The 2026 Toyota Highlander brings a real change for families across Temecula and Murrieta: all-wheel drive is now standard on every gas grade, and the entry-level LE has been retired — making the well-equipped XLE the new starting point. Whether you choose a gas or hybrid model, reach out to our Temecula Valley Toyota sales team for current TSRP on the trim and powertrain you want.
TSRP on new inventory covers manufacturer/distributor equipment and logistics fees, all of which are subject to revision. It does not account for taxes, registration, dealer-installed additions, or other local charges. TSRP is not a retail advertisement; actual dealer pricing will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Every 2026 Highlander drives all four wheels. The gas lineup pairs a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder — 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque — with an 8-speed automatic. The Highlander Hybrid blends a 2.5L four-cylinder with electric drive for 243 net horsepower, an electronically controlled CVT, and Electronic On-Demand AWD that powers the rear wheels when traction calls for it. The gas turbo tows up to 5,000 lb when properly equipped; the hybrid is rated up to 3,500 lb.
| Spec | Gas | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Horsepower | 265 hp | 243 hp (net combined) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Electronically controlled CVT |
| Drivetrain | Standard AWD | Standard AWD (Electronic On-Demand) |
| Max Towing | Up to 5,000 lb | Up to 3,500 lb |
| EPA MPG (city / hwy / comb) | 21 / 28 / 24 | 35 / 35 / 35 |
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
The 2026 Highlander comes in four grades — XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum — with the hybrid powertrain offered on XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The sport-themed XSE is gas only.
| Trim | Powertrain | Notable Standard Features |
|---|---|---|
| XLE | Gas or Hybrid | SofTex-trimmed heated seats, hands-free power liftgate, 8″ Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, Qi wireless charging |
| XSE | Gas only | Sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, sport-styled cabin |
| Limited | Gas or Hybrid | Leather-trimmed heated & ventilated front seats, 11-speaker JBL audio, 12.3″ touchscreen, parking assist with rear automatic braking |
| Platinum | Gas or Hybrid | Panoramic View Monitor, 10″ color Head-Up Display, panoramic moonroof, top-tier tech |
Inside, the Highlander seats seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs, or eight with the available second-row bench on the XLE and Limited. Measuring 194.9 inches long, it opens up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo with the second and third rows folded — room for the whole family’s gear. An 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen is standard, stepping up to a 12.3-inch display on Limited and Platinum, and every grade includes Qi-compatible wireless charging.
Every 2026 Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ and a standard Blind Spot Monitor across the lineup:
Pre-Collision System
with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Departure Alert
with Steering Assist
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
full-speed range
Blind Spot Monitor
standard across the lineup
Front and rear parking assist with rear automatic braking, plus a Panoramic View Monitor, come on the Limited and Platinum grades.
Every 2026 Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ — a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control — plus a standard Blind Spot Monitor across the lineup.
Yes. A hands-free power liftgate is standard starting on the XLE, so you can open the cargo area with a wave of your foot when your hands are full. The Platinum adds a Panoramic View Monitor for tight parking.
The XSE is the sport-focused gas grade, with a sport-tuned suspension and 20-inch wheels. The Limited leans luxury, adding leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats and an 11-speaker JBL audio system — and unlike the gas-only XSE, the Limited is offered as a gas or hybrid.
The 2026 Highlander is backed by Toyota’s coverage: ToyotaCare includes scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles with roadside assistance, alongside a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Whether you choose the efficient hybrid or the turbocharged gas model, the 2026 Highlander is built for the daily commute and weekend trips alike — including drives out to the Santa Rosa Plateau. You can also compare powertrain options against our used-vehicle inventory.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
TSRP on new inventory covers manufacturer/distributor equipment and logistics fees, all of which are subject to revision. It does not account for taxes, registration, dealer-installed additions, or other local charges. TSRP is not a retail advertisement; actual dealer pricing will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.