The 2026 Toyota Highlander: What’s New?

It’s time to meet the ultimate SUV of the year: the 2026 Toyota Highlander. This year’s model brings fresh updates, top technology, a spacious interior, and further refinement. There are tons of new features to bolster this Toyota’s reputation for reliability and make it a top choice for anyone shopping for an SUV. Toyota of Orlando has all the info you need to fall in love with the 2026 Toyota Highlander, so let’s jump into what’s new this year!

Check Out The Highlander’s Style and Reliability

Starting with the exterior, the 2026 Toyota Highlander sports a bold yet modern look with sculpted lines and a front fascia. You’ll also enjoy upscale details, such as the available alloy wheels and sleek bodywork, for a stylish edge. Not to mention that every trim has its own take on luxury, with each offering either sportier accents or a traditional premium finish. 

Like we mentioned before, the Highlander is known as a top reliable SUV. You can cruise around Orlando with your family and feel confident in your Toyota purchase! Between Toyota’s meticulous engineering, strong warranty, and easy routine maintenance with ToyotaCare, you’ll enjoy the 2026 Toyota Highlander for a long time. 

Performance and Power Updates

With the 2026 Toyota Highlander, Toyota decided to make AWD standard across all gas models. This helps enhance your capability and confidence in all weather conditions—an important feature for Florida! Add in Toyota’s range of engines with the Highlander, and you’ve got a perfect blend of power, refinement, and efficiency on the road.

You can pick either gas or hybrid options for the XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, while the XSE trim is only available as a gas grade.

• Gas powertrain: A 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gives 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. 
• Hybrid powertrain: A 2.5L engine with electric motors to give 243 net horsepower and an amazing 35 MPG combined rating. 
• All trims are engineered to deliver quiet, capable acceleration and stress-free driving anywhere you go!
• Plus, enjoy towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs in the gas models and 3,500 lbs for hybrids.

Interior Changes on this New Toyota SUV

Climb into the 2026 Toyota Highlander and you’ll enjoy a cabin design for convenience and comfort for all families. There are three rows of seating for up to seven or eight passengers in the SUV, and that’s including a comfy third row that’s usable for adults! The second row features captain’s chairs in the XSE and Platinum trims, while the other trims offer an optional second-row bench seat for an additional spot. Cargo space is already ample in the trunk, but you can fold down the rear seats for nearly 100 cubic feet of space if you need the extra room.

You won’t have to stress over everyone’s comfort on road trips either – everyone gets to enjoy top comfort in the 2026 Toyota Highlander! Premium touches, such as the available leather-trimmed seating, ambient interior lighting, and panoramic moonroof upgrades, make any seat ideal for a long trip. Not to mention you get: 

• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Hands-free power liftgate
• Proximity key with push-button start
• One-touch power windows
• Reclining passenger seats (yes, even in the third row)
• Plenty of storage cubbies and cupholders. 

In other words, it’s the perfect SUV for any family in Orlando. The 2026 Toyota Highlander has it all! 

New Technology and Safety Feats in 2026

This year’s Highlander is equipped with an array of safety features and convenient tech aimed at making every trip a breeze.

• Every 2026 Toyota Highlander trim comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. This includes features such as the pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist to keep everyone safe.
• There’s a rearview camera, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert in higher trims for a full view of your Highlander at all times.
• Across the dashboard is the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, which includes a standard 8-inch touchscreen or a 12.3-inch touchscreen upgrade on higher trims.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep the parents connected while the USB ports and a Wi-Fi hotspot keep the kids entertained.
• Other upgrades include a wireless charging pad and a premium JBL audio system to further elevate your passenger’s experience. 

Take The 2026 Toyota Highlander For A Spin

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is clearly a top SUV choice for any driver. Whether you’re planning for a big family trip together or just driving your morning commute through Orlando, this car will have you covered. Ready for a test drive? Visit Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road to check out the 2026 Toyota Highlander in person, or head to our website to shop online and schedule a test drive! 

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