2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: Specs and Review

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander returns for its third year. This SUV offers a mix of utility, performance, and style. The Grand Highlander seats up to eight people. It has a functional and quiet interior. The vehicle is available in multiple grades and with different powertrains. You can choose from gas, Hybrid, and Hybrid MAX options. Drivetrain choices include Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the gas engine LE FWD grade starts at $41,360. The Hybrid LE grade starts at $44,710. The Hybrid MAX Limited grade starts at $55,190.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2026 Grand Highlander offers three distinct powertrains. Each powertrain provides efficient performance and a different level of power.

Gas Engine: The 2.4-liter turbo gas engine produces 265 horsepower. It has a manufacturer-estimated 28 combined MPG rating. This engine pairs with a Direct Shift-8AT 8-speed automatic transmission.
Hybrid Engine: The 2.5-liter hybrid engine delivers 245 horsepower. It has a manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG rating. This model uses an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT).
Hybrid MAX Engine: The powerful Hybrid MAX engine produces 362 horsepower. Its manufacturer-estimated combined MPG rating is 27. This engine uses a Direct Shift-6AT 6-speed automatic transmission.

All three powertrains include three selectable Drive Modes: Sport, Eco, and Normal. Gas AWD and Hybrid MAX powertrains also offer Multi-Terrain Select. Multi-Terrain Select has three modes: Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Snow.

Drivetrain Options Explained

The Grand Highlander has several drivetrain configurations. FWD is available on gas and Hybrid models. AWD options vary by powertrain.

Dynamic Torque Control AWD: This system is available on the 2.4L turbo gas models. It distributes torque between the front and rear axles. It uses an electromagnetic coupling to engage or disengage the rear wheels. This improves traction and driving stability.
Electronic On-Demand AWD: This system is available on Hybrid models. It provides stable performance by driving the rear wheels with an electric motor. The system controls power distribution to the front and rear wheels. The power split is between 100:0 and 20:80.
Full-Time Electronic AWD: This system is standard on the Hybrid MAX model. It delivers power via a front-mounted hybrid motor and a rear-mounted eAxle electric motor. The system adjusts the power split between 70:30 and 20:80. This enhances the feel of rear-wheel-drive maneuverability and acceleration.

Interior Comfort and Space

The Grand Highlander’s interior is designed for comfort and functionality. The third row offers 33.5 inches of legroom and 37.2 inches of headroom. This provides adult-sized passenger space. When the rear seats are folded flat, the cargo capacity is 97.5 cubic feet. The vehicle can hold seven carry-on suitcases with the third row in use.

The cabin feels quiet. This is due to standard acoustic glass on the windshield and front windows. Noise-reducing materials are also used throughout the vehicle. The interior features ample cup holders and seven USB-C charging ports. A 12.3-inch touchscreen and three-zone automatic climate control are standard.

Available features add more comfort. The Limited grade offers leather-trimmed seats. The Platinum model has heated and ventilated second-row seats. The center console has independent armrests for the driver and passenger.

The second row has two possible configurations.

7-person option: This option has fold-down captain's chairs. It is available on the XLE, Limited, and Platinum grades.
8-person option: This option has a 60/40-fold-down bench. It is standard on the LE grade. It is also available on the XLE and Limited grades.

For third-row passengers, convenience features are included. These include two individual USB ports, a smartphone/tablet storage space, and two cup holders.

Key Features by Grade

The Grand Highlander is available in five grades. These are LE, XLE, Hybrid Nightshade, Limited, and Platinum. The following outlines some key features for each grade.

LE Grade

Exterior: 18-inch alloy wheels. It has a black grille and heated outer mirrors.
Interior: Fabric-trimmed seating. It has an 8-way power driver seat and a 4-way manual front passenger seat. The seating capacity is eight people with a 60/40 split fold down bench.
Technology: A 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 6-speaker audio system. It has seven USB ports.
Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard. It also includes Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

XLE Grade

Exterior: 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. It has roof rails and a black painted grille.
Interior: SofTex®-trimmed seating. The driver and passenger seats are both power-adjustable. It offers heated front seats. The second row has sunshades.
Technology: Features include a Qi Wireless Charger. It has a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Safety: It includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Limited Grade

Exterior: This grade has 20-inch alloy wheels. It features LED fog lamps and power folding outer mirrors.
Interior: This grade has leather-trimmed seating. Front seats are heated and ventilated. Second row seats are heated. A heated steering wheel is standard.
Technology: It includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with an 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system. It also has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Safety: Features include Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. It has rain-sensing wipers.

Hybrid Nightshade Edition

Exterior: This edition features black styling cues. It has 20-inch black alloy wheels. The grille, bumper, mirror caps, and badging are all black.
Interior: It has leather-trimmed seating. Captain seats are standard.
Technology & Safety: The technology and safety features are similar to the Limited grade.

Platinum Grade

Exterior: This grade offers 20-inch silver wheels on the gas model. The Hybrid MAX version has 20-inch silver and black wheels.
Interior: The gas model has leather-trimmed seats. The Hybrid MAX model has Ultrasuede® and leather-trimmed seats. Second-row seats are heated and ventilated. It has a panoramic moonroof.
Technology & Safety: This grade adds a Head-Up Display. It also has a Digital Rearview Mirror and a Panoramic View Monitor. Traffic Jam Assist is an available feature.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Systems

The 2026 Grand Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This suite of features aims to help drivers mitigate or avoid collisions. The system uses a camera and radar.

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD): This system can detect vehicles and pedestrians. It provides audio and visual alerts. The system can also apply the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA): This system warns the driver if it detects an inadvertent lane departure. It can also provide gentle corrective steering.
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): This is an adaptive cruise control system. It helps maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead.
Lane Tracing Assist (LTA): This feature works with DRCC. It helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. LTA also has an Emergency Driving Stop System.
Road Sign Assist (RSA): This system can detect certain road signs.
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA): This feature provides gentle braking, steering, and distance control. It can help with preceding vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists.
Automatic High Beams (AHB): This system automatically toggles between high and low beams at certain speeds. It detects the headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles.

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) is standard on all grades. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is available on Limited and Platinum grades. A Panoramic View Monitor is also available on the Platinum grade.

Manufacturing and Availability

The 2026 Grand Highlander is exclusively assembled in Princeton, Indiana. The plant is home to more than 7,650 team members. They also assemble the Toyota Sienna, Highlander, and Lexus TX. The vehicles are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in the Fall of 2025.

Exterior Styling

The Grand Highlander has a confident and functional exterior. The front features a hammerhead-shaped nose. Its side profile has a flat roofline and clean door panels. The rear has flared arches and wide-set taillamps. The Hybrid MAX powertrain variant includes standard dual exhaust tips. It also has unique silver painted bumper accents. The rear doors have a wide opening angle. This provides convenient access to the third-row seat. The low hood line and large side windows improve visibility. This helps with driving in city environments.

The Grand Highlander is offered in several exterior colors. Some colors, like Wind Chill Pearl and Ruby Flare Pearl, have an extra cost. Interior color options vary by grade and powertrain.

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