What’s New: 2026 Grand Highlander

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The all-new 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander has arrived!

The 2026 Grand Highlander takes Toyota’s midsize SUV lineup and elevates it with more space, versatility, and modern style. This three-row SUV offers a refined powertrain lineup, including efficient hybrid options. It is also equipped with a thoughtfully upgraded interior loaded with the latest tech, plus flexible seating and cargo configurations perfect for families or weekend adventures.

Toyota redesigned key features and added customer-requested enhancements, so the Grand Highlander now combines practical capability with comfort, convenience, and a bold, modern look.

Whether you’re upgrading from an older Highlander or shopping for your first family SUV, this guide breaks down all the new features and updates for 2026, so you can see why the Grand Highlander is poised to impress.

Explore the 2026 Grand Highlander’s specs and all-new features below.

Recognition

This family-friendly packed three-row SUV has been praised for its practicality, reliability, and spaciousness. Here, we explore some awards and accolades the Grand Highlander has received in recent years, including:

Grand Highlander

Grand Highlander Hybrid

New Features

Overview

  • No major structural or redesign updates for the 2026 model year
  • Continues as a part of the first generation Grand Highlander introduced in 2024
  • Offers three distinct powertrain options including two different hybrid systems

Trim and Styling Updates

  • Introduction of the Hybrid Nightshade Edition for the 2026 model year
  • Nightshade Edition includes 20-inch black alloy wheels and black lug nuts
  • Exterior black accents on Nightshade include the grille, mirror caps, door handles, and shark fin antenna
  • Hybrid Nightshade Edition features black leather trimmed seating and matte gray metallic interior door panels

Standard Equipment Enhancements

  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 remains standard across all 2026 grades
  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard on all models
  • Seven USB C charging ports are standard across the entire lineup
  • A 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen is standard for all trims

Best Trim

Starting at $48,860 MSRP*, we suggest the Grand Highlander Limited.

The Limited trim is favored because it provides a significant upgrade in comfort and utility over the base trims while remaining more accessible than the Platinum. Toyota vehicles are recognized for long term reliability and the Grand Highlander offers superior third row space for adults. The Limited trim adds essential luxury features like leather seating and the upgraded JBL audio system that enhance the overall family travel experience.

Other highlights include:

Powertrain Options

  • Standard 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo engine
  • Available 2.5L Hybrid engine for improved efficiency
  • Available with Front Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive configurations
  • Standard Drive Mode Select with Sport, Eco, and Normal modes

Interior Features

  • Leather trimmed heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated second row captain chairs or available bench seat
  • 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster display
  • Heated leather trimmed steering wheel
  • Ambient interior lighting

Technology

  • 11 speaker JBL Premium Audio system with subwoofer
  • Hands free power liftgate with foot activation
  • Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking
  • Standard wireless smartphone charging pad

Safety Features

  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite included
  • Full Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
  • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Exterior Features

  • 20-inch silver finished multi spoke alloy wheels
  • LED fog lights and LED Daytime Running Lights
  • Silver painted roof rails
  • Power folding outside mirrors with puddle lamps

Trims Levels / MSRP*:

Gasoline Models

  • LE: $41,360
  • XLE: $44,130
  • Limited: $48,860
  • Platinum: $54,545

Hybrid Models

  • Hybrid LE: $44,710
  • Hybrid XLE: $45,880
  • Hybrid Limited: $52,210
  • Hybrid Nightshade: $53,190
  • Hybrid MAX Limited: $55,190
  • Hybrid MAX Platinum: $59,275

Get to Know the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

Performance

Gasoline Engine

  • 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine
  • Produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb. ft of torque
  • Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission

Hybrid Engine Options

  • 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid system producing 245 net combined horsepower
  • Hybrid MAX 2.4L turbo hybrid system producing 362 net combined horsepower
  • Hybrid MAX delivers 400 lb. ft of combined torque
  • Hybrid models utilize an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) or 6 speed automatic (MAX)

Drivetrain and Handling

  • Front Wheel Drive standard on LE, XLE, and Limited gas/hybrid trims
  • All Wheel Drive available on all trims and standard on Platinum and Hybrid MAX
  • Multi Terrain Select available on All Wheel Drive models with Mud and Sand, Rock and Dirt, and Snow modes

Fuel Capacity

  • 17.2-to-17.8-gallon fuel tank depending on the configuration
  • Gasoline models achieve up to 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG
  • 2.5L Hybrid models achieve up to 37 city / 34 highway / 36 combined MPG

Acceleration (Motor Trends Tested)

  • Gasoline: 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds
  • Hybrid: 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds

Towing

Maximum Towing Capacity

  • Gasoline models: Up to 5,000 lbs.
  • Hybrid MAX models: Up to 5,000 lbs.
  • 2.5L Hybrid models: Up to 3,500 lbs.

