2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Hybrid MPG & NHTSA Safety Rating
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid scores well across safety, fuel cost, and reliability. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $47,320 - $54,975
- EPA Combined MPG
- 35 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,700 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 6 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $2,250 over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,003 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.80
- Brand Origin
- Japan
Priced from $47,320 to $54,975, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of 201 mid-range SUVs. Safety ratings, recall history, and ownership costs are all covered below.
- 5-year ownership cost $12,530 above mid-range SUVs average
- Avg repair cost $249 per year below SUV average
- Zero recalls on file (SUV average: 1.7)
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at a Glance
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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 hybrid SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,700. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $12,530 above the similar-vehicle average.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
In NHTSA crash testing, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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%
NHTSA tests are federally mandated. IIHS tests are conducted by an insurance-industry nonprofit. The two programs use different crash configurations, so they catch different things.
How Did the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS tested the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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 | 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
Safety ratings measure crashworthiness. Recall data measures post-production quality. A vehicle can score well in crash tests and still have recall campaigns if a component turns out to be defective.
Does the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Have Any Recalls?
No recalls are on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Among SUVs, the average recall count is 1.7. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. 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 2026-04-16.
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 Highlander Hybrid.
What Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Fuel Economy?
EPA rates the most efficient 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trim at 35 combined MPG. At that rating, estimated annual fuel cost is $1,700, which is $408 below the $2,108 average for mid-range SUVs. Source: EPA.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLE | 35 MPG | 35 | 35 | $1,700 per year |
| Limited | 35 MPG | 35 | 35 | $1,700 per year |
| Platinum | 35 MPG | 35 | 35 | $1,700 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $8,500 based on EPA data.
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 Highlander Hybrid Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranges from $105,270 to $112,925 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Compact SUV (Hybrid) class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,491 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,771 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,865 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $779 per year |
| Financing | $1,086 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,340 per year |
Families often prioritize safety features and cargo space over horsepower. The trim table below shows how those factors vary across the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid lineup.
How Do the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trims Compare?
3 trims are available for the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, spanning $47,320 to $54,975. All trims use a Hybrid powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
XLE
| Base MSRP | $47,320 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 35 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,700 per year |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 243 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $105,270 |
Limited
| Base MSRP | $51,775 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 35 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,700 per year |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 243 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $109,725 |
Platinum
| Base MSRP | $54,975 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 35 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,700 per year |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 243 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $112,925 |
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid lineup has contracted from 12 trims in 2024 to 3 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $6,350 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
added 2025
- XLE
- Limited
- Platinum
Trims no longer available
last available 2024
- LE (FWD, AWD)
- LE Nightshade (FWD, AWD)
- XLE (FWD, AWD)
- XLE Nightshade (FWD, AWD)
- Limited (FWD, AWD)
- Platinum (FWD, AWD)
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE FWD HEV | $40,970 36 MPG | — | — |
| LE Nightshade FWD HEV | $41,970 36 MPG | — | — |
| LE AWD HEV | $42,570 35 MPG | — | — |
| LE Nightshade AWD HEV | $43,570 35 MPG | — | — |
| XLE FWD HEV | $44,120 36 MPG | — | — |
| XLE Nightshade FWD HEV | $45,120 36 MPG | — | — |
| XLE AWD HEV | $45,720 35 MPG | — | — |
| XLE Nightshade AWD HEV | $46,720 35 MPG | — | — |
| Limited FWD HEV | $48,225 36 MPG | — | — |
| Limited AWD HEV | $50,175 35 MPG | — | — |
| Platinum FWD HEV | $51,425 36 MPG | — | — |
| Platinum AWD HEV | $53,375 35 MPG | — | — |
| XLE | — | $46,820 35 MPG | $47,320 35 MPG |
| Limited | — | $51,275 35 MPG | $51,775 35 MPG |
| Platinum | — | $54,475 35 MPG | $54,975 35 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
Trim selection is about the first year. Reliability is about years two through ten. The section below summarizes the available third-party data on how dependable this vehicle has proven.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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.
The warranty is the manufacturer's own bet on the vehicle's durability. Toyota's coverage terms for the 2026 Highlander Hybrid are shown below.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Come With?
The warranty terms below reflect Toyota's published coverage for the 2026 Highlander Hybrid. 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 Highlander Hybrid Specs?
The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size crossover SUV
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 243 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 107.6 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $195 - $226 |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 17.1 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 599 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 194.9 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 76.0 in |
| Height | 68.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,515 - 4,595 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
All data shown for the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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 Highlander Hybrid FAQ
Which 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 3 available trims, the XLE has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $105,270, starting at $47,320 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $112,925. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Vehicles similar to the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid in price and segment include 2026 Honda Prologue, 2026 Genesis GV70, and 2026 Acura RDX. The Honda Prologue is the closest in price (starting at $47,400, 5-star NHTSA, 308 mi range). Each has its own fact sheet with EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data for comparison. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 3 new trims were added, 12 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $6,350 for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid include about $862 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $142 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,004 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 Hybrid a hybrid?
Yes, the entire 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid lineup uses a hybrid powertrain across all 3 trims. The most efficient trim has an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,700. Hybrid powertrains combine a gas engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency. See our Hybrid SUVs 2026 list.
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 Highlander Hybrid safety rating?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 0 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
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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.