The arrival of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander solidifies Toyota’s commitment to dominating the three-row SUV segment. Positioned strategically above the standard Highlander, the Grand Highlander is a purpose-built family hauler that seamlessly merges premium luxury with unmatched interior space and Toyota’s hallmark reliability. Built on the flexible TNGA-K platform, this model addresses the previous Highlander’s main limitation—a cramped third row—making it the ideal choice for modern families who refuse to compromise on comfort, technology, or efficiency.
Grand Design and Elevated Comfort
The 2026 Grand Highlander’s exterior design communicates a sense of confident authority, moving beyond simple utility toward a more sculpted, contemporary look.
- Exterior Command: It features a distinctive and more assertive front fascia, characterized by an evolved hexagonal grille and sleek, modern LED lighting elements. The subtle yet crucial addition of a longer wheelbase and wider stance not only provides a commanding road presence but is the key to its generous interior volume.
- Whisper-Quiet Cabin: Stepping inside reveals a commitment to premium design that rivals many luxury competitors. The cabin uses soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and is exceptionally well-insulated, ensuring a whisper-quiet ride even at high speeds. Available luxury features include ventilated leather-trimmed seats and an expansive panoramic moonroof.
- The Adult-Sized Third Row: The single biggest selling point remains the space. The Grand Highlander comfortably seats up to eight passengers (depending on configuration). Crucially, the third row offers genuine adult-friendly comfort, with 33.5 inches of legroom and 37.2 inches of headroom, along with dedicated climate controls and USB ports.
Powertrain Options: Power Meets Efficiency
The Grand Highlander offers a diverse powertrain lineup, headlined by two compelling hybrid options, ensuring there’s a configuration for every driving preference, from efficiency to blistering performance.
- Standard Turbo Power: The base engine is a refined 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering a confident 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this engine provides quick, responsive acceleration and is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.
- Efficiency Hybrid: The entry-level Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with electric motors, producing 245 net combined horsepower. This system prioritises fuel economy, achieving an impressive EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined (Hybrid XLE AWD), making it a class leader in efficiency.
- Performance Hybrid MAX: For the enthusiast, the Hybrid MAX powertrain is the pinnacle of performance. It pairs the 2.4-liter turbo engine with the hybrid system to deliver a robust 362 net combined horsepower and a mighty 400 lb-ft of torque. This system offers powerful, immediate acceleration and maintains the strong 5,000-pound towing capacity of the turbo gas engine.
Technology and Safety: Smart and Seamless Integration
Toyota has significantly updated its technology interface for the Grand Highlander, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience for the driver and all seven or eight passengers.
- Intuitive Infotainment: All trims, from the base LE upwards, feature a crisp 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. This system boasts quick processing speeds and includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Higher trims gain a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a premium 11-speaker JBL sound system.
- Connectivity and Convenience: The cabin is designed for a connected family, featuring multiple USB-C ports (up to 7), a wireless charging pad, and available features like a Head-Up Display (HUD) and a Digital Rearview Mirror.
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0): As is standard with new Toyota models, the industry-leading TSS 3.0 suite is included across all grades. This system features:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Tracing Assist
- The all-new Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), which provides gentle braking into curves and/or steering support to help maintain distance from preceding vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists, offering an extra layer of assistance in daily driving.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is aggressively positioned to offer exceptional value, bridging the gap between mainstream and luxury three-row SUVs.
| Trim Level (Gas) | MSRP (Starting) | Powertrain | Drivetrain | Max HP | Key Highlights |
| LE | $42,855 | 2.4L Turbo | FWD/AWD | 265 hp | 18″ wheels, 8-seater capacity |
| XLE | $45,625 | 2.4L Turbo | FWD/AWD | 265 hp | SofTex upholstery, heated seats, Digital Key, 12.3″ screen |
| Limited | $50,355 | 2.4L Turbo | FWD/AWD | 265 hp | 20″ wheels, JBL Audio, heated/ventilated front seats |
| Platinum | $56,040 | 2.4L Turbo | Standard AWD | 265 hp | Panoramic roof, Head-Up Display, heated/ventilated 2nd row |
| Hybrid MAX Platinum | $59,275 | 2.4L Hybrid MAX | Standard AWD | 362 hp | Peak performance, premium trim, 5,000-lb tow capacity |
Note: Hybrid models start slightly higher, with the highly efficient Hybrid XLE starting around $45,880.
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is a vehicle that truly delivers on its promise. It’s the definitive three-row Toyota SUV, offering the massive space and utility of a minivan, the style and capability of a modern SUV, and the renowned reliability of the Toyota brand—all bundled into a compelling and competitively priced package. For families seeking a no-compromise vehicle, the Grand Highlander is set to be the top contender.