2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: Massive Space, Comfort and Value

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander returns largely unchanged but strengthened in the areas families care about most: interior space, comfort and choice. Toyota keeps the model's broad powertrain lineup, including a 2.4-liter turbo, conventional hybrid and the more powerful Hybrid Max, while holding pricing nearly flat for 2026. The result is a three-row midsize SUV that continues to compete on practicality, passenger comfort and resale strength.

What's new for 2026

• New standard black badging on the Hybrid Nightshade trim.
• Modest price increases across the range (typically $400–$500).
• No major exterior or mechanical changes to the normal model year update.

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Specifications

• Engine (standard): 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4, 265 hp, 310 lb-ft torque.
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic.
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive optional.
• Fuel economy (combined): 22 MPG (AWD, standard gas); 36 MPG (traditional hybrid); 27 MPG (Hybrid Max).
• 0–60 mph: ~7.5 seconds (2.4L turbo).
• Towing: 5,000 lb (most models); 3,500 lb (standard hybrid).
• Pricing: Base LE FWD starts at $41,360; as-tested Platinum AWD example totaled $60,633 (including options and destination).
• Assembly: Princeton, Indiana, USA.

Exterior: familiar, purposeful design

The Grand Highlander retains Toyota's boxier, family-SUV styling that favors interior volume over flashy redesigns. Full LED lighting is standard across the range; higher trims receive upgraded projector LED arrangements and premium lighting signatures. Wheel sizes start at 18-inch alloys and top out at 20-inch alloys; the reviewed Platinum featured optional blacked-out 20-inch wheels for a stealthier look. Aside from the new Nightshade badging, the 2026 exterior is evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

Interior & equipment: family-first luxury

Toyota positions the Grand Highlander toward buyers who prioritize usable comfort:

• Materials: Platinum trims use leather (real or leather-ette, depending on powertrain), stitched dashboard trim and faux wood accents. Hybrid Max variants swap some trim to bronze-accented, faux carbon finishes.
• Infotainment: A 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included. Limited and above add navigation and premium audio (JBL).
• Convenience: Smart entry, digital key support, 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster, head-up display (Platinum), 360° camera (Platinum), panoramic sunroof (available on Platinum and other trims).
• Climate & seating: Standard three-zone climate, heated steering and seats on higher trims; ventilated seats available on Limited and up. Limited and above also include adaptive conveniences such as traffic-jam assist.

Space & practicality: segment-leading room

A central strength of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is interior volume:

• Third-row legroom: 33.5 in, one of the largest figures in the midsize three-row class.
• Second-row flexibility: Captain's chairs standard on most trims (bench optional); seats slide and recline for child-seat practicality. Maximum seating capacity is eight (bench) or seven with captain's chairs.
• Cargo capacity: 21 cu ft behind the third row; 58 cu ft behind the second; ~98 cu ft with all seats folded. Large opening (about 49 in wide) and a generous load height aid usability. A spare tire is included; however, a power-folding third row is not offered.

Driving dynamics & NVH

The 2.4-liter turbo provides robust low-end torque and a practical 0–60 time (~7.5 s) that matches family hauling needs. Ride tuning favors comfort, supportive front seats and compliant suspension deliver a composed, cushioned ride ideal for long trips. Measured cabin noise at highway speed (55 mph) was ~52.8 dB, ranking the Grand Highlander among the quieter choices in its segment. Note: turbo-four character differs from some rivals that use V6 engines, which may feel smoother or less NVH-prone under load.

Powertrain choices: pick your balance

Toyota maintains three main powertrain options to match buyer priorities:

1. 2.4L turbo (standard) — best for buyers seeking straightforward performance and familiar serviceability.
2. Traditional hybrid — prioritized for fuel economy; Toyota claims 36 MPG combined, an exceptional figure for a large three-row SUV.
3. Hybrid Max — blends improved fuel economy with higher output and sportier suspension tuning for those wanting stronger performance.

Keep in mind not all powertrains are available across every trim level.

Safety & driver assist

Toyota bundles advanced active safety systems as standard equipment. Higher trims add driver aids such as traffic-jam assist and more advanced camera-based features. Standard blind-spot monitoring is also part of the package; buyer should verify specific ADAS content per trim when ordering.

Pricing, trims and value

Toyota kept 2026 price increases modest, generally $400–$500 across trims. Base LE FWD starts at $41,360; Platinum AWD examples with accessories can approach $60k+ as shown in the review. Toyota's strategy keeps the Grand Highlander priced at the upper end of the mainstream segment, where buyers trade up for interior quality, space and Toyota's reliability reputation.

Resale & reliability

Toyota's strong brand reputation is a clear selling point:

• Resale estimate: ~64.5% of original MSRP after 5 years / 60,000 mi; ~41.4% after 10 years / 120,000 mi, figures that outperform many rivals.
• Toyota rates highly across combined reliability studies; the Grand Highlander benefits from the brand's general durability and ownership economics.
• Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 mi basic; 5 years / 60,000 mi powertrain. Complimentary maintenance: 2 years / 25,000 mi.

Verdict

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander remains a leading practical choice in the midsize three-row SUV market. Toyota's updates are modest, but the model's biggest advantages, that is expansive third-row room, cavernous cargo capacity, quiet cabin, and a flexible set of powertrains, continue to make it an excellent match for families who prioritize space, comfort and long-term value. Pricing sits toward the top of the mainstream pack, but Toyota's resale strength and proven reliability provide a strong counterbalance.

Who should buy it: Families who need genuine third-row space, load-friendly cargo capacity and multiple drivetrain choices, especially those who value Toyota's long-term ownership track record.

Who might look elsewhere: Buyers chasing the most luxurious standard content for the money or those who want a fully power-folding third row and more upscale standard equipment without moving up trims.