2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Towing Capacity and Cargo Space
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander tows up to 5,000 lbs§ when properly equipped with either the 2.4L turbocharged gas engine or the Hybrid MAX powertrain. Models with the standard 2.5L hybrid system are rated at 3,500 lbs§. On the cargo side, it offers 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row — with room for seven carry-on suitcases while all three rows stay upright — 57.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat.
Those numbers make the Grand Highlander one of the most practical three-row midsize SUVs available for growing families. Whether you are pulling a weekend travel trailer or loading luggage for eight, it balances real utility with everyday driving comfort. Our team at Temecula Valley Toyota helps drivers across Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee match these figures to the right configuration.
§ 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.
How Much Can the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Tow?
Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 lbs§ on Grand Highlander models equipped with the 2.4L turbocharged gas engine or the Hybrid MAX powertrain, and 3,500 lbs§ on models with the standard 2.5L hybrid system. The 2.4L turbo carries its 5,000-lb rating in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, while Hybrid MAX comes with standard all-wheel drive.
Maximum Towing and Tongue Weight by Powertrain
| Powertrain | Drivetrain Availability | Max Towing§ | Max Tongue Weight§ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L Turbocharged Gas | FWD or AWD (AWD standard on Platinum) | 5,000 lbs | 500 lbs |
| 2.5L Hybrid | FWD on Hybrid XLE; AWD on all other hybrid grades | 3,500 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Hybrid MAX 2.4L Turbo | Standard AWD | 5,000 lbs | 500 lbs |
§ 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.
What You Need to Tow 5,000 Pounds
Reaching the full rating requires a properly equipped vehicle, which means a tow hitch receiver and trailer wiring harness. Toyota offers this equipment as factory or dealer-installed hardware, so ask our team which Grand Highlander models on the lot are already set up to tow.
A 5,000-lb rating comfortably covers single-axle ski boats, medium-sized travel trailers, pop-up campers, and utility trailers loaded with ATVs.
Towing Confidence Features
Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0¶ includes Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which helps maintain a safe following distance on the highway with a trailer behind you. Trailer Sway Control is also standard across the lineup¶.
¶ Driver-assist and safety systems are supplemental aids and are not a substitute for safe, attentive driving. Their effectiveness depends on weather, road, and traffic conditions and other factors. Always obey traffic laws and stay attentive to the road. See your owner’s manual for system details and limitations.
Cited Source: Toyota.com — 2026 Grand Highlander — official towing capacity and powertrain specifications | Toyota USA Newsroom — 2026 Grand Highlander — standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 | TowingSpecs — maximum tongue weight by powertrain
What Engines Power the 2026 Grand Highlander Lineup?
The 2026 Grand Highlander offers three distinct powertrains: a 265-horsepower 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder, a 245-horsepower 2.5L hybrid system, and a 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX setup. Each targets a different priority without compromising interior utility.
Engine Specifications and Available Grades
| Powertrain | Output | Transmission / Drivetrain | Available Grades |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L Turbocharged Gas | 265 hp / 310 lb-ft | 8-speed automatic; FWD standard, AWD available (standard on Platinum) | LE, XLE, Limited, Platinum |
| 2.5L Hybrid | 245 net combined hp | Continuously variable transmission; FWD available on Hybrid XLE, AWD on others | Hybrid LE, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid Limited, Hybrid Nightshade |
| Hybrid MAX 2.4L Turbo | 362 net combined hp / 400 lb-ft | 6-speed automatic; standard AWD | Hybrid MAX Limited, Hybrid MAX Platinum |
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy by Powertrain
Towing capability and fuel economy pull in opposite directions across the lineup, so the trade-off is worth seeing side by side before you choose a powertrain.
| Powertrain / Drivetrain | City‡ | Highway‡ | Combined‡ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L Gas — FWD (LE, XLE, Limited) | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg |
| 2.4L Gas — AWD (LE, XLE) | 21 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg |
| 2.4L Gas — AWD (Limited, Platinum) | 20 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg |
| 2.5L Hybrid — FWD (Hybrid XLE) | 37 mpg | 34 mpg | 36 mpg |
| 2.5L Hybrid — AWD (Hybrid LE, XLE, Limited, Nightshade) | 36 mpg | 32 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Hybrid MAX — AWD (Hybrid MAX Limited, Platinum) | 26 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
‡ 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.
For families who prioritize efficiency over towing, the 2.5L hybrid is the standout. If you want the full grade-by-grade walk, our 2026 Grand Highlander trim levels guide breaks down what each one adds.
Cited Source: Toyota.com — 2026 Grand Highlander — powertrain outputs and available grades | FuelEconomy.gov — EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings by configuration
How Much Cargo Space Does the 2026 Grand Highlander Have?
