@Toyota: Comfort and Style Mile After Mile in the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

PLANO, Texas (July 31, 2025) – Toyota is excited to announce the 2026 Grand Highlander SUV. Back for its third year in the lineup, the Grand Highlander keeps its family-friendly combination of utility, performance, and style rolling. With a quiet, functional interior, the Grand Highlander can seat up to eight thanks to its adult-sized third row. It is available in a choice of gas, Hybrid, Hybrid MAX powertrains in a choice of LE, XLE, Limited, Platinum, and Nightshade grades, with available Front- or All-Wheel Drive (FWD or AWD).

Grand Highlander’s spacious cabin features a third row with 33.5-inches of legroom and 37.2-inches of headroom, maximizing comfort and passenger space. When the rear seats are folded flat, it has 97.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, and it can even handle seven carryon suitcases with the third row up. The cabin feels like a sanctuary, thanks to features like standard acoustic glass on the windshield and front windows, and noise reducing materials throughout the vehicle, ample cup holders, and available second row bench or captain’s chairs.

Standard features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, three-zone automatic climate control with second- and third-row vents, and seven USB-C charging ports give the Grand Highlander a premium feel. Available features like leather-trimmed seats on the Limited grade or heated and ventilated second row seats on the Platinum model take comfort in the 2026 Grand Highlander even further. Stylish touches are also on the menu, like the black badge overlay on the Hybrid Nightshade edition – a new addition for 2026 – or the gunmetal gray front grille on the Hybrid MAX.

Drivetrain options add even more versatility. Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD system is available on the 2.4L turbo gas models, while the Hybrid models have an available electronic On-Demand AWD system. The powerful Hybrid MAX model has full-time electronic AWD, standard. The 2.4L turbo gas engine and 2.5L hybrid models also have FWD available. Each drivetrain brings efficient performance, with up to a manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG rating on Hybrid models, up to a manufacturer-estimated 28 combined MPG rating on gas models, and a manufacturer-estimated 27 combined MPG rating on Hybrid MAX models. Impressive power is also on the menu with 265-horsepower on the gas models, 245-horsepower on the Hybrid, or 362-horsepower on the Hybrid MAX.

The Grand Highlander is exclusively assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Princeton, Indiana – home to more than 7,650 team members who also assemble the Toyota Sienna, Highlander, and Lexus TX. It will have a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) of $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). 2026 Grand Highlander models are expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships in the Fall of 2025.

*MSRP Excludes Dealer Processing and Handling Fee (DPH). For the latest MSRP and DPH, click here.

Unique Styling Inside & Out
From the front, its hood and trapezoidal grille taper to a hammerhead shaped nose that is complimented by broad front fenders for a confident stance. Its side profile is simple yet active, with clean door and fender panels, black side rockers, and a flat roofline that’s accentuated by a rear spoiler. The impressive stance continues to the rear, with flared rear arches, and wide set tail lamps that are underscored by the rear bumper and accentuate its width. The Hybrid MAX powertrain variant takes it a step further with standard exposed dual exhaust tips and unique silver painted bumper accents.

The exterior is both striking and functional. The rear doors have a wide opening angle for convenient access to the third-row seat. Depending on grade, black accented, two-tone, 20-inch wheels are offered for a premium look. Exterior visibility has been prioritized with a low hood line and large side glass windows, allowing confidence when driving in city environments.

The thoughtful and spacious design continues to the interior. The soft-padded instrument panel floats above the available wood-effect ornamentation that continues into the door trim, with a functional tray shape that is seamlessly integrated between them. The form of the instrument panel upper continues into the door trim to emphasize the width of the cockpit, while 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.

Drivers and passengers alike will enjoy available leather-trimmed seats with 10-way power driver and 8-way passenger adjustments (Limited and Platinum). And exclusively for Hybrid MAX, drivers will experience Ultrasuede® and leather-trimmed seats with bronze-colored accents throughout the cabin.

Versatility and Convenience
Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or in the third row, the Grand Highlander is ready for the road ahead. The modified TNGA-K platform with a 67.5/67.9-inch front/rear track width and 116.1-inch wheelbase, provides confident handling and surprising interior space. With its 97.5-inches of rear cargo volume with rear seats down, Grand Highlander is well-suited for everything from short grocery runs to long haul moves.

