DecodedCars2026 Toyota Highlander
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV L FWD, 4dr SUV Le/Xle AWD, 4dr SUV Le/Xle Hybrid AWD, 4dr SUV Limited AWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 186–265 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 35 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 194.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,123–4,553 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 75% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (20 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 195 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,123 lb (4dr SUV L FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (35 city / 35 highway), 75% better than the 2026 standard SUV average of 20 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the back over prevention.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 Highlander — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Highlander →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Princeton, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2026 Highlander configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV L FWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,123 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Le/Xle AWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,299 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Le/Xle Hybrid AWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,442 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Limited AWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,431 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Limited Hybrid AWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,553 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 / 34 / 35 | +75% | $1,900 | 253 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 / 35 / 35 | +75% | $1,900 | 254 |
| Highlander AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | -7% | $2,800 | 371 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Similar 2026 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Toyota Highlander (this car) | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Toyota 4Runner | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Ford Explorer | 24 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | 36 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento | 37 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Highlander years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 10 |
| 2024 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 43 |
| 2023 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 198 |
| 2022 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 272 |
| 2021 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 548 |
| 2020 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 330 |
| 2019 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 511 |
| 2018 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 275 |
| 2017 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 274 |
| 2016 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 117 |
| 2015 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 195 |
| 2014 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 125 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →