Core summary
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is Toyota’s larger three-row midsize SUV, positioned above the standard Highlander in passenger and cargo accommodation. Its defining feature is usable space in all three rows: Toyota lists 33.5 inches of third-row legroom, 37.2 inches of third-row headroom, and up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats folded. Seating is configured for seven with second-row captain’s chairs or up to eight with a bench seat. The 2026 range offers a 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, a 2.5-liter hybrid system, and the 2.4-liter turbocharged Hybrid MAX system. Front-wheel drive is available on selected gasoline and hybrid versions, while all-wheel-drive systems vary by powertrain. The model is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana and uses Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard equipment. Its broad lineup covers efficiency-focused family use, conventional gasoline operation, and higher-output towing or performance applications.
History & generations
Toyota revealed the first Grand Highlander on February 8, 2023, ahead of the Chicago Auto Show. It was introduced as a new nameplate rather than a replacement for an earlier Grand Highlander generation. The 2024 model year established the vehicle with three powertrains: a 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, a 2.5-liter hybrid system, and the 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX system. Toyota began production at its Princeton, Indiana, plant in 2023, and the vehicle reached dealerships during the summer of that year. The 2025 model year added an LE grade and introduced the Hybrid Nightshade edition. For 2026, Toyota retained the three-powertrain strategy and five principal grade families while continuing to offer gasoline, conventional hybrid, and Hybrid MAX configurations. The current generation therefore covers model years 2024 through 2026 in the reviewed United States specification. Toyota’s public model archive identifies 2024, 2025, and 2026 Grand Highlander model years, with no earlier generation listed.
First generation
Introduced for the 2024 model year as Toyota’s larger three-row SUV. The range combines adult-oriented third-row space, substantial cargo capacity, gasoline and hybrid powertrains, and production in Indiana.
Body, platform & design
The Grand Highlander uses a long, upright body intended to prioritize interior volume over a low-slung profile. Toyota describes its front end as a hammerhead-shaped nose, with a broad grille, tapered hood, and pronounced front fenders. The side treatment is comparatively clean, with a long roofline, large side glass, and black lower-body accents on applicable versions. Wide-opening rear doors assist access to the third row. At the rear, widely spaced lamps and flared arches emphasize the vehicle’s width. Gasoline and hybrid versions use different wheel and trim treatments across the range, while Hybrid MAX models receive distinctive exterior detailing, including exposed dual exhaust outlets and silver bumper accents. The 2026 lineup includes standard 18-inch wheels on lower grades and available 20-inch wheels on higher grades. Platinum versions add a panoramic roof and other upscale exterior equipment. The body measures 201.4 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 72.1 inches high, with a 116.1-inch wheelbase and 8.0 inches of ground clearance.
Engine & drivetrain
The 2026 range has three powertrain families. Gasoline models use a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 265 horsepower and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. They are available with front-wheel drive or Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive, depending on grade. The conventional hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, electric motor-generators, and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Hybrid versions use electronic on-demand all-wheel drive in the United States lineup. Hybrid MAX combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with electric propulsion and produces 362 net combined horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Hybrid MAX uses a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive. Toyota rates the gasoline and Hybrid MAX versions for up to 5,000 pounds of towing, while conventional hybrid grades are rated for up to 3,500 pounds. The powertrain choice changes the vehicle’s emphasis: gasoline versions provide familiar operation, the conventional hybrid prioritizes fuel economy, and Hybrid MAX supplies the strongest acceleration and towing specification.
Trim differences
For 2026, the United States lineup is organized around gasoline LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum grades; Hybrid LE, XLE, Limited, and Nightshade grades; and Hybrid MAX Limited and Hybrid MAX Platinum grades. Gasoline LE starts the range with 18-inch wheels, fabric seating, three-zone climate control, Toyota Audio Multimedia, and seating for up to eight. XLE adds upgraded seating trim, roof rails, and additional convenience equipment. Limited brings leather-trimmed seating, 20-inch wheels, heated second-row outboard seats, and JBL premium audio. Platinum adds higher-grade convenience and display features, including a panoramic roof and head-up display. Hybrid grades follow a similar hierarchy, while Nightshade adds black exterior accents and 20-inch black wheels. Hybrid MAX Limited combines the high-output system with leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed seating, and Hybrid MAX Platinum adds additional premium equipment. Seating and drivetrain availability varies by grade: second-row bench seating can provide eight-passenger capacity, while captain’s chairs create a seven-seat layout.
Interior & seating
The cabin is designed around family use, with storage areas distributed through all three rows and a flat-folding third row. Toyota lists 33.5 inches of third-row legroom, 37.2 inches of third-row headroom, 57.5 inches of third-row shoulder room, and 45.7 inches of third-row hip room. The second row provides 39.5 inches of legroom and can use either a bench seat or captain’s chairs, depending on configuration. Standard equipment includes three-zone automatic climate control, rear-row vents, seven USB-C charging ports, and a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. The interior also has 13 cup or bottle holders. Higher grades offer leather-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a digital rearview mirror, a head-up display, and a panoramic roof. Hybrid models include a 1,500-watt inverter. Cargo capacity reaches 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.5 cubic feet with the rear seating folded, according to Toyota’s published specifications.
