the RAV4 Prime and Prius Prime, which can travel over 40 miles using only electric power. This would provide more flexibility for drivers who want the benefits of electric driving for daily commutes without giving up long-distance capability.

In terms of size, major changes are unlikely because Toyota already offers the larger Grand Highlander. However, small adjustments could improve interior space. The previous Highlander already offered excellent second-row legroom and generous cargo space with the third row folded, totaling 48.4 cubic feet. The third row, like in many SUVs of this class, remains best suited for children.

Technology updates are expected to be substantial. Standard screens could grow from the previous 7.0-inch driver display and 8.0-inch central touchscreen to larger units. Toyota may make the 12.3-inch display standard and offer a 14.0-inch system similar to that used in Lexus models. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance, head-up display, hands-free liftgate, and premium audio will likely be available.

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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