2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander scores well across safety, fuel cost, and reliability. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs.
- Starting MSRP
- $41,660 - $54,845
- EPA Combined MPG
- 23-24 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,500 - $2,600 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 5 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $1,250 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 7 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,340 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.84
- Brand Origin
- Japan
Priced from $41,660 to $54,845, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is one of 201 mid-range SUVs. Safety ratings, recall history, and ownership costs are all covered below.
- 5-year ownership cost $25,840 above mid-range SUVs average
- Avg repair cost $249 per year below SUV average
- Base price $800 more than 2025 model
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander at a Glance
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander are an above-average RepairPal reliability rating and high published crash-test results, with lower estimated fuel cost. The main caution is that estimated five-year cost runs high.
- reliability
- safety
- fuel cost
Strengths in the data
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.5/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2026 →
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $2,500. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $25,840 above the similar-vehicle average.
- AAA estimates $13,584 per year in non-fuel costs for the Medium SUV class: insurance $1,873, maintenance $1,817, depreciation $5,074. These are class averages, not specific to this model.
- EPA estimates this vehicle costs you about $2,250 more over five years in fuel than the average new vehicle.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?
In NHTSA crash testing, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander received 5 out of 5 stars overall. 82% of tested SUVs share this top rating. Tests cover frontal impact, side impact, and rollover resistance. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 17.4%
Crash testing is only as useful as the scenarios it covers. NHTSA and IIHS test overlapping but different crash types, giving the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander a more thorough evaluation than either program provides alone.
How Did the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS tested the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander across multiple crash configurations. It did not earn an overall Top Safety Pick, but some individual test ratings may still be strong. See the breakdown below. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | A Acceptable |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G Good |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize SUVs
NHTSA and IIHS evaluate the design. Recalls evaluate the execution. A look at both tells you whether the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander performs as intended under real-world conditions.
Does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Have Any Recalls?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander has 1 recall campaign on record with NHTSA, involving BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION. That is below the 1.7 average for SUVs. Recall repairs are performed at no cost at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Most recent: October 2025
Units affected: 71,708,490
What Do 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 7 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. The average for 2026 SUVs is 9 complaints. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
6 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-04-05
Most-reported problem areas
- ADAS / Safety Tech2
- Engine1
- Electrical1
- Structure1
- Brakes1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Families drive more miles and make more trips. That makes fuel economy one of the biggest factors in the real cost of owning the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
What Is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander achieves up to 24 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500. That is $392 more per year than the $2,108 average for mid-range SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 23 to 24 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE FWD GAS | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $2,500 per year |
| LE AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| XLE FWD GAS | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $2,500 per year |
| XLE AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| Limited FWD GAS | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $2,500 per year |
| Limited AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| Platinum AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $12,500 to $13,000 depending on trim.
All trims earned EPA SmartWay certification for lower emissions and fuel cost.
A family vehicle racks up miles fast. That means the hidden costs, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, matter as much as what you pay at the pump. AAA estimates them below.
What Does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander ranges from $118,580 to $132,765 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,817 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873 per year |
| Depreciation | $5,074 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $862 per year |
| Financing | $1,815 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.84 per mile |
Families often prioritize safety features and cargo space over horsepower. The trim table below shows how those factors vary across the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander lineup.
How Do the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Trims Compare?
7 trims are available for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, spanning $41,660 to $54,845. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE FWD GAS | $41,660 | 24 MPG | $2,500 per year | FWD | 4,290 lbs | $118,580 |
| LE AWD GAS | $43,260 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | AWD | 4,440 lbs | $120,680 |
| XLE FWD GAS | $44,430 | 24 MPG | $2,500 per year | FWD | 4,290 lbs | $121,350 |
| XLE AWD GAS | $46,030 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | AWD | 4,440 lbs | $123,450 |
| Limited FWD GAS | $49,160 | 24 MPG | $2,500 per year | FWD | 4,330 lbs | $126,080 |
| Limited AWD GAS | $50,760 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | AWD | 4,485 lbs | $128,680 |
| Platinum AWD GAS | $54,845 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | AWD | 4,440 lbs | $132,765 |
The Toyota Grand Highlander lineup has expanded from 5 trims in 2024 to 7 trims in 2026. The entry price has decreased $1,660 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
added 2025
- LE (FWD, AWD)
Price changes since 2024
- XLE FWD GAS $43,320 (2024) → $44,430 (2026) +$1,110
- XLE AWD GAS $44,920 (2024) → $46,030 (2026) +$1,110
- Limited FWD GAS $48,110 (2024) → $49,160 (2026) +$1,050
- Limited AWD GAS $49,710 (2024) → $50,760 (2026) +$1,050
- Platinum AWD GAS $53,795 (2024) → $54,845 (2026) +$1,050
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLE FWD GAS | $43,320 24 MPG | $43,630 24 MPG | $44,430 24 MPG |
| XLE AWD GAS | $44,920 23 MPG | $45,230 23 MPG | $46,030 23 MPG |
| Limited FWD GAS | $48,110 24 MPG | $48,360 24 MPG | $49,160 24 MPG |
| Limited AWD GAS | $49,710 23 MPG | $49,960 23 MPG | $50,760 23 MPG |
| Platinum AWD GAS | $53,795 23 MPG | $54,045 23 MPG | $54,845 23 MPG |
| LE FWD GAS | — | $40,860 24 MPG | $41,660 24 MPG |
| LE AWD GAS | — | $42,460 23 MPG | $43,260 23 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Price and fuel economy are knowable before purchase. Reliability is the variable that matters most after. The RepairPal score below gives you a data point on what to expect.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander scores 4.5 out of 5.0 on RepairPal's reliability index, above the average for mid-range SUVs. RepairPal data reflects repair frequency and severity from shops nationwide. Source: RepairPal.
A warranty does not make a vehicle more reliable, but it does limit your financial exposure if something fails. Here is what Toyota includes.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Come With?
The warranty terms below reflect Toyota's published coverage for the 2026 Grand Highlander. All trims share the same warranty. Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 2yr/25k |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2yr/25k |
What Are the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Specs?
The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Full-size SUV
| Engine | 2.4L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 265 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 118.2 - 123.5 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $157 - $207 |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 17.8 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 427 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 201.4 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 78.3 in |
| Height | 70.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,290 - 4,485 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
All data shown for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. The safety and reliability data above is especially relevant for a vehicle your family depends on. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander FAQ
Which 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 7 available trims, the LE FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $118,580, starting at $41,660 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $132,765. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?
In the suv segment, the closest alternatives to the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander are 2026 Nissan Murano (starting at $41,670, 5-star NHTSA, 23 MPG); and 2026 Honda Pilot (starting at $42,195, 5-star NHTSA, 21-22 MPG); and 2026 Mazda CX-70 (starting at $42,250, 5-star NHTSA, 25 MPG / 25 MPG (Plug-In Hybrid)). Each page on this site covers the same data sources so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 2 new trims were added and the entry price decreased by $1,660 for the Toyota Grand Highlander lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $208 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,340 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Toyota based?
Toyota's headquarters are in Japan. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our Japan-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Toyota models are available for 2026?
Toyota offers multiple models for 2026. Our Toyota models page lists every available Toyota vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
What is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander safety rating?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 1 recall campaign on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.