The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: A Comprehensive Review

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The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is a versatile SUV that combines utility, performance, and style. This vehicle is designed to cater to families and individuals who seek comfort and functionality. Let's dive into the details of what makes the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander a standout in its class.

Overview

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander family SUV is back for its third year, offering a family-friendly combination of utility, performance, and style. This SUV is designed to provide a quiet, functional interior with ample space for passengers and cargo. It is available in various powertrains and grades, ensuring there is a model to suit different preferences and needs.

Interior Comfort and Space

The Grand Highlander's spacious cabin is one of its key selling points. The third row offers 33.5 inches of legroom and 37.2 inches of headroom, making it comfortable for adult passengers. When the rear seats are folded flat, the vehicle provides 97.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which can accommodate seven carry-on suitcases even with the third row up.

The cabin is designed to feel like a sanctuary, thanks to features such as standard acoustic glass on the windshield and front windows, and noise-reducing materials throughout the vehicle. The Grand Highlander also includes ample cup holders and available second-row bench or captain's chairs.

Technology and Features

The 2026 Grand Highlander comes equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, three-zone automatic climate control with second- and third-row vents, and seven USB-C charging ports. Higher grades offer additional luxury features such as leather-trimmed seats on the Limited grade and heated and ventilated second-row seats on the Platinum model.

Drivetrain Options

The Grand Highlander offers a range of drivetrain options to suit different driving preferences:

Gas Models: Available with a 2.4L turbo engine and Dynamic Torque Control AWD system.
Hybrid Models: Feature an electronic On-Demand AWD system.
Hybrid MAX Model: Comes with full-time electronic AWD.

Each drivetrain is designed to provide efficient performance, with the Hybrid models offering up to a manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG, gas models up to 28 combined MPG, and Hybrid MAX models up to 27 combined MPG.

Performance and Power

The 2026 Grand Highlander delivers impressive power across its different models:

Gas Models: 265 horsepower
Hybrid Models: 245 horsepower
Hybrid MAX Models: 362 horsepower

These powertrains ensure that the Grand Highlander can handle a variety of driving conditions with ease.

Pricing and Availability

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander will have a starting MSRP of approximately $41,360 for the gas engine models (LE FWD grade), $44,710 for the Hybrid models (LE grade), and $55,190 for the Hybrid MAX models (Limited grade). The vehicle is expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships in the Fall of 2025.

Exterior Design

The exterior design of the Grand Highlander is both striking and functional. The rear doors have a wide opening angle for convenient access to the third-row seat. The vehicle features black accented, two-tone, 20-inch wheels for a premium look. Exterior visibility is prioritized with a low hood line and large side glass windows, providing confidence when driving in city environments.

Interior Design

The interior of the Grand Highlander is thoughtfully designed with a soft-padded instrument panel that floats above the available wood-effect ornamentation. The center console features independent driver/passenger side armrests, allowing use regardless of whether the console lid is open or closed. High-quality stitchwork expresses modern and refined elegance.

Versatility and Convenience

The Grand Highlander is built on a modified TNGA-K platform with a 67.5/67.9-inch front/rear track width and 116.1-inch wheelbase, providing confident handling and surprising interior space. The vehicle offers two second-row configurations: a 7-person option with fold-down captain's chairs or an 8-person option with a 60/40 fold-down bench.

Powertrain Options

The 2026 Grand Highlander offers three efficient and powerful powertrains:

Gas Models: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Hybrid Models: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an ECVT.
Hybrid MAX Models: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Safety Features

The Grand Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes features such as:

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Lane Tracing Assist
Road Sign Assist
Proactive Driving Assist
Automatic High Beams

Grade-Specific Features

The Grand Highlander is offered in five grades: LE, XLE, Hybrid Nightshade, Limited, and Platinum. Each grade comes with specific features tailored to different preferences and needs.

LE Grade

Exterior: 18-in. 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels, Black Grille, Heated Outer Mirrors
Interior: Fabric-trimmed Seating, 8-way Power Driver & 4-way Manual Front Passenger Seats
Multimedia/Technology: 12.3-in. Touchscreen with 6-speaker Audio System, 7 USB Ports
Safety & Convenience: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, 5-Door Smart Key

XLE Grade

Exterior: 18-in. Multi Spoke Alloy Wheels, Black Painted Grille, Roof Rails, Heated Outer Mirrors
Interior: Leather-trimmed Steering Wheel, SofTex®-trimmed Seating, Heated Front Seats
Multimedia/Technology: Digital Key capability, 12.3-in. Touchscreen, Qi Wireless Charger
Safety & Convenience: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Garage Door Opener

Limited Grade

Exterior: 20-in. Alloy Wheels, LED DRL, Power Folding Outer Mirrors, LED Fog Lamps
Interior: Leather-trimmed Seating and Steering Wheel, Heated & Ventilated Front Seats, Heated 2nd Row Seats
Multimedia/Technology: 12.3-in. Touchscreen with 11 Speaker JBL® Premium Audio, 12.3-in. Digital Gauge Cluster
Safety & Convenience: Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, Rain Sensing Wipers, Hands-Free Power Liftgate

Hybrid Nightshade Edition

Exterior: 20-in Black Alloy Wheels with Black Lugnuts, Black Painted Front Grille and Hood Trim, Black Rear Spoiler
Interior: Leather-trimmed seating with heated and ventilated front seats, Matte Gray Metallic Interior Door Trim Panels
Multimedia/Technology: 12.3-in. Touchscreen with 11 Speaker JBL Premium Audio, 12.3-in. Digital Gauge Cluster
Safety & Convenience: Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, Rain Sensing Wipers, Hands-Free Power Liftgate

Platinum Grade

Exterior: 20-in. Silver or Silver and Black Wheels
Interior: Leather-trimmed front- and second-row seats, Heated & Ventilated 2nd Row Seats, Panoramic Moonroof
Multimedia/Technology: 12.3-in. Touchscreen with 11 Speaker JBL® Premium Audio, 12.3-in. Digital Gauge Cluster
Safety & Convenience: Head-Up Display, Puddle Lamps, Panoramic View Monitor, Digital Rearview Mirror

Conclusion

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is a versatile and well-equipped SUV that offers a range of features to suit different needs and preferences. With its spacious interior, advanced technology, and efficient powertrains, it is a strong contender in the SUV market. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly vehicle or a comfortable ride for long trips, the Grand Highlander is worth considering.