Standard Towing Equipment

  • Trailer Sway Control standard on all models
  • Heavy duty radiator and engine oil cooler included on select trims
  • Wiring harness and hitch receiver provisions available as factory or dealer options

Technology

Infotainment and Connectivity

  • Standard 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • Seven USB C ports located throughout all three rows
  • Available 11 speaker JBL Premium Audio system
  • Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

Driver Assistance and Visibility

  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on every trim
  • Available Panoramic View Monitor with 360-degree overhead view
  • Available Digital Rearview Mirror with integrated camera feed
  • Available Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed highway driving support
  • Available 10-inch color Head Up Display

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Appearance

Exterior:

Exterior Design

  • LED headlights standard on all trims
  • LED taillights standard on all trims
  • Panoramic glass roof available with power sunshade
  • Nightshade Edition includes black exterior trim and black wheels

Wheels

  • 18-inch alloy wheels standard on LE and XLE
  • 20-inch alloy wheels standard on Limited and Platinum

Exterior Color Options

  • Blueprint
  • Celestial Silver Metallic
  • Midnight Black Metallic
  • Storm Cloud
  • Wind Chill Pearl
  • Ruby Flare Pearl
  • Heavy Metal

Interior:

Interior Seating and Comfort

  • Seating for up to 8 passengers with second row bench seat
  • Seating for 7 passengers with second row captain chairs
  • Three zone automatic climate control standard
  • SofTex seating surfaces available
  • Leather trimmed seating surfaces available
  • Soft touch materials on dashboard and door panels

Interior Space and Cargo

  • 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row
  • 57.9 cubic feet of cargo space with third row folded
  • 97.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with all rear seats folded
  • Third row legroom measures 33.5 inches

Interior Color and Trim Options

  • LE fabric seating in Black or Light Gray
  • XLE SofTex seating in Black or Light Gray
  • Limited leather seating in Black or Light Gray
  • Platinum and Hybrid MAX Platinum leather or Ultrasuede seating in Portobello, Light Gray, or Black
  • Nightshade Edition typically features black leather trimmed interior

Safety

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (Standard)

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

Supplemental Driver Assistance

  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Safe Exit Alert
  • Tire Pressure Monitor System
  • Adjustable seatbelt anchors and pretensioners

Passive Safety

  • Eight airbags
  • LATCH system for child seats
  • Hill Start Assist Control
  • 3-point seatbelts for all positions
  • Backup camera with dynamic gridlines

Toyota Star Safety System

  • Vehicle Stability Control
  • Traction Control
  • Anti-lock Brake System
  • Electronic Brake-force Distribution
  • Brake Assist
  • Smart Stop Technology

Toyota Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

  • New Vehicle Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty
    • 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty coverage
  • New Vehicle Powertrain Limited Warranty
    • 60 months/60,000 miles
  • Rust-Through Coverage (Anti-Perforation)
    • 60 months/unlimited miles
  • ToyotaCare 24/7 Roadside Assistance
    • 2 years/unlimited miles
  • ToyotaCare No Cost Maintenance Plan
    • 2 Years/ 24,000 Miles
  • Hybrid System Components Warranty
    • 8 Years/ 100,000 Miles
  • Hybrid Vehicle Battery Warranty
    • 8 Years/ 100,000 Miles
  • Hybrid Vehicle Battery Warranty (2020+ Models)
    • 10 Years/ 150,000 Miles

View Warranty & Extended Protection Plans: The Toyota Warranty

FAQS

Trims and Seating

Q: What are the trim levels for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?
A: The trims include LE, XLE, Limited, Platinum, Hybrid LE, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid Limited, Hybrid Nightshade, Hybrid MAX Limited, and Hybrid MAX Platinum.

Q: What is the seating capacity of the 2026 Grand Highlander?
A: It can seat up to eight passengers with a second-row bench or seven passengers with second-row captain’s chairs.

Q: Can the Grand Highlander fit eight passengers?
A: Yes. LE and XLE trims come with a second-row bench for eight passengers. Higher trims usually have captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to seven.

Q: What is the difference in third-row legroom between the Highlander and Grand Highlander?
A: The Grand Highlander has 33.5 inches of third-row legroom, 5.8 inches more than the standard Highlander.

Engine and Performance

Q: What engine options are available for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?
A: Options include a 2.4L turbo gas engine, a 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid engine, and the Hybrid MAX performance engine.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower and torque for gas engines?
A: The 2.4L turbo engine produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower and torque for Hybrid MAX engines?
A: The Hybrid MAX delivers 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.

