Explore the 2026 Toyota Highlander SUV Features

2026 Toyota Highlander Performance, Space, and Trim Breakdown

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is built for drivers who need space, capability, and everyday usability without stepping into a full-size SUV. At Don Moore Toyota in Owensboro, KY, the gas-powered Highlander stands out with a turbocharged engine, three-row seating, and a trim lineup that clearly separates sport, comfort, and premium features.

The gas model is available in four trims: XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Each trim offers a distinct personality, from practical family-focused setups to sport-tuned handling and high-end comfort. Compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride, the Highlander stands out with its turbocharged efficiency, available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, and a well-balanced mix of performance and refinement.

Trim Levels

The four-trim lineup makes it easy to choose the right Highlander based on your priorities.

• The XLE focuses on comfort and everyday usability with SofTex® seating, heated front seats, and essential convenience features.
• The XSE adds a sportier look and feel with unique styling, larger wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension.
• The Limited shifts toward premium comfort with leather-trimmed seating, ventilated front seats, and upgraded audio and display features.
• The Platinum sits at the top with features like a panoramic roof, Head-Up Display, and advanced camera systems for added convenience.

Interior Comfort and Space

The 2026 Highlander is designed around flexibility. It offers three rows of seating with configurations for seven or eight passengers, depending on whether you choose second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Interior materials range from SofTex®-trimmed seating in XLE to leather-trimmed surfaces in Limited and Platinum models.

Passenger space is generous across all three rows, making it usable for families rather than just occasional third-row use. Cargo space also adapts easily depending on how many seats are in use.

Interior Dimensions:

• Seating capacity: Seven or eight passengers
• Front legroom: 42.0 inches
• Second-row legroom: 38.7 inches
• Third-row legroom: 28.0 inches
• Maximum cargo space: 84.3 cubic feet

Comfort features scale with trim level. The XLE includes heated front seats and power adjustments, while higher trims add ventilated seating, heated second-row seats, and memory functions. Three-zone automatic climate control allows separate temperature settings for front and rear passengers, and available second-row sunshades help manage sunlight during longer drives.

Additional interior highlights include a digital rearview mirror, ambient lighting, multiple power outlets, and up to 14 cup and bottle holders for everyday practicality.

Exterior Styling

The Highlander’s exterior design blends practicality with a more refined look. Each trim level introduces different styling elements, giving buyers clear visual differences between models.

The XLE keeps things clean and functional, while the XSE adds a more aggressive appearance with a sport mesh grille and black accents. Limited and Platinum trims shift toward a more upscale look with chrome detailing and additional lighting upgrades.

Exterior Paint Colors:

• Ruby Red Flare Pearl
• Heavy Metal
• Midnight Black Metallic
• Blueprint
• Wind Chill Pearl

Additional exterior options include roof rails in silver or black finishes, a hands-free power liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a panoramic glass roof on higher trims. Wheel sizes range from 18 inches to 20 inches, with multiple finishes including black, machined, and chrome styles.

Other design elements include LED headlights with available adaptive lighting, LED taillights, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and acoustic glass to help reduce cabin noise at highway speeds.

Turbocharged Performance

The 2026 Highlander gas model uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers strong power for a midsize SUV. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifting and consistent performance.

Engine Specs:

• Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
• Output: 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
• Towing capacity: up to 5,000 pounds
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
• Drive modes: Sport, Eco, Normal, Snow

The available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive system actively distributes power between the rear wheels to improve traction and handling. This system can send up to 50 percent of power to the rear axle and adjust side-to-side distribution as needed.

Fuel economy reaches up to 24 combined mpg based on EPA-estimates, which is competitive for a three-row SUV with this level of performance.

The XSE trim adds a sport-tuned suspension with upgraded shock absorbers and springs, giving it a firmer, more controlled feel compared to other trims.

Technology Features

The Highlander’s technology setup focuses on connectivity, clarity, and ease of use. Screen sizes and features increase as you move up the trim lineup, but the interface remains consistent and easy to navigate.

Top Technology Features

• 8-inch or 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
• Available 11-speaker JBL® premium audio system
• Available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Available 10-inch Head-Up Display

The system includes Bluetooth® connectivity, voice command functionality, and SiriusXM® trial access.

Connected Services expand functionality with features like Remote Connect, Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation, Service Connect for maintenance tracking, and Wi-Fi Connect for in-vehicle internet access.

Safety Features

The 2026 Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ as standard equipment, providing a comprehensive set of driver-assistance features across all trims.

Innovative Safety Features

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist

Additional available features expand driver awareness and convenience. These include a Panoramic View Monitor, front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The Highlander also includes a full suite of safety systems such as stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a comprehensive airbag system covering front, side, and curtain protection.

Find Your 2026 Toyota Highlander at Don Moore Toyota

The 2026 Toyota Highlander delivers the versatility many drivers are looking for, with three-row seating that is actually usable, confident turbocharged performance, and available all-wheel drive for changing road conditions. It balances everyday drivability with the space and capability families need, without feeling oversized or difficult to manage.

Visit Don Moore Toyota in Owensboro, KY, to compare Highlander trims, explore features in person, and take a test drive. You can also shop online and calculate how much you can afford to make a confident decision. If you want to compare efficiency-focused options, you can also explore the Highlander Hybrid lineup while you are there.

* All fuel economy mpg listing in the content above are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary.Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Toyota is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage, and carrier.

*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.