2026 Toyota Highlander

Good

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a practical three-row SUV that's easy to drive and returns good fuel economy. It's loaded with helpful driver assistance features, too. However, other midsize SUVs like the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas offer more spacious, easier-to-access third-row seats.Read full review

Rank #12

18 Midsize 3-row SUVs

2 Offers Near Ashburn, VA

Check out current offers on the Toyota Highlander

View Offers

buyatoyota.com

See All for Sale

Shop vehicle inventory at dealers near you

Toyota Highlander for Sale

Price

Select year

Select a type

Edmunds suggests you pay

$46,014

8 for sale near you

Edmunds suggested price is based on sales in VA thru 10/5/26, including destination fee, but not other dealer fees. Final assembly in USA.

Pros

Comfortable, quiet ride
Easy to see out of
Above-average fuel efficiency for a three-row SUV

Cons

Third row is kids-only
Not much cargo space behind the third row

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

Updated: 4/9/2026

The Toyota Highlander practically serves as the default midsize three-row SUV for folks who just want a family hauler that's easy to live with. The current generation debuted for the 2020 model year, and in that time it has served its purpose: This is a spacious, comfortable crossover that delivers everything you'd expect, from a smooth, quiet ride to an intuitively laid-out interior. And if you need a little extra room, Toyota sells the Grand Highlander. If you don't want to spend time sorting through the thick field of competitors in this class, it's hard to ignore just how well the Highlander does its job.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

6.4

out of 10

We drove the 2026 Toyota Highlander on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

7.5/10

How does the Toyota Highlander drive? At Edmunds' test track, our four-cylinder all-wheel-drive Highlander test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, which is quicker than most V6-equipped three-row midsize SUVs.

The Highlander's ride quality is pleasantly plush. Large and small road imperfections are smoothed over thanks to the compliant suspension, yet it avoids feeling floaty or vague at high speeds.

The Highlander can stop quickly and confidently as well as negotiate a twisty road. Body roll is controlled through turns, and the available AWD system enhances handling balance as well as providing extra traction in slick conditions.

We give the Highlander high marks for outward visibility. The thin front roof pillars help you see around turns. The standard rearview camera image is exceptionally blurry, but the available 360-degree camera is high-def. All Highlanders come with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids. We like the adaptive cruise control, but we found the lane departure warning slightly too sensitive in the standard mode and not sensitive enough in the low mode.

Comfort

6.7/10

How comfortable is the Toyota Highlander? It's easy to find your preferred seating position, but taller drivers might wish for more extension range from the telescoping steering wheel. The Highlander's front seats are comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs (which our test vehicle had) provide nearly the same level of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats are one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a narrow space and a cushion mounted low to the floor make the third row ill-suited for adults, although that's addressed by the larger Grand Highlander, which is reviewed separately.

The climate controls are easy to use, and the standard tri-zone system provides ample heating and cooling capacity, which helps make up for the mildly effective seat heat and ventilation. Otherwise, our complaints are few. There are no vibrations, squeaks or wind noise to speak of, even at highway speeds. Road noise is minimal.

A large rear-facing car seat is easily accommodated in the second row thanks to the generous fore-and-aft movement of the available captain's chairs. Anchors are easy to locate and access for all types of child safety seats, though there are no anchors in the third row.

In-cabin tech

7.6/10

How’s the tech? The Highlander might not lead the three-row SUV segment in terms of tech, but Toyota has certainly made strides in the right direction. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, but the optional 12.3-inch display is even better, responding quickly to inputs. However, the screen can wash out in direct sunlight, making it somewhat difficult to use on bright days.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, work well and can connect wirelessly. Amazon Alexa integration adds additional convenience, as well, especially if you're the sort of buyer who wants to integrate your car into your smart-home world. A wireless charging pad lives under the touchscreen and there are five USB connections available: three up front and two in the second row.

Storage & cargo

5.7/10

How’s storage and cargo? Cargo space is a bit of a mixed bag with the Highlander. Behind the third row, there's only 16 cubic feet of space, which is small for the class. Behind the second row, it expands to a better-than-average 48.4 cubic feet. The liftover height is about average for a midsize SUV, and both back rows can be folded for a flat load surface. As for cabin storage, there are good-size pockets and cupholders as well as two shelves built into the dash. (One has a clever phone cable keeper too.)

Value

6.1/10

Is the Toyota Highlander a good value? Though the Highlander isn't the most premium-feeling SUV in the class, the interior is solidly put together with soft, padded surfaces where they matter most. There's good value here, too, whether you're cross-shopping against a Kia Telluride (especially given the typical markups for those) or the popular Honda Pilot, which isn't quite as strong a value these days.

Toyota's warranty coverage is pretty common for the class with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. The first two years of scheduled maintenance are also free.

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The four-cylinder Highlander is pretty fuel-efficient. We tested an all-wheel-drive model, which the EPA estimates will get 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving. (Front-wheel-drive models are slightly better at 25 mpg combined.) A few mpg may not seem like a huge advantage over the competition, but it's significant for this class of vehicle. On our real-world evaluation route, we achieved 26.6 mpg, which is pretty stellar and indicates to us the EPA's estimates should be achievable. Of note, the Highlander Hybrid gets up to 36 mpg combined.

