2026 Toyota Highlander & Highlander Hybrid: Trims, Pricing & EPA-Estimated MPG

The 2026 Toyota Highlander arrives at Toyota of Glendale as a refined three-row family SUV built for the daily rhythm of life across Glendale and the surrounding communities of Los Angeles, Pasadena, Hollywood, North Hollywood, and Van Nuys. For 2026 the lineup is simpler and better equipped: the previous base grade is gone, the well-appointed XLE is now the entry point, and — for the first time — all-wheel drive is standard on every trim. Shoppers choose between a turbocharged 2.4L gas engine and a 2.5L hybrid, across seven configurations from the XLE to the top Hybrid Platinum. This guide covers the trims, starting prices, and EPA-estimated fuel economy for both the Highlander and the Highlander Hybrid.

2026 Highlander Trims & Starting Prices

The 2026 Highlander is offered in four grades — XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum — with the XLE, Limited, and Platinum available as either gas or hybrid, and the sport-styled XSE offered as gas only. That produces the seven configurations below. You can browse our new Highlander inventory or the Highlander Hybrid inventory to see current configurations in stock.

Across the lineup, starting TSRP runs from $46,765 for the gas XLE to $56,170 for the range-topping Hybrid Platinum. Per-trim figures shift with equipment and market updates, so confirm the exact TSRP for your chosen grade with our team or Toyota’s build-and-price tool before you buy.

*Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.

**EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.

Starting TSRP sourced from Toyota.com and the Toyota USA Newsroom.

The XLE opens the lineup well equipped, with SofTex-trimmed heated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, wireless smartphone charging, and the full Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite. The XSE adds a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch black alloy wheels, a mesh grille, black exterior accents, and twin exhaust tips for a more athletic look. The Limited steps up to leather-trimmed, heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and an 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system. The Platinum tops the range with a panoramic glass roof, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display, adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror.

Powertrains: 2.4L Turbo Gas and 2.5L Hybrid

The gas Highlander uses a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It carries a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The XLE comes with mechanical All-Wheel Drive that can send up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels, while the XSE, Limited, and Platinum step up to Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive, which manages torque not only between the front and rear axles but also between the left and right rear wheels. All gas grades include a drive-mode selector with Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow modes, plus Multi-Terrain Select with Mud & Sand and Rock & Dirt modes for low-traction conditions. Trailer Sway Control is included on both the gas and hybrid Highlander to help stabilize a trailer under tow.

The Highlander Hybrid pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with electric motors for 243 net combined horsepower, driving through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). Its Electronic On-Demand AWD adds an independent rear electric motor that engages when extra traction is needed, and the drive-mode selector offers Sport, Eco, and Normal modes plus an EV mode for low-speed electric-only running. The Hybrid is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

Specifications sourced from Toyota.com and EPA estimates.

EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is where the two powertrains diverge most. The gas Highlander earns an EPA-estimated 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG. On the hybrid side, the Hybrid XLE is EPA-estimated at 35 city / 35 highway / 35 combined MPG, while the Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Platinum are EPA-estimated at 35 city / 34 highway / 35 combined MPG — so all three hybrid grades share the same 35 MPG combined rating. For families logging steady miles across the Glendale area, the hybrid’s efficiency is its defining trait, and it is available on the XLE, Limited, and Platinum grades.

EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.

Interior, Seating & Cargo

Every 2026 Highlander seats seven with second-row captain’s chairs as the standard configuration. An available second-row bench seat is offered on the gas and hybrid XLE and on the gas Limited, swapping the captain’s chairs for a 60/40 split-folding bench and raising capacity to eight; the XSE, Hybrid Limited, Platinum, and Hybrid Platinum use captain’s chairs. Behind the third row, cargo capacity is about 16 cubic feet — room for a stroller and the week’s groceries — and the hands-free, height-adjustable power liftgate is standard across the lineup.

Seat materials climb with the grade. XLE grades feature SofTex-trimmed, heated front seats with a power-adjustable driver’s seat and three-zone automatic climate control. The Limited and Hybrid Limited move to leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, while the Platinum grades add heated second-row seats and the panoramic glass roof.

Technology & Multimedia

The XLE and XSE come standard with an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, and the Limited and Platinum grades move up to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every trim, along with Qi-compatible wireless charging. The XLE can be upgraded to the 12.3-inch touchscreen, and the XSE offers a JBL Audio package that adds the 12.3-inch screen and the 11-speaker JBL system. The Platinum and Hybrid Platinum add a 10-inch color Head-Up Display, and the Hybrid Platinum includes a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink.

Safety

Every 2026 Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is standard on all seven trims, and every configuration carries eight airbags along with Toyota’s Star Safety System. The Panoramic View Monitor, a 360-degree overhead camera view, is standard on the Platinum and Hybrid Platinum and available on the Limited and Hybrid Limited.

Warranty & Recognition

Toyota’s new-vehicle coverage for the 2026 Highlander includes a 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 60-month corrosion-perforation coverage with no mileage limit. Hybrid-specific components are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles. Every 2026 Highlander also includes ToyotaCare, covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, plus 2 years of unlimited-mileage Roadside Assistance. Contact Toyota of Glendale for the exact terms that apply to your chosen trim.

Warranty coverage sourced from the Toyota USA Newsroom.

On the ownership-value front, Toyota was named the #1 Mainstream Brand for residual value in the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards, and Brand Finance named Toyota the world’s most valuable and strongest automobile brand for 2026, with a Brand Strength Index of 92.5 out of 100 and a AAA+ rating.

If you’re weighing the Highlander against a larger three-row or a key rival, see our 2025 Highlander vs. 2025 Grand Highlander comparison and our 2026 Highlander vs. Honda Pilot comparison.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.

Common Questions About the 2026 Toyota Highlander

Does every 2026 Highlander come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. For 2026, all-wheel drive is standard on all seven Highlander and Highlander Hybrid configurations.

What is the EPA-estimated fuel economy for the gas and hybrid models?

The gas Highlander is EPA-estimated at 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG. The Highlander Hybrid XLE is EPA-estimated at 35 city / 35 highway / 35 combined MPG, and the Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Platinum are EPA-estimated at 35 city / 34 highway / 35 combined MPG. All three hybrid grades are rated at 35 MPG combined.

Can I get eight-passenger seating in the Highlander?

Yes, on select grades. The available bench seat is offered on the gas and hybrid XLE and on the gas Limited, raising capacity to eight. The XSE, Hybrid Limited, Platinum, and Hybrid Platinum use second-row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating.

How much can the 2026 Highlander tow?

Gas grades are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and Hybrid grades are rated up to 3,500 pounds.

Which grade adds the 12.3-inch touchscreen and JBL audio?

The Limited and Platinum grades include both as standard. The XLE offers the 12.3-inch touchscreen as an available upgrade, and the XSE offers a JBL Audio package with the 12.3-inch screen and 11-speaker JBL system.

Is the Panoramic View Monitor standard or optional?

It is standard on the Platinum and Hybrid Platinum and available on the Limited and Hybrid Limited.

Disclaimers

Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.

EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.