The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander has arrived with a clear mission: offer families and adventurous drivers a spacious, comfortable, and highly capable three-row SUV that feels modern in every way. Positioned above the regular Highlander in Toyota’s SUV lineup, the Grand Highlander brings a blend of premium comfort, versatile seating, advanced technology, and a choice of powerful yet efficient powertrains. With strong roominess, thoughtful features, and competitive pricing, it aims to appeal to buyers who need more space without stepping up to a full-size SUV. Here’s a closer look at what the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander delivers.
Roomy Three-Row Design
From the outside, the Toyota Grand Highlander carries a bold and confident presence on the road. The exterior design blends sculpted bodywork with a purposeful front end, wide stance, and available 20-inch wheels that add a touch of rugged sophistication. LED headlights and taillights are standard across the range, and select trims add fog lights and other accents to enhance visibility and curb appeal. The SUV’s proportions signal its family-friendly credentials, and generous window openings offer good outward visibility for the driver and passengers.
Inside, the Grand Highlander impresses with adult-sized seating in all three rows. Toyota has engineered the cabin so that even passengers in the third row enjoy real legroom and headroom, making long journeys more comfortable for adults and children alike. Cargo space backs up the spacious feel; with the third row folded down, the Grand Highlander offers up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo area, enough for large luggage, sports gear, or weekend adventure equipment.
Powertrain Choices and Performance
Toyota Grand Highlander takes a flexible approach with the Grand Highlander’s powertrain lineup, offering multiple options depending on a buyer’s priorities. At the base, a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces smooth and capable power, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers responsive acceleration for daily driving and highway merging.
For buyers focused on fuel efficiency without sacrificing utility, a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain blends gasoline power with electric assistance through Toyota’s hybrid system. This configuration offers a balance of performance and economy, with manufacturer-estimated combined fuel consumption figures that make it one of the more efficient options in the three-row SUV class. Hybrid models can deliver up to roughly 36 miles per gallon combined, depending on drivetrain and trim, which helps reduce running costs over time.
At the top end of the range is the Hybrid MAX powertrain, which pairs the turbocharged engine with hybrid assist to deliver strong performance along with all-wheel-drive capability. This version appeals to buyers who want both efficiency and extra power, making it easier to tow, accelerate, or handle steeper inclines. Across the lineup, drivers can choose front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, depending on weather conditions and driving needs.
Tech and Connectivity Features
The 2026 Grand Highlander brings a comprehensive suite of technology designed to keep families connected and entertained. Every model includes a large 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen that serves as the command center for navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, enabling seamless smartphone integration without the clutter of cables.
Connectivity isn’t limited to the front seats. Multiple USB-C ports and power outlets are scattered throughout the cabin, so rear passengers can keep devices charged on long trips. Higher trims add premium features such as a JBL audio system with up to 11 speakers, a head-up display that projects key driving information onto the windshield, and digital rearview mirror technology for improved visibility.
In addition to everyday tech, the Grand Highlander supports Toyota’s connected services, including remote features accessible via smartphone app. These services may include remote start, lock/unlock, vehicle health reports, and notifications, making it easier to monitor and manage the vehicle from afar.
Comfort and Interior Details
Inside the Grand Highlander, comfort is a highlight. The cabin design uses quality materials and thoughtful ergonomics to make every seat feel inviting. Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard, with dedicated vents for rear passengers to ensure a comfortable environment throughout the vehicle. Soft-touch surfaces, ample cup holders, and multiple storage cubbies add to everyday convenience.
Seating arrangements are versatile. Toyota offers both seven-passenger configurations with second-row captain’s chairs and eight-passenger layouts with a bench seat, depending on the trim. Captains chairs increase comfort for second-row riders, while the bench seat maximizes passenger capacity. Available features such as heated and ventilated seats, leather upholstery, and panoramic sunroof enhance the experience further on higher trims.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety features are standard and robust on the 2026 Grand Highlander. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes included across all models, bringing a suite of driver assistance systems to support safer travel. This package typically includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also part of the safety toolkit, helping drivers avoid potential hazards during lane changes or when backing up.
Higher trims may add extra driver support options, such as traffic jam assist and enhanced parking technology, which simplifies low-speed maneuvers and busy urban driving. These features help reduce stress on longer journeys and improve overall driving confidence.
Pricing and Trim Options
Pricing for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander varies widely depending on engine choice, trim level, and drivetrain configuration. Base gas-engine models typically start in the low-$40,000 range, with the LE and XLE trims offering essential comfort and tech features at a competitive price. Stepping up to the Limited and Platinum trims adds more luxury touches, larger wheels, and additional convenience options. Hybrid versions generally carry a modest premium over their gas-only counterparts, while the Hybrid MAX variants command further value with their enhanced performance and features. With a broad array of options and the ability to tailor a Grand Highlander to both family and driving needs, buyers can find a configuration that suits everyday use, long road trips, or occasional towing duties.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander stands out as a versatile and compelling choice in the three-row SUV segment. It marries thoughtful design, modern technology, and a suite of capable powertrains to offer a vehicle that feels at home on family adventures and daily commutes alike. Spacious seating with real third-row comfort, generous cargo room, and a strong safety package make it a practical choice for growing families. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency with a hybrid setup or want the added power of the Hybrid MAX model, the Grand Highlander delivers a balanced package that caters to a wide range of drivers and lifestyles. For anyone seeking a comfortable, feature-rich SUV for 2026, the Toyota Grand Highlander deserves serious consideration.