Controls are centered around the standard 12.3-inch multimedia display. The center stack features a wireless charger on select grades, two USB ports, and three cup holders — including one capable of holding a large water bottle or mega cup. On the passenger side, a pocket capable of holding a small bag helps keep the cabin tidy. A sliding console cover lid can be opened and closed with the armrests still in use, allowing for even more versatility for both driver and passenger. On the right side of the dashboard, another USB port and a tray capable of neatly holding a cord during device charging, provide convenience for the passenger.

There are two second row configurations available, a 7-person option with fold-down captain’s chairs or an 8-person option with 60/40-fold-down bench. The 7-person configuration is available on the XLE, Limited, and Platinum grades; the 8-person configuration is standard on the LE and available on the XLE and Limited grades. In the second row, an air conditioning control panel and separate left/right USB-C ports are placed within easy reach of passengers. Cup holders are also provided for the second row, while a removable tray with cup holders and a smartphone storage slot is provided for the XLE, Limited, and Platinum grades when equipped with second row Captain’s Chairs. Additional water bottle storage areas are in the door.

For third row passengers, two left/right individual USB ports, smartphone/tablet storage space, and two cup & bottle holders are provided, allowing for diverse usage scenarios. Additionally, a support grip and a hand support space for use during ingress/egress provide enhanced accessibility.

Three Efficient-and-Powerful Powertrains
The 2026 Grand Highlander has great drive- and powertrain options. On the gas models, the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged 16-valve D-4S injection engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) is paired with a Direct Shift-8AT 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission. The Hybrid 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine gets an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) while the Hybrid MAX’s 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbo 16-valve D-4S injection engine with VVT-I is paired to a Direct Shift-6AT 6-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission.

The 2026 Grand Highlander has three drivetrain configurations available. It has available FWD on the gas-powered LE, XLE, and Limited grades or Hybrid and XLE grade; Dynamic Torque control AWD on the gas LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum grades; electronic on-demand All Wheel Drive on the Hybrid grades; and full-time AWD on the Hybrid MAX grades.

Dynamic Torque Control AWD on the gas models works to actively distribute torque between the front and rear axles. It uses an electromagnetic coupling ahead of the rear differential to engage or disengage the rear wheels as needed — the result is improved traction and enhanced driving stability.

Electronic On-Demand AWD on hybrid models provides excellent fuel efficiency, start-off acceleration, handling and stability. Electronic On-Demand AWD achieves stable performance by driving the rear wheels with an electric motor, to provide traction when needed in certain conditions. The front and rear wheel driving force distribution is precisely controlled to the front and rear wheels between 100:0 and 20:80 supplying power to the wheels as needed.

Full-Time Electronic AWD paired with HYBRID MAX offers an exhilarating experience with impeccable controllability. It delivers power to the front and rear wheels via a front mounted hybrid motor and a rear-mounted, eAxle electric motor. This system supports stable AWD performance and satisfying acceleration thanks to being paired with a direct shift six-speed automatic transmission. Full-Time Electronic All-Wheel Drive adjusts between 70:30 and 20:80 front- and rear-wheel power split, depending on the driving situation. This new AWD system enhances the drive force of the rear wheels and provides the feel of rear-wheel-drive maneuverability, straight line stability and responsive acceleration.

The Grand Highlander is also built for the long-haul with a 17.8-gallon fuel tank, 3,500 lbs. of towing capacity on the Hybrid grades, and an impressive 5,000 lbs. towing capacity on the Hybrid MAX and gas grades. All three powertrains come with three selectable Drive Modes (Sport, Eco, Normal) to make driving more engaging – while Multi-Terrain Select with three modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow) is offered on the gas AWD and Hybrid MAX powertrains for even more on and off-road capability.