The Grand Highlander provides up to 97.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume with all rear seats folded flat. Space breaks down across three seating configurations:
Behind the Third Row — 20.6 cu ft
Enough for groceries, sports gear, strollers, or seven carry-on suitcases while keeping all three rows in use.
Behind the Second Row — 57.9 cu ft
Available once the 60/40 split-folding third row is stowed.
Behind the First Row — 97.5 cu ft
Open cargo area with both rear rows folded down.
Seating flexes with the cargo. A second-row bench seats up to eight passengers, while available captain’s chairs trade one seat for easier third-row access. Families loading gear for weekend outings near Murrieta get a wide rear hatch opening and a flat load floor when the rear rows drop. For a closer look at materials, storage, and cabin layout, see our 2026 Grand Highlander interior specs breakdown.
Cited Source: Toyota USA Newsroom — 2026 Grand Highlander — cargo volume by configuration and seven carry-on suitcase capacity
Grand Highlander vs. Highlander: Third-Row Room and Cargo
In a side-by-side comparison with the standard Toyota Highlander, the Grand Highlander delivers meaningful upgrades in rear passenger comfort and cargo capacity.
| Dimension / Spec | 2026 Toyota Highlander | 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander | Grand Highlander Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-Row Legroom | 28.0 in | 33.5 in | +5.5 in (adult-friendly) |
| Third-Row Headroom | 36.1 in | 37.2 in | +1.1 in |
| Second-Row Legroom | 38.7 in | 39.5 in | +0.8 in |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 16.0 cu ft | 20.6 cu ft | +4.6 cu ft (fits 7 carry-ons) |
| Cargo Behind 2nd Row | 48.4 cu ft | 57.9 cu ft | +9.5 cu ft |
| Max Cargo Volume | 84.3 cu ft | 97.5 cu ft | +13.2 cu ft |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 116.1 in | +3.9 in |
| Overall Length | 194.9 in (XSE: 197.4 in) | 201.4 in | +6.5 in |
The additional 5.5 inches of legroom in the rearmost row is what moves the third row from a kids-only space into genuine seating for adults. Nearly all of the Grand Highlander’s extra length lands behind the second row, which is why the cargo gap widens as you fold seats down. Family buyers comparing three-row models on our lot test this exact luggage fit and third-row entry before they take a test drive.
If you are weighing the two, compare them against our Highlander inventory, or step back for the full picture with our 2026 Grand Highlander overview.
Cited Source: Toyota USA Newsroom — 2026 Grand Highlander — Grand Highlander third-row legroom, headroom, wheelbase and cargo volume | Kelley Blue Book, iSeeCars — 2026 Highlander interior dimensions, cargo volume and wheelbase
Common Questions About 2026 Grand Highlander Towing and Cargo
How many carry-on suitcases fit behind the third row of the 2026 Grand Highlander?
Behind the third row, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander holds seven standard carry-on suitcases without folding any seats. That space measures 20.6 cubic feet, so large families can travel with full luggage and still use every seat.
What is the maximum tongue weight for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?
Maximum tongue weight is 500 lbs§ on configurations rated for 5,000 lbs of towing, and 350 lbs§ on models with the standard 2.5L hybrid system and its 3,500-lb rating. Both follow the standard ten percent ratio of total trailer weight.
Does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander need a tow package to tow 5,000 lbs?
Reaching the full 5,000-lb rating§ requires a properly equipped vehicle with a tow hitch receiver and trailer wiring harness. Our team can confirm which units in stock already carry that equipment.
Can the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid tow a travel trailer?
Models with the Hybrid MAX powertrain tow travel trailers weighing up to 5,000 lbs§. Models with the standard 2.5L hybrid system tow up to 3,500 lbs§, which suits lighter pop-up campers and small utility trailers. You can browse Grand Highlander Hybrid inventory to see which powertrains are in stock.
§ 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.
Cited Source: Toyota.com — 2026 Grand Highlander — towing capacity by powertrain | Toyota USA Newsroom — 2026 Grand Highlander — seven carry-on suitcase capacity and cargo volume | TowingSpecs — maximum tongue weight by powertrain
Experience the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander at Temecula Valley Toyota
Towing capacity and cargo dimensions both point to the same conclusion: the Grand Highlander is built for busy families. Testing the third row and the seat-folding controls in person is the fastest way to settle on the right powertrain and seating layout.
Our team at Temecula Valley Toyota is ready to walk you through specs, show you the grades on the lot, and help you configure a Grand Highlander set up to tow. To schedule a test drive or speak with our team, visit us at 26631 Ynez Road, Temecula, CA 92591, or call (951) 319-7911.
Disclaimers
§ 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.
¶ Driver-assist and safety systems are supplemental aids and are not a substitute for safe, attentive driving. Their effectiveness depends on weather, road, and traffic conditions and other factors. Always obey traffic laws and stay attentive to the road. See your owner’s manual for system details and limitations.