Q: What is the benefit of the Hybrid MAX powertrain over the standard Hybrid?
A: The Hybrid MAX focuses on performance with higher horsepower and torque for better towing and acceleration. The standard Hybrid emphasizes fuel efficiency, with an estimated 36 combined MPG.

Q: What transmission types are used in the 2026 Grand Highlander?
A: Gas models use an 8-speed automatic. Standard Hybrids use an electronically controlled CVT. Hybrid MAX models have a 6-speed automatic.

Q: Does the 2026 Grand Highlander offer all-wheel drive?
A: Yes. AWD is available on gas and standard hybrid trims, and standard on Hybrid MAX and Platinum trims.

Fuel and Towing

Q: What is the fuel economy for the 2026 Grand Highlander?
A: Gas FWD models are EPA estimated at 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. Standard Hybrid FWD models are estimated at 37 MPG city and 34 MPG highway. Hybrid MAX models are estimated at 26 MPG city and 27 MPG highway.

Q: What is the fuel tank capacity?
A: The fuel tank holds 17.8 gallons for gas and hybrid models.

Q: What is the maximum towing capacity?
A: Gas and Hybrid MAX models can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Standard Hybrid models can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Interior and Technology

Q: What size touchscreen does the Grand Highlander have?
A: All models have a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Q: Does the 2026 Grand Highlander support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
A: Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims.

Q: Does the Grand Highlander have a wireless charging pad?
A: Yes. A Qi-compatible wireless charger is standard on XLE, Limited, Platinum, and all Hybrid MAX trims.

Q: Are there USB ports in the third row?
A: Yes. All models have seven USB-C ports throughout the cabin, including third-row ports.

Q: Is there a digital rearview mirror?
A: Yes. It is standard on Platinum and Hybrid MAX Platinum trims and available on Limited trims.

Q: Does the Grand Highlander offer a 360-degree camera?
A: Yes. A Panoramic View Monitor with 360-degree overhead and curb view is standard on Platinum and Hybrid MAX Platinum trims and optional on Limited trims.

Q: Is there a head-up display available?
A: Yes. A 10-inch color HUD is standard on Platinum and Hybrid MAX Platinum trims, showing speed and navigation on the windshield.

Q: Does the Grand Highlander have a panoramic moonroof?
A: Yes. Platinum and Hybrid MAX Platinum trims have a standard power tilt/slide panoramic roof with sunshade. Other higher trims can get it as an option.

Comfort and Convenience

Q: Does the Grand Highlander have a power liftgate?
A: Yes. XLE trims and above have a power liftgate with jam protection. Limited and Platinum trims have height-adjustable, foot-activated power liftgates.

Q: What are the wheel sizes?
A: LE and Hybrid LE trims have 18-inch alloy wheels. All other trims have 20-inch alloy wheels in silver, black, or two-tone finishes.

Q: Does the Grand Highlander include Traffic Jam Assist?
A: Yes. Traffic Jam Assist is available on Platinum and Hybrid MAX Platinum trims to help control steering, braking, and acceleration at low speeds under 25 MPH.

Cargo and Dimensions

Q: What is the maximum cargo capacity?
A: Up to 97.5 cubic feet with second and third-row seats folded. Behind the third row is 20.6 cubic feet of space.

Q: What is the maximum ground clearance?
A: The ground clearance is 8.0 inches.

Pricing and Warranty

Q: What is the starting MSRP for the 2026 Grand Highlander?
A: LE gas model starts at $41,360*. Hybrid MAX Platinum starts at $59,275*. Prices do not include destination, processing, and handling fees.

Q: What warranty does Toyota offer?
A: Basic coverage is 3 years or 36,000 miles. Powertrain is 5 years or 60,000 miles. Hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles. ToyotaCare includes 2 years or 25,000 miles of factory scheduled maintenance.

Ready to Test Drive a Toyota in Nashville, Tennessee? Shop Beaman Toyota Today!

Ready to experience the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander for yourself? Book a test drive at Beaman Toyota today and see why this SUV is turning heads with its spacious design, modern tech, and family-friendly versatility.

Our team is here to help you find the perfect Grand Highlander and guide you through a smooth, stress-free buying experience. Visit Beaman Toyota in Nashville to take advantage of our best financing rates and specials before they expire.

Browse our inventory online or stop by today. Your 2026 Grand Highlander is ready to hit the road.

Disclaimer by Beaman Toyota:

Beaman Toyota believes the information and specifications on this website are correct at time of publication. Vehicle images are for illustration purposes only and may not represent actual vehicles in inventory. Please see the dealer for details and availability.

*Offers, incentives, pricing, and vehicle availability are subject to change without notice and may vary by model, trim, and availability. Advertised prices and financing offers may require dealer participation, approved credit, and may not be available to all buyers. Special offers cannot be combined unless expressly stated.