Efficiency & range
Toyota’s published 2026 United States estimates differ by powertrain, drivetrain, and grade. Gasoline front-wheel-drive models are listed at up to 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. Gasoline all-wheel-drive versions are listed at up to 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with higher grades carrying lower ratings. Conventional hybrid models reach up to 37 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined in Toyota’s model listings, while some grades are listed at 36 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. Hybrid MAX models are listed at 26 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. The vehicle uses a 17.8-gallon fuel tank. These are manufacturer estimates and can vary with grade, drivetrain, wheel configuration, weather, load, driving conditions, and accessory use. The conventional hybrid is the efficiency-oriented choice, while Hybrid MAX trades economy for greater output, full-time all-wheel drive, and higher towing capability.
Safety & equipment
Every 2026 Grand Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. Its suite includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Proactive Driving Assist. Available equipment includes Traffic Jam Assist, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Safe Exit Alert, and a Panoramic View Monitor. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the 2024-2026 Grand Highlander’s passenger-side small-overlap front performance, updated side test, front crash prevention, pedestrian prevention, seat-belt reminders, and child-seat hardware as Good; the driver-side small-overlap rating is Acceptable. Toyota announced a July 8, 2026 recall affecting approximately 5,400 certain 2026 Grand Highlander and Lexus TX vehicles in North America because rear axle carriers may break at an attachment point. Owners should use the vehicle identification number recall search before purchase or operation.
Strengths
The Grand Highlander’s strongest attribute is its usable three-row interior. Unlike many midsize SUVs, its third row provides dimensions Toyota identifies as adult-oriented, and the cargo area remains practical with all seating positions occupied. The model also offers unusual powertrain breadth within one body: a conventional turbocharged gasoline option, a high-efficiency hybrid, and a 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX. Towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds on gasoline and Hybrid MAX versions, while the conventional hybrid supports up to 3,500 pounds. The cabin has a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, three-zone climate control, multiple charging ports, and broad storage provision. The Indiana-built model also benefits from standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 across the range. The grade structure allows buyers to choose between lower-cost utility, higher equipment levels, blacked-out Hybrid Nightshade styling, or premium Hybrid MAX specification without moving to a separate vehicle line.
A spacious current-generation SUV with three distinct powertrain characters
Considerations
The Grand Highlander is large for a midsize SUV, measuring more than 201 inches long and more than 78 inches wide. That size helps create its spacious cabin but can make dense urban parking and narrow garages more demanding. The three powertrain families also produce meaningful differences in economy, drivetrain behavior, and towing capability, so the grade and powertrain should be selected together rather than treated as interchangeable. The conventional hybrid emphasizes efficiency but does not match the 5,000-pound towing rating of gasoline and Hybrid MAX versions. Hybrid MAX delivers the highest output but has the lowest published fuel-economy rating in the range. Premium equipment is concentrated in higher grades, including the head-up display, panoramic roof, upscale seating, and advanced parking features. Toyota’s July 8, 2026 recall for certain vehicles requires owners to check eligibility by vehicle identification number and complete the applicable dealer remedy.
Recommended use
The Grand Highlander suits households that regularly carry adults in the third row, children with equipment, or luggage for extended travel. The conventional hybrid is the logical configuration for drivers who value fuel economy and retain moderate towing needs. Gasoline versions are appropriate for buyers who prefer a conventional engine and require up to 5,000 pounds of rated towing capacity. Hybrid MAX is the most suitable choice when stronger acceleration, full-time all-wheel drive, and maximum listed output matter more than fuel economy. The available second-row bench makes the vehicle useful for families needing eight seats, while captain’s chairs improve second-row access and create a seven-seat layout. Its size, long wheelbase, and available all-wheel-drive systems make it better suited to highway travel, snowbelt commuting, and large-family transport than to tight city streets or highly technical off-road use.
FAQ
Q: How many people can the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander seat? A: It seats seven with second-row captain’s chairs or up to eight with a bench seat.
Q: Which 2026 Grand Highlander has the most power? A: Hybrid MAX models produce 362 net combined horsepower and 400 pound-feet.
Q: How much can the Grand Highlander tow? A: Gasoline and Hybrid MAX models tow up to 5,000 pounds; hybrids tow 3,500 pounds.
Q: Does every 2026 Grand Highlander have all-wheel drive? A: No. Selected gasoline and hybrid versions offer front-wheel drive.
Q: How much cargo space does it have? A: Maximum cargo volume is 97.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Q: What safety system is standard? A: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on every 2026 Grand Highlander.
What makes the Toyota Grand Highlander different?
A spacious current-generation SUV with three distinct powertrain characters
Who should consider it?
Family transport, long-distance travel, and towing
Sources & updates
Research for this Toyota Grand Highlander profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.
Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 29, 2026.
View all official references (9 more)
Last editorial review: August 29, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.