X factor

7/10

The styling up front gives the Highlander a sporty appearance, which looks cool but also maybe oversells athleticism. Still, the Highlander has better than average composure on a twisty road for a midsize three-row SUV, which might be all the fun someone shopping this category needs.

Save as much as $2,157 with Edmunds

2026 Toyota Highlander pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

2026 Toyota Highlander trim level differences

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row SUV with seating for up to eight passengers, and it's offered in four trim levels: XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum. All are powered by a 265-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. There's also a Highlander Hybrid, Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid that are reviewed separately on Edmunds. Compare the 2026 Toyota Highlander trim levels in-depth.

Which Highlander trim does Edmunds recommend?

For 2026, Toyota has dropped the LE trim, leaving our favorite, the Highlander XLE, as the new entry trim. While the Limited and Platinum offer some premium features, the XLE is well equipped as it stands.

Competitors to consider

This is a segment jam-packed with worthy competition. The Kia Telluride offers more space and a more tech-forward cabin, the Hyundai Palisade provides a more luxurious space to sit in, the Mazda CX-90 is sportier and better to drive, and the Honda Pilot is a touch more rugged. There's also the aforementioned Grand Highlander, in case you find the standard model's third row isn't spacious enough. In fact, you might have too many well-regarded options in this space.

Edmunds spotlight: An all-electric Highlander is coming

2026 will be the final year for the gas-powered Highlander. Toyota has already announced a new, all-electric model will arrive in 2027. Like the current model, the new electric Highlander will be a three-row SUV, giving Toyota a model to go head-to-head with EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9. Toyota has a real opportunity here, as there are only a few other three-row EVs around. So if you want a gas-powered Highlander, 2026 will be your last chance. Toyota still offers the Grand Highlander, which is slightly more spacious inside.

Toyota Highlander Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.7

30 reviews

5(50%)

4(7%)

3(20%)

2(13%)

1(10%)

See all 30 reviews of the Toyota Highlander

Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Terrible Turbo Lag

Mr. TH, 03/10/2024

2024 Toyota Highlander XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I owned a 2017 Highlander with the V6, and it produced a very smooth comfortable ride. I test drove the 2024 XSE recently and was highly disappointed with the turbo V4. Why would a company like Toyota put this crap engine in their cars? First of all, the turbo lag is awful, and the engine is very loud. I drove the vehicle into heavy traffic and was nervous because there was very little …

Expected more

Jetznh, 05/12/2025

2024 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Within the first month we had to replace the hood gasket. It blew loose going down the highway. With only 8000 miles the AC went. Discovered a leaky seal which was from the build. Third row seat is absolutely horrendous. There is no room at all for adults to sit back there. I find the vehicle very loud with the windows closed. The radio is sub par. It seems like the speakers are too …

Wrinkles

Nana, 04/20/2024

2024 Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Just purchased the 2024 Highlander XLE. The interior is not impressive at all. The info system icons are dull and hard to navigate. The upholstery on the back of my second row seats looks really bad. The vehicle drives and rides great.

Long Search - Perfect Car

Mountain Girl, 05/12/2025

2025 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

My 4th Highlander in the past 23 years. I like everything about this one, as has been true with all I have owned. The updated features in this 25 Grand Highlander are taking some getting used to, but once I figured them out,, they are very easy to use. I particularly like the large screen on the media platform and having Apple Car Play for my first time. I also am impressed with the …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Toyota Highlander, so we've included reviews for other years of the Highlander since its last redesign.

Helpful shopping links

2026 Toyota Highlander Features & Specs

Trim:

XLE

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$46,270
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$216/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2026 Toyota Highlander has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2026 Toyota Highlander

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 2 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 2 years / 25,000 miles

Where the Toyota Highlander ranks:

#12 in Midsize 3-row SUVs

Select up to 4 cars below to compare.

Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
Starting at $44,160
Compare
1
Kia Telluride Hybrid
Starting at $46,490
Compare
2
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Starting at $45,610
Compare
3
Hyundai Palisade
Starting at $39,435
Compare
4
Kia Telluride
Starting at $39,190
Compare
5
Toyota Grand Highlander
Starting at $42,260
Compare
6
Toyota Highlander
Starting at $46,270
Compare
12
Add any vehicle to compare

Compare selected vehicles

Research other Highlander years

FAQ

Is the Toyota Highlander a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Highlander both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.4 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Highlander gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 30 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Highlander has 16.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Highlander. Learn more

Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?

To determine whether the Toyota Highlander is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Highlander. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Highlander's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Toyota Highlander is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Highlander and gave it a 6.4 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Highlander gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 30 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Highlander is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Toyota Highlander?

The least-expensive 2026 Toyota Highlander is the 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $46,270.

Other versions include:

XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $46,270
XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $48,340
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $50,725
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $53,925

Learn more

What are the different models of Toyota Highlander?

If you're interested in the Toyota Highlander, the next question is, which Highlander model is right for you? Highlander variants include XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A), XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A), Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Highlander models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more