2026 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a midsize crossover SUV sold in the United States since the 2001 model year. Built on a car-derived unibody platform originally shared with the Camry, it helped establish the template for the family-oriented midsize crossover: a smooth ride, easy driving manners, and available all-wheel drive without truck-based compromises. A third-row seat has been offered since 2004, and a hybrid version has been available since the 2006 model year, making it one of the first hybrid SUVs sold in the US.

The Highlander's core appeal is everyday practicality backed by Toyota's reputation for reliability and strong resale value, and it has consistently ranked among the best-selling vehicles in its segment. Typical buyers are families who want three rows of seating without stepping up to a full-size SUV or a minivan. Key rivals include the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Ford Explorer. Since 2024 it has been joined in Toyota's lineup by the larger Grand Highlander, a separate model that positions the standard Highlander as the more maneuverable of the two.

The 2026 model: Moved to Toyota's TNGA-K platform with sleeker styling and updated infotainment, launching with a 3.5-liter V6 and a far more efficient hybrid that pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with electric motors. For 2023 a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder replaced the V6, and the larger Grand Highlander arrived for 2024 as a separate model. For 2026 the lineup was simplified and all-wheel drive became standard on every trim.