2026 Toyota Highlander
This page covers the 2026 Toyota Highlander, a SUV available in 4 trims from $45,570 to $53,225. Below you will find crash test ratings, fuel cost data, reliability scores, recall history, ownership costs, and manufacturer specifications, each sourced and linked to the original publisher.
5-star safety. B fuel cost. 4.5/5 reliability. That is the snapshot for the 2026 Toyota Highlander among mid-range SUVs. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Toyota 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
Strongest published signals
- 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 $1,800. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
Limits and cautions
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $29,750 above the similar-vehicle average.
- AAA estimates $13,584/yr 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.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $45,570 - $53,225
- EPA Combined MPG
- 24 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,800/yr
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $1,250 more over 5 yrs
- Brand Origin
- Japan
How Safe Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
In NHTSA crash testing, the 2026 Toyota 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: 16.4%
While NHTSA uses a star rating system, IIHS rates individual crash types. The two together offer a fuller view of how this vehicle performs in different crash scenarios.
How Did the 2026 Toyota Highlander Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Toyota Highlander but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. IIHS tests complement NHTSA ratings by evaluating different crash scenarios. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | M Marginal |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G Good |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize SUVs
Test scores tell part of the safety story. The recall record adds another dimension: real-world defects identified after production.
Does the 2026 Toyota Highlander Have Any Recalls?
No recalls are on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Toyota Highlander. Among SUVs, the average recall count is 1.8. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Toyota Highlander. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
From safety to cost. How much fuel this vehicle uses directly affects what you pay month to month.
What Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy?
At up to 24 combined MPG, the 2026 Toyota Highlander's fuel costs are estimated at $1,800 per year, near the $1,708 average for mid-range SUVs. Source: EPA.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLE | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $1,800/yr |
| XSE | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $1,800/yr |
| Limited | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $1,800/yr |
| Platinum | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $1,800/yr |
Beyond fuel, the full ownership picture includes insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and financing. AAA publishes annual estimates for each vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Toyota Highlander Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Toyota Highlander ranges from $122,490 to $130,145 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/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873/yr |
| Depreciation | $5,074/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $862/yr |
| Financing | $1,815/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.84/mi |
Which trim offers the best balance of cost and equipment? The breakdown below compares all 4 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Toyota Highlander Trims Compare?
4 trims are available for the 2026 Toyota Highlander, spanning $45,570 to $53,225. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
XLE
| Base MSRP | $45,570 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,800/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 265 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $122,490 |
XSE
| Base MSRP | $47,640 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,800/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 265 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $124,560 |
Limited
| Base MSRP | $50,025 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,800/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 265 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $126,945 |
Platinum
| Base MSRP | $53,225 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,800/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 265 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $130,145 |
The Toyota Highlander lineup has contracted from 10 trims in 2024 to 4 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $6,300 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- XLE (added 2026)
- XSE (added 2026)
- Limited (added 2026)
- Platinum (added 2026)
Trims no longer available
- LE FWD GAS (last available 2025)
- LE AWD GAS (last available 2025)
- XLE FWD GAS (last available 2025)
- XSE FWD GAS (last available 2024)
- XLE AWD GAS (last available 2025)
- XSE AWD GAS (last available 2025)
- Limited FWD GAS (last available 2025)
- Limited AWD GAS (last available 2025)
- Platinum FWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Platinum AWD GAS (last available 2025)
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE FWD GAS | $39,270 25 MPG | $40,320 25 MPG | — |
| LE AWD GAS | $40,870 24 MPG | $41,920 24 MPG | — |
| XLE FWD GAS | $42,420 25 MPG | $43,470 24 MPG | — |
| XSE FWD GAS | $44,015 25 MPG | — | — |
| XLE AWD GAS | $44,020 24 MPG | $45,070 24 MPG | — |
| XSE AWD GAS | $45,965 24 MPG | $47,140 24 MPG | — |
| Limited FWD GAS | $46,525 25 MPG | $47,575 25 MPG | — |
| Limited AWD GAS | $48,475 24 MPG | $49,525 24 MPG | — |
| Platinum FWD GAS | $49,725 25 MPG | — | — |
| Platinum AWD GAS | $51,675 24 MPG | $52,725 24 MPG | — |
| XLE | — | — | $45,570 24 MPG |
| XSE | — | — | $47,640 24 MPG |
| Limited | — | — | $50,025 24 MPG |
| Platinum | — | — | $53,225 24 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
After narrowing down a trim, it helps to check the broader reliability picture. The section below summarizes the third-party reliability rating we have on file.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota 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.
Warranty coverage sets the floor for what the manufacturer will repair at no cost. Here are Toyota's published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Toyota Highlander Come With?
Toyota provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Highlander. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| 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 Highlander Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Toyota Highlander as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2.4L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 265 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 17.9 gal |
| Length | 194.9 - 197.4 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 76.0 in |
| Height | 68.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,376 - 4,453 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- Recall status changed
All data shown for the 2026 Toyota Highlander comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. This page updates automatically when source agencies publish new information. See our methodology page for details on data collection and verification.
2026 Toyota Highlander FAQ
How does the 2026 Toyota Highlander compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2026 Toyota Highlander has a safety grade of B, a fuel cost grade of B, a RepairPal reliability score of 4.5/5, and zero recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Which 2026 Toyota Highlander trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 4 available trims, the XLE has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $122,490, starting at $45,570 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $130,145. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Toyota Highlander insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Medium SUV class at $1,873 per year, or about $156 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Toyota Highlander. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Toyota Highlander maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Medium SUV class at $1,817 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,873/yr) and depreciation ($5,074/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $13,584 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Toyota Highlander depreciate?
AAA estimates the Medium SUV class depreciates about $5,074 per year, or roughly $25,370 over five years. On a base MSRP of $45,570, that represents about 56% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The most efficient 2026 Toyota Highlander trim costs an estimated $1,800 per year in fuel, or about $150 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Toyota Highlander include 2026 Acura RDX, 2026 Volkswagen ID.4, and 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Toyota Highlander from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 4 new trims were added, 10 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $6,300 for the Toyota Highlander lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Toyota Highlander cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Toyota Highlander include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $150 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,282 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander safe for families?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
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.