Grade by Grade
The Grand Highlander is offered in five grades across three different powertrains – the LE, XLE, Hybrid Nightshade, Limited, and Platinum. Key features include:

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
  • 8-Person Capacity with 60/40 Split Fold Down Bench
• Multimedia/Technology
  • 12.3-in. Touchscreen with 6-speaker Audio System
  • Combination Meter with Analog Gauges and 7-in. Color Multi-Information Display (MID) with Fuel Economy, Driver Assist, Vehicle/Trip Information, and Warning Messages
  • 7 USB Ports (6 Power USB-C Ports / 1 Media USB-C)
• Safety & Convenience
  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • 5-Door Smart Key
  • Adjustable Power Liftgate with Jam Protection

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
  • 10-way Power Driver & 8-way Power Passenger Seats
  • 7-Person Capacity w/ 2nd Row Captain’s Chairs or 8-Person Bench Available
  • Heated Front Seats
  • 2nd Row Sunshades
• Multimedia/Technology:
  • Digital Key capability (requires active Remote Connect trial or subscription)
  • 12.3-in. Touchscreen
  • 7-in. Multi-Information Display (MID)
  • 7 USB-C Ports (6 Power USB-C / 1 Media USB-C)
  • Qi Wireless Charger
• Safety & Convenience
  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • 5-Door Smart Key
  • Adjustable Power Liftgate with Jam Protection
  • Garage Door Opener
  • Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror

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
  • Memory Driver Seat
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • AC Power Outlet (100W Gas) (1500W HV/Hybrid MAX)
  • Ambient Lighting
• Multimedia/Technology:
  • 12.3-in. Touchscreen w/ 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
  • Puddle Lamps

Hybrid Nightshade Edition

• Exterior:
  • 20-in Black Alloy Wheels with Black Lugnuts
  • Black Painted Front Grille and Hood Trim
  • Black Front and Rear Lower Bumper
  • Black Mirror Caps, Door Handles, and Window Trim
  • Black Badging on Rear Liftgate
  • Black Rear Spoiler
  • Black Shark Fin Antenna
  • Black Painted Roof Rails
• Interior
  • Leather-trimmed seating with heated and ventilated front seats
  • Matte Gray Metallic Interior Door Trim Panels
  • Captain Seats Standard (No Bench Seat Available)
• Multimedia/Technology:
  • 12.3-in. Touchscreen w/ 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
  • Puddle Lamps

Platinum Grade

• Exterior:
  • 20-in. Silver (Gas Platinum), or
  • 20-in. Silver and Black (Hybrid MAX Platinum) Wheels
• Interior:
  • Leather-trimmed front- and second-row seats; heated and ventilated front seats (Platinum gas)
  • Leather-trimmed with Ultrasuede® front- and second-row seats (Hybrid MAX Platinum)
  • Heated & Ventilated 2nd Row Seats
  • Panoramic Moonroof
  • Paddle Shifters (AWD Gas and Hybrid MAX)
  • Dial Multi-Terrain Select
• Safety & Convenience
  • Head-Up Display
  • Puddle Lamps
  • Panoramic View Monitor
  • Digital Rearview Mirror
  • Traffic Jam Assist (requires active Drive Connect trial or subscription)**

Exterior color options are available based on grade and include:

• Blueprint
• Celestial Silver Metallic
• Cement
• Midnight Black Metallic
• Storm Cloud
• Wind Chill Pearl (Extra cost color)
• Ruby Flare Pearl (Extra cost color)
• Heavy Metal (Extra cost color)

For interior color options, the 2026 Grand Highlander is offered in:

• LE Gas and Hybrid: Fabric-trim in Light Gray or Black
• XLE Gas and Hybrid: SofTex®-trim in Light Gray or Black
• Limited Gas and Hybrid: Leather-trim in Light Gray or Black
• Platinum Gas: Leather-trim in Portobello, Light Gray or Black
• Hybrid Nightshade: Leather-trim in Black
• Limited Hybrid MAX: Ultrasuede® and leather-trim in Light Gray or Black
• Platinum Hybrid MAX in Ultrasuede® and leather-trim in Portobello, Light Gray or Black

**4G Network Dependent. Subscription required after trial period.

Technology and Features with a Purpose
The Grand Highlander is equipped with the latest and greatest tech from Toyota, including Toyota’s Traffic Jam Assist* technology (Platinum grade). Traffic Jam Assist is a radar and camera-based system that helps ease the burden of stressful stop-and-go traffic on limited access roadways by operating the steering, acceleration, and braking functions at speeds between 0-25 mph under certain conditions.

