The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander it’s a statement. Toyota’s latest flagship SUV goes all-in on space, comfort, and smart tech, aiming squarely at families who want more of everything. More room. More luxury. More practicality. And it delivers.
Sitting above the regular Highlander in size and refinement, the Grand Highlander enters the full-size SUV game with bold intent and it doesn’t blink in the face of big-name rivals like the Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, or even luxury crossovers like the Acura MDX. If you’ve got a full crew to haul and want premium features without luxury-brand prices, this SUV deserves a hard look.
Refined But Rugged
From the outside, the Grand Highlander looks… well, grand. It ditches any lingering “mom-mobile” vibe for something sharper, stronger, and more upscale.
At the front, you’re greeted by a massive yet refined grille, flanked by sleek LED headlamps that feel more Lexus than Toyota. The body lines are sculpted, but not fussy — confident without being overstyled. Chrome trim along the window surrounds and door handles adds just the right amount of flash, while 20-inch alloy wheels (on upper trims) complete the premium aesthetic.
Toyota clearly designed this SUV to look at home in a Whole Foods parking lot, but not flinch on a gravel road to a cabin in the woods.
Massive Interior Space With True Third-Row Comfort
The interior is where the Grand Highlander earns its name. This thing is spacious. We’re talking adult-friendly third-row seating, something most three-row SUVs only pretend to offer. The second row — available as a bench or captain’s chairs — slides and reclines, giving flexibility for road trips, carpools, or hauling gear.
The cabin feels upscale without being over-the-top:
- Soft-touch materials and contrast stitching on the dash and doors
- Available leather upholstery and woodgrain trim on Limited and Platinum models
- Heated and ventilated front and second-row seats in higher trims
- Available panoramic sunroof that stretches nearly the entire roofline
And with all seats in use, there’s still ample cargo space behind the third row — something even some larger SUVs struggle with.
| Interior Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 (or 7 with captain’s chairs) |
| Cargo Space | Up to ~97.5 cu. ft. with seats folded |
| Upholstery | Cloth (base), SofTex or Leather (upper trims) |
| Climate | Tri-zone automatic with rear-seat vents |
| Comfort | Power-adjustable seats, lumbar support, seat memory (Limited & Platinum) |
Tech That Feels Future-Ready
Toyota didn’t just toss in a big screen and call it a day. The 2026 Grand Highlander is loaded with intuitive tech — much of it standard, not hidden behind expensive add-ons.
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (standard on most trims)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Cloud-based navigation with real-time traffic and voice recognition
- Available digital rearview mirror
- Multiple USB-C ports in all three rows, plus wireless phone charging
And for the driver, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with customizable displays — from fuel economy to navigation prompts.
Toyota also includes over-the-air updates, which means your tech stays fresh without a dealer visit.
Powertrains
Depending on the trim, you’ll get one of three engine setups — each tuned to meet a different need:
| Powertrain | Output | Fuel Economy (Est.) | Drive Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L Turbo I4 | ~265 hp | ~25 mpg combined | FWD / AWD |
| 2.5L Hybrid | ~245 hp | Up to 36 mpg combined | FWD / AWD |
| 2.4L Hybrid MAX | 362 hp, 400+ lb-ft | ~27 mpg combined | AWD (standard) |
- The base turbo engine is peppy and smooth, offering strong torque for highway merging and family hauls.
- The 2.5L hybrid prioritizes efficiency, ideal for commuters and mileage-minded drivers.
- The Hybrid MAX (available in top trims) is for those who want power with a green conscience — delivering near-luxury acceleration with above-average fuel savings.
The Grand Highlander handles surprisingly well for its size. Ride comfort is a standout, especially on Limited and Platinum trims with adaptive suspension and sound-deadening upgrades.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Toyota doesn’t mess around when it comes to safety, and the Grand Highlander reflects that with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard across all trims:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management
- Lane Tracing Assist and Lane Departure Alert
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Parking sensors with automatic braking (upper trims)
Add optional features like traffic jam assist and 360-degree surround view camera, and you’re looking at a vehicle that’s just as safe in the suburbs as it is on the interstate.
Trim Levels and Pricing (Expected)
Official pricing will vary slightly depending on market and region, but here’s a breakdown based on early reports and Toyota’s positioning strategy:
| Trim | Estimated Starting Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| XLE | ~$44,000 | Cloth seats, 12.3” touchscreen, Toyota Safety Sense |
| Limited | ~$50,000 | Leather seats, ventilated front seats, premium audio |
| Platinum | ~$55,000+ | Panoramic roof, Hybrid MAX powertrain, full digital cluster |
| Hybrid Trims | Add ~$1,500–$4,000 depending on engine |
This structure allows buyers to scale their budget based on needs — whether they want value, luxury, or performance — without giving up core features like safety and connectivity.
Who Is the Grand Highlander For?
In short? Big families, road-trippers, and tech-savvy drivers. The Grand Highlander is for anyone who wants:
- Real third-row space
- Modern, easy-to-use tech
- Hybrid powertrain options that don’t sacrifice power
- Everyday drivability with long-haul comfort
It doesn’t try to be a truck-based brute like the Sequoia. It’s more civilized, more versatile, and frankly, more aligned with what today’s family buyers are looking for.
FAQs
The Grand Highlander is larger, offers more third-row room, and introduces upgraded tech and powertrain options not found in the regular Highlander.
Yes, including a 2.5L hybrid and a performance-oriented Hybrid MAX with 362 hp.
Up to 8 passengers with the second-row bench 7 with captain’s chairs.
Towing capacity ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 lbs, depending on engine and configuration.
When will the 2026 Grand Highlander be available?
