2026 Toyota Highlander: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Toyota Highlander scores well across safety, fuel cost, and reliability. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $45,570 - $53,225
- EPA Combined MPG
- 24 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,500 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 5 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $1,250 more over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,340 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.84
- Brand Origin
- Japan
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a SUV priced from $45,570 to $53,225 with 4 trims. For a vehicle your family depends on, the safety, recall, and long-term cost data below is where the decision starts.
- 5-year ownership cost $29,750 above mid-range SUVs average
- Avg repair cost $249 per year below SUV average
- Base price $5,250 more than 2025 model
2026 Toyota Highlander at a Glance
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
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 $29,750 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.
Similar vehicles to compare
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%
Star ratings are useful for quick comparisons. The IIHS results below add detail on specific crash types and rate the vehicle's ability to avoid collisions altogether.
How Did the 2026 Toyota Highlander Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS tested the 2026 Toyota 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 | 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
NHTSA and IIHS evaluate the design. Recalls evaluate the execution. A look at both tells you whether the 2026 Toyota Highlander performs as intended under real-world conditions.
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 1.7. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Toyota Highlander Owners Report to NHTSA?
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 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle your family depends on daily, fuel cost adds up fast. The EPA data below shows how the 2026 Toyota Highlander's efficiency compares to other SUVs in its price range.
What Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Toyota 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).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLE | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $2,500 per year |
| XSE | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $2,500 per year |
| Limited | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $2,500 per year |
| Platinum | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $2,500 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $12,500 based on EPA data.
All trims earned EPA SmartWay certification for lower emissions and fuel cost.
Fuel is the cost you plan for. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation are the costs that surprise you three years in. For a vehicle your family depends on daily, the full ownership picture matters.
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 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 |
For a family vehicle, the trim choice comes down to which safety features, space, and cost level fit your household. The comparison below shows 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 | $2,500 per year |
| 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 | $2,500 per year |
| 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 | $2,500 per year |
| 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 | $2,500 per year |
| 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
added 2026
- XLE
- XSE
- Limited
- Platinum
Trims no longer available
- LE (FWD, AWD) (last available 2025)
- XLE (FWD, AWD) (last available 2025)
- XSE (FWD, AWD) (last available 2024, 2025)
- Limited (FWD, AWD) (last available 2025)
- Platinum (FWD, AWD) (last available 2024, 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 25 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
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 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.
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 Highlander Come With?
Here is what Toyota covers at no cost for the 2026 Highlander. Basic coverage handles most defects. Powertrain coverage protects the engine and transmission for a longer period. Both start from the original purchase date.
| 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?
Dimensions, weight, and powertrain details for the 2026 Toyota Highlander. These figures are published by Toyota and apply to the base configuration unless noted. Specific trims may differ.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size crossover SUV
| Engine | 2.4L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 265 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 121.1 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $172 - $201 |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 17.9 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 430 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Toyota Highlander. For a family vehicle, the safety ratings, recall history, and long-term cost data above are the sections that matter most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Toyota Highlander FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Vehicles similar to the 2026 Toyota Highlander in price and segment include 2026 Acura RDX, 2026 Volkswagen ID.4, and 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV. The Acura RDX is the closest in price (starting at $45,100, 5-star NHTSA, 23 MPG). 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 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 $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 is headquartered in Japan. Brand origin reflects where the company is based, not where individual vehicles are assembled. Many Toyota vehicles sold in the U.S. are built at domestic or international plants. 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 safety rating?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander 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.
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.