Standard on the 2026 Grand Highlander is a 12.3-inch touchscreen displaying Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based software teams. Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice-activated commands. With the available one-year Drive Connect** trial subscription, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice-activated commands, including searching for directions, adjusting audio controls, changing cabin temperature and more. Available Cloud Navigation is able to take advantage of the latest map, traffic and routing information, including a POI search powered by Google. Drivers can also use Destination Assist, which provides 24/7 access to live agents.

Toyota Audio Multimedia’s phone connectivity allows for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Additionally, Grand Highlander has available Wi-Fi Connect** and includes a one-month trial subscription that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices — turning the Grand Highlander into an AT&T Hotspot. Adding to the already robust offering of audio playback ability with HD Radio®, USB data and a SiriusXM® three-month trial subscription, Wi-Fi Connect also enables Integrated Streaming, providing customers the ability to link their separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control. As with all vehicles equipped with Toyota Audio Multimedia, Grand Highlander drivers will have the ability to download Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, augmenting the multimedia experience.

For the audiophile, Grand Highlander offers an available JBL® Premium Audio system with 11 speakers, creating a mobile concert from any music genre. Standard on the Limited and Platinum grades, with the use of Clari-Fi® technology, the system is also able to breathe life into compressed digital music formats, enhancing the audio experience.

Grand Highlander offers a host of additional available Connected Services such as Safety Connect** through the Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator with a 5-year minimum trial subscription (4G network dependent). Service Connect** provides drivers the ability to receive Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts and reminders, also a 5-year minimum trial subscription.

With the Toyota app, users can stay connected to their Grand Highlander with a one-year trial of Remote Connect** service. Users can activate headlights, lock/unlock the doors, and remotely start the vehicle. Users can also check vehicle status, receive reminder notifications, and set Guest Driver Alerts. Digital Key** is also offered on select grades with a Remote Connect trial or subscription, making it easy to lock and unlock doors, remote start and more – all from a smart phone.

Convenience features are aplenty on Grand Highlander. 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 in Limited and Platinum grades. A Panoramic View Monitor is available to assist the driver in viewing the surroundings, when operating at low speeds, by combining the front, side and rear cameras and displaying a complete vehicle overhead image on the screen.

Other available conveniences include heated steering wheel and power folding mirrors (Limited and Platinum), heated and ventilated front and second row seats (Platinum), 1,500-watt AC power outlets (Hybrid and Hybrid Max powertrains on Limited and Platinum) and a hands-free power liftgate (Limited and Platinum).

**4G Network Dependent. Subscription required after trial period.

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
The 2026 Grand Highlander will come standard with the latest Toyota Safety Sense generation 3.0 with features like:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) is designed to help drivers mitigate or avoid frontal collisions by detecting a vehicle or a pedestrian in certain situations. Using a camera and radar, PCS w/PD provides both audible and visual alerts, and if the driver doesn’t react, the system may apply the brakes automatically. The improved detection capabilities of TSS 3.0 builds on the TSS 2.5+ feature suite with enhanced intersection support that, in certain circumstances, includes detection of an oncoming vehicle in more than one lane and a vehicle approaching from a lateral direction.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) is designed to issue an audio/visual lane departure warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If the driver does not take corrective action, the system is also designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance. For TSS 3.0, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist gains enhanced lane recognition that includes detection of certain 3D objects, like guardrails, that may be used to help define the lane.
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is an adaptive cruise control system designed to be set at speeds above 20 mph and use vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you. For TSS 3.0, it adds a fourth following distance setting in addition to the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps the system to provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes.
• When DRCC is enabled and lane markers are visible, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) uses the lines on the road and/or preceding vehicles to provide active driving assistance and help keep the vehicle centered and in its lane.
• An Emergency Driving Stop System is also a function of Lane Tracing Assist. Its design helps detect a driver who is inattentive or non-responsive, such as during a medical emergency. This feature can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver doesn’t respond to alerts to take control.
• Road Sign Assist (RSA) with sign detection capabilities that include certain intersection signs and warning signs, like pedestrian crossings.
• Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) is designed to support the driver by providing gentle braking, steering, and distance control between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist.
• Automatic High Beams (AHB) are designed to help drivers see more clearly at night at certain speeds. AHB is designed to detect the headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles, then automatically toggle between high and low beams accordingly.

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