2026 Toyota Highlander: A Trim Comparison

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is an attractive three-row SUV with solid towing capability and a streamlined lineup that makes choosing a trim a bit easier than before. After reading this detailed guide, you may realize that purchasing the highest trim isn’t worth it.

Toyota Highlander Trims

For 2026, the base-level LE model has been discontinued, leaving four trim levels to choose from. Additionally, all Highlander models now come standard with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD. The Nightshade trim is also not available for 2026. Gas versions are available in XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims, while hybrid models come in XLE, Limited, and Platinum. If you want the new Highlander, check out these exciting options!

XLE

The XLE is now the entry-level trim for 2026, and it’s genuinely well-equipped right from the start. It starts at $47,240 and comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, six audio speakers, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and satellite radio. SofTex-trimmed seating, heated front seats, and a power liftgate are also standard. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard across the lineup and includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-centering steering, road-sign recognition, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen upgrade is available on the XLE for $735. The XLE also offers the choice between a seven- or eight-passenger seating configuration.

The Hybrid XLE starts at $48,815, pairing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors for a combined 243 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined — making it easily one of the best hybrid three-row SUVs you can buy.

XSE

The XSE adds a sport-tuned suspension, rear stabilizer bar, and 20-inch wheels for a more aggressive look. A 12.3-inch touchscreen and 11-speaker JBL audio system are available as a package for $1,375. The XSE also features sporty interior styling and ambient interior lighting. The XSE comes only with second-row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating. Note that the XSE is only available with the gas powertrain — there is no hybrid version of this trim.

Limited

The Limited steps up to leather-trimmed seating, ventilated front seats, and the 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system as standard equipment. The 12.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are also standard at this level, along with front and rear park assist and rear automatic emergency braking. A surround-view camera is available for an additional $850. Like the XLE, the Limited offers the choice of seven- or eight-passenger seating.

The Hybrid Limited starts at $53,270, with the same efficiency as the Hybrid XLE at approximately 35 mpg combined.

Platinum

At the top of the lineup, the Platinum adds a color head-up display, a panoramic view monitor with a 360-degree overhead view, and an exclusive interior. Adaptive headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated second-row seats are also standard, along with the surround-view camera system. Pricing for the gas Platinum tops out at $54,895.

The Hybrid Platinum starts at $56,470 and combines the full luxury feature set with the efficiency of the hybrid powertrain.

Performance

The gas-powered Highlander is equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD is standard across all trims. When properly equipped, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Hybrid models are capable of up to 3,500 pounds of towing and are rated at approximately 35 mpg combined.

(Featured image via Toyota)