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The 2026 Toyota Highlander combines three-row versatility with a comfortable, refined cabin, ideal for Florida shoppers who need space but prefer something smaller than a full-size SUV. This midsize SUV offers seating for up to eight and a quiet ride that works just as well for weekday schedules as it does for longer highway trips.
For 2026, the Highlander lineup centers on well-equipped trims: XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. XSE adds sport tuning, while Limited and Platinum focus on comfort and premium touches. Shoppers who like the Highlander lineup also have the option to consider Highlander Hybrid and Grand Highlander or Grand Highlander Hybrid as part of the broader Toyota vehicle family.
Discover the 2026 Toyota Highlander at Parks Toyota of DeLand. Our Toyota dealership gives you a straightforward way to see trims in person, review Toyota specials, and decide how this vehicle fits your routine around Central Florida.
Inside, the 2026 Highlander emphasizes comfort, easy access, and layouts that work for carpools, after-school trips, and weekend drives. Seating for seven is standard with second-row captain’s chairs on XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. XLE and Limited offer seating for eight with a 60/40 split bench. All configurations use a 60/40 split, fold-flat third row with sliding headrests and a recline function for flexible cargo and passenger use.
Passenger volume reaches 141.8 cubic feet without a moonroof. Headroom remains comfortable across trims: up to 41.2 inches in the first row, 39.4 inches in the second row, and 36.1 inches in the third row. Legroom measures 42.0, 38.7, and 28.0 inches front to back, prioritizing front and second-row comfort while keeping the third row suitable for kids or shorter adults.
XLE and XSE include SofTex®-trimmed first and second rows, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, and an eight-way power front passenger seat. Limited upgrades to leather-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory, and leather in the second row. Platinum adds heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, leather-trimmed seating, and an available panoramic roof with ambient lighting.
Three-zone automatic climate control with rear controls and vents is standard, along with second-row sunshades for relief on bright Florida days.
Every Highlander includes a soft-touch roll-top center console with a removable tray, 14 cup and bottle holders, power windows with auto up/down, and power door locks with shift-linked locking. An overhead console with a conversation mirror, sunglasses storage, and map lights adds everyday convenience. Chrome-plated interior door handles and ornamental dash trim on Limited and Platinum elevate cabin appearance, while metal or illuminated doorsills appear on upper grades.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander balances a confident stance with dimensions that are still manageable for daily use. Its wheelbase is 112.2 inches, with an overall length of 194.9 inches on most grades and 197.4 inches on XSE. Width is 76.0 inches, and ground clearance is 8.0 inches, which helps when pulling into driveways, navigating parking lots, or heading down unpaved access roads to parks or boat ramps.
Wheel and tire packages do a lot of work to differentiate each grade:
Exterior lighting supports clear visibility across all trims. XLE includes LED projector headlights with DRL and LED fog lights. XSE adds black-accented LED projector headlights with LED strip DRL and high-output LED fog lights. Limited upgrades to LED projector headlights with LED strip DRL, while Platinum features an Adaptive Front Lighting System with auto leveling. All models include LED taillights, a rear spoiler with integrated LED stop lamp, and a windshield wiper de-icer.
Heated power outside mirrors with turn signals and Blind Spot Monitor indicators are standard. XSE uses black mirror caps, while Limited and Platinum add power folding, reverse tilt-down, memory settings, and puddle lights with a Highlander logo. Privacy glass and roof rails are standard, with silver rails on XLE, black on XSE, and silver on Limited and Platinum.
A power tilt and slide moonroof comes on XLE, XSE, and Limited; Platinum upgrades to a panoramic glass roof. High Solar Energy-Absorbing glass and acoustic noise-reducing side windows on Limited and Platinum improve cabin comfort. A hands-free height-adjustable power liftgate, rear washer, defogger, and backup camera washer add convenience for errands, trips, and loading gear.
Depending on trim and interior, the Highlander can be finished in:
*Premium color charge may apply to select models.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with DOHC, 16 valves, and D-4S direct and port injection. It produces 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque from 1,700 to 3,600 rpm, giving the SUV strong low- and mid-range response for merging or carrying passengers.
An Atkinson-cycle-capable design, 11.0:1 compression ratio, and Toyota Direct Ignition support efficiency. The engine pairs with a Direct Shift 8AT eight-speed automatic transmission, which uses shorter, lower gears for acceleration and taller gears for relaxed cruising. All models here run All-Wheel Drive. XLE uses a capable AWD system, while XSE, Limited, and Platinum upgrade to Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Driveline Disconnect and Multi-Terrain Select for improved traction and torque distribution.
Manufacturer-estimated fuel economy for AWD models is 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.
The chassis features an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, each with a stabilizer bar. XSE adds a sport-tuned front setup for a firmer feel. Electric power steering with a 14.2:1 ratio and a 37.4-foot turning circle helps the Highlander stay easy to maneuver.
Brakes include power-assisted ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, both 13.3 inches, controlled through an electronic brake system that works with stability and traction controls. An electronic parking brake and Anti-lock Braking System are standard.
When properly equipped, the 2026 Highlander offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. With available Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD and Multi Terrain Select in addition to its strong towing capacity, the Highlander is a useful towing partner, without requiring a larger truck like Tacoma or Tundra.
Technology in the 2026 Highlander is arranged to feel familiar for drivers coming from other Toyota vehicles like Camry, RAV4, Corolla, or Corolla Cross. Key controls stay physical, while audio, navigation, and connected features run through the central touchscreen.
Screen size varies by grade. XLE and XSE include an 8.0-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system, with an optional 12.3-inch display on XLE. Limited and Platinum use a standard 12.3-inch system and offer an 11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio setup with subwoofer and amplifier. All grades include five USB ports (one USB-A media and four USB-C charging) plus two 12V outlets.
Toyota Connected Services support cloud-based navigation, Intelligent Assistant, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, remote vehicle access, and service communication, depending on subscription. Drive Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect integrate the Highlander with the Toyota app and online services, with trial periods varying by feature.
These features keep navigation, audio, and communication organized whether driving around DeLand, heading toward Orlando, or taking longer trips across Florida.
Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ is standard on every 2026 Highlander grade. This suite of driver assistance features is designed to help with collision avoidance, lane keeping, and nighttime visibility.
Additional safety and convenience features across the lineup include:
On Limited and Platinum, available or standard equipment can add higher-level assistance, including:
Safety Connect® is also included with a 5-year minimum trial and provides an Emergency Assistance button, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator, and Enhanced Roadside Assistance access if needed. Combined with the rest of Toyota Safety Sense™ and standard safety features, these systems support confident driving for families, students, and retirees throughout Central Florida.
The 2026 Highlander offers a practical mix of three-row space, turbocharged power, and everyday comfort that fits well with life in Florida. It sits comfortably between smaller models like the RAV4 and larger choices like the Grand Highlander, giving shoppers many ways to stay within the Toyota family as needs change.
When you are ready to see how the 2026 Toyota Highlander fits your routine, the team at Parks Toyota of DeLand in DeLand, FL, can help you. Schedule a test drive in the Highlander or another Toyota vehicle that fits your needs in Central Florida today.
*All fuel economy mpg listings in the content above are manufacturer estimates. Actual mileage will vary.
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Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.