2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: A Comprehensive Review
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander marks another milestone in Toyota's quest to offer reliable, family-friendly SUVs with an emphasis on space, technology, and performance. As a new member of the Highlander family, the Grand Highlander builds upon its predecessor's success, offering even more room and upgraded features to accommodate growing families and adventurers alike. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the key aspects of the 2026 Grand Highlander, including design, performance, technology, safety, and pricing.
Design and Exterior
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offers a design that is both rugged and refined. Toyota has paid attention to the details, giving it a more commanding presence on the road compared to the standard Highlander.
- Exterior Dimensions: The Grand Highlander is larger than its predecessor, measuring approximately 197 inches in length, making it one of the largest SUVs in Toyota's lineup. This added length primarily enhances third-row seating and cargo space.
- Styling: The exterior styling is sleek yet muscular, with sharp lines and an aggressive front grille that makes it stand out. LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights come standard across all trims, contributing to a modern and bold appearance.
- Wheels: Depending on the trim level, you can expect wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches in size, giving the vehicle both a rugged and premium look.
The design of the Grand Highlander is ideal for those looking for a larger, more capable SUV without sacrificing aesthetics or road presence.
Interior Comfort and Space
One of the highlights of the 2026 Grand Highlander is its interior space, especially when it comes to accommodating passengers and cargo.
- Seating Capacity: The Grand Highlander seats up to eight passengers, making it a great option for larger families. The third row offers ample legroom, even for adult passengers, which is often a point of criticism in other three-row SUVs.
- Interior Materials: Toyota offers a range of materials depending on the trim. Entry-level models come with durable cloth upholstery, while higher trims offer synthetic leather or genuine leather options, contributing to a more luxurious feel.
- Cargo Space: Cargo space is another area where the Grand Highlander excels. With all seats up, it offers 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to an impressive 84 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. This makes it an ideal vehicle for road trips, camping adventures, or simply hauling large items.
The spacious interior and flexible seating arrangements make the Grand Highlander one of the most versatile SUVs in its class.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander comes with multiple powertrain options designed to meet the diverse needs of drivers, whether they prioritize fuel efficiency or power.
Engine Options
The Grand Highlander offers three main engine options:
| Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Efficiency (MPG) | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 | 265 hp | 310 lb-ft | 21 city / 28 highway | FWD / AWD |
| 3.5L V6 | 295 hp | 263 lb-ft | 19 city / 26 highway | AWD |
| Hybrid 2.5L Inline-4 + Electric Motors | 243 hp (combined) | N/A | 36 city / 35 highway | AWD |
- Turbocharged Inline-4: This engine offers a balance between power and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for daily driving and light towing. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- V6 Engine: For those who need more power, the 3.5L V6 engine delivers a stronger punch, ideal for towing up to 5,000 pounds.
- Hybrid Powertrain: Toyota continues to excel in the hybrid space, and the Grand Highlander is no exception. The hybrid model offers exceptional fuel efficiency while still delivering adequate performance for an SUV of its size.
Handling and Ride Quality
Toyota has tuned the suspension of the Grand Highlander to prioritize comfort without sacrificing handling. Whether driving on the highway or navigating city streets, the Grand Highlander provides a smooth and quiet ride. The availability of all-wheel drive (AWD) ensures better grip and control, especially in adverse weather conditions or light off-road environments.
Technology and Infotainment
In the 2026 Grand Highlander, Toyota has equipped the cabin with cutting-edge technology and a user-friendly infotainment system.
- Infotainment System: The standard model comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that runs Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia System. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, making it easy to connect your smartphone.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: Higher trims include a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, which can be customized to display various types of information, such as navigation or safety alerts.
- Wireless Charging: The Grand Highlander offers wireless charging for smartphones in the center console, eliminating the need for cumbersome cables.
- Rear-Seat Entertainment: For families with children, the optional rear-seat entertainment package offers two 11.6-inch screens, which can stream content from mobile devices.
With these tech features, Toyota aims to make the driving experience more enjoyable, convenient, and connected.
Safety Features
As expected from Toyota, safety is a top priority in the 2026 Grand Highlander. It comes with the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard across all trims, offering an array of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) designed to enhance both safety and convenience.
Standard Safety Features
| Safety Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre-Collision System | Detects vehicles and pedestrians, applying emergency braking when necessary. |
| Lane Departure Alert | Alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane without signaling. |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Maintains a set distance from the car ahead, adjusting speed as needed. |
| Lane Tracing Assist | Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. |
| Road Sign Assist | Recognizes road signs and displays them on the instrument cluster. |
| Blind-Spot Monitoring | Alerts the driver to vehicles in adjacent lanes that may be difficult to see. |
These features, combined with the Grand Highlander's robust build, ensure that drivers and passengers alike are protected in various driving conditions.
Optional Safety Features
For those looking for even more peace of mind, optional safety features include:
- Panoramic View Monitor: Provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, making parking and tight maneuvers easier.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts you of oncoming traffic when reversing out of parking spaces.
- Parking Assist: Automatically guides the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is available in multiple trim levels, allowing buyers to choose the model that best suits their needs and budget.
| Trim Level | Starting Price (USD) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| LE | $42,000 | 18-inch wheels, 12.3-inch touchscreen, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 |
| XLE | $46,500 | Synthetic leather seats, wireless charging, moonroof |
| Limited | $51,000 | Leather seats, 20-inch wheels, JBL premium audio system |
| Platinum | $57,500 | Panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate, advanced safety features |
While the base LE model offers an impressive list of standard features, the higher trims add more luxury and technology to the package.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact
For a large SUV, the 2026 Grand Highlander offers competitive fuel efficiency, particularly in the hybrid variant. Toyota’s dedication to hybrid technology is evident, as the hybrid model significantly reduces the carbon footprint while offering nearly the same level of performance as its gasoline counterparts. The hybrid variant's 36 mpg in the city is particularly noteworthy for an SUV of this size.
Conclusion
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is a standout in the midsize SUV market, combining spaciousness, advanced technology, robust performance, and a commitment to safety. Whether you’re a growing family, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone looking for a reliable, feature-packed SUV, the Grand Highlander has a lot to offer. With its variety of trims and powertrain options, it’s likely to appeal to a wide range of drivers who want both functionality and style in their next vehicle.