Overview: 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
- Three smart powertrain choices, including a surprisingly quick 362-hp Hybrid MAX
- Actual adult-sized third row that doesn’t punish passengers
- Thoughtful tech and safety features without the learning curve
Looking at the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander at, you can’t help but notice how Toyota has dialed in the proportions. It’s big, definitely bigger than the regular Highlander, but not in that overwhelming “I need a ladder to check the oil” way. The designers kept the nose from getting too tall and made sure you can actually see out of the thing, which seems obvious but isn’t always a given with three-row SUVs these days.
First Impressions
The front end has some serious presence without looking angry or aggressive. That trapezoidal grille Toyota loves works well here, and the way it tapers into the “hammerhead” nose (Toyota’s words, not mine) gives it character without being weird. The Hybrid MAX version gets dual exhaust tips that actually look purposeful, not just tacked on for show.
What really catches your eye are those rear doors, they swing wide, really wide. You can tell Toyota spent time thinking about how actual families use these things. Getting kids buckled into car seats or helping elderly relatives climb into the third row shouldn’t require a yoga certification, and these doors suggest Toyota gets that.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: Interior
Popping the doors open reveals where the Grand Highlander really earns its name. That third row isn’t some afterthought, there’s legitimate legroom back there, enough that you wouldn’t feel guilty sticking a tall teenager or an adult on a road trip. The numbers say 33.5 inches of legroom, but seeing it in person, it actually looks usable.
The middle row setup is smart too. You can get captain’s chairs that slide and fold, or a bench that splits 60/40. Either way, getting to the back doesn’t require contortionist skills. Even with all eight seats in place, there’s still room for seven carry-on bags behind the third row, we could actually see it working for airport runs or big family trips.
Technology
The cabin feels modern without trying too hard. That 12.3-inch touchscreen sits right where you’d want it, and the menus look clean and logical. Toyota says it responds quickly, and from our brief hands-on time, the interface seems snappy enough. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which should be table stakes by now but sometimes isn’t.
What’s nice is seeing USB-C ports everywhere, seven of them throughout the cabin. Every row gets charging options, plus cup holders that actually fit modern water bottles.
Three Ways to Move
Toyota’s offering three powertrains. The base 2.4-liter turbo puts out 265 horsepower. The regular hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter engine with electric assist for 245 horsepower and Toyota’s claimed 36 mpg combined, that’s the sweet spot for most buyers.
But the Hybrid MAX is where things get interesting. At 362 horsepower, it’s genuinely quick for something this size, and it comes with full-time all-wheel drive standard. Toyota says it’ll tow 5,000 pounds and still manage 27 mpg, which sounds almost too good to be true. We’ll have to wait for proper testing to see if those numbers hold up in the real world.
Safety Stuff
Every Grand Highlander gets Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which includes the usual adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and automatic emergency braking. The higher trims add a 360-degree camera system that should help with parking lot navigation and tight spots, always useful when you’re piloting something this substantial.
The traffic jam assist feature on the Platinum trim could be genuinely helpful for commuters dealing with stop-and-go traffic. It’ll handle steering, braking, and acceleration between 0-25 mph, which covers most of the frustrating parts of highway congestion.
Visit the official website of Toyota for more information on Safety features.
For more information about the Safety features & crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Trim Levels
Toyota’s keeping it simple with five trim levels. Even the base LE comes well-equipped with the big touchscreen, three-zone climate control, and the full safety suite. Moving up gets you things like heated seats, leather, and premium audio, but you’re not stuck with a stripped-down base model.
The new Nightshade edition goes full stealth mode with black everything, wheels, badges, trim, the works. It’s a sharp look that stands out. The range-topping Platinum includes niceties like heated and ventilated seats in both front rows and a panoramic moonroof.
Pricing
Starting at $41,360 for the gas LE, the Grand Highlander slots into a competitive space against rivals like the Honda Pilot and Chevy Traverse. The hybrid versions start at $44,710, while the range-topping Hybrid MAX Limited kicks off at $55,190.
Built in Indiana rather than imported, the Grand Highlander should benefit from Toyota’s reputation for reliability and lower long-term ownership costs.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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