While the 2026 Toyota Highlander won’t be released for several months, Toyota has released digital renderings of the newly redesigned vehicle, and there are some exciting developments to note. The Toyota Highlander redesign features significant updates to the overall exterior design, a new digital interior cockpit, and much more. While the 2026 Toyota Highlander release date isn’t set in stone yet and information is limited, we can explore some of the updates that will put the Highlander at the forefront of the SUV market.
Potential for Hybrid Only
There are rumors circulating that the 2026 Toyota Highlander will drop the fuel-injected powertrain entirely and only exist as the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. While a Highlander Hybrid already exists, the move to pure hybrid design could mean that there will be multiple engine and motor options for various trims and performance. It’s also possible we’ll see a plug-in hybrid variant of the Highlander, though time will tell when the 2026 Toyota Highlander release date rolls around. While we don’t have all of the 2026 Highlander specs, it’s likely to see similar engine setups at launch.
Upgraded and Updated Interior
Inside the cabin of the 2026 Toyota Highlander seems like it’s following in the footsteps of the Toyota Camry and Toyota Tacoma with a potential digital cockpit layout. The renderings show a digital driver display of clusters and gauges flowing seamlessly into the larger infotainment system to create one large display. The 2025 Toyota Highlander features a 7” infotainment screen, so it would make sense that Toyota would increase the system size for greater appeal, though it’s possible entry-level models will feature a smaller screen for affordability.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are found in the 2025 Toyota Highlander, so it seems a safe bet that it will return as a feature in the 2026 Toyota Highlander. Rumors also speculate that a Head-Up display and hands-free power liftgate will make a return for the 2026 update.
Sleek Exterior
We could possibly see thinner headlights and an LED strip through the updated front fascia, pulling some design inspiration from the Toyota Grand Highlander. While still an SUV at first glance, the 2026 Toyota Highlander redesign seems to go for a sleeker, more modern look, one that would suit a turn towards hybrid-only powertrains. While we likely won’t see many, if any, dimension disruptions for the 2026 Highlander (because the Grand Highlander, the larger model, already exists as an option), it’s possible that Toyota will redesign the interior spacing and liftgate to accommodate for a few more inches of cargo space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 Toyota Highlander Release Date?
As of now, we can only go off of “later in 2025,” with a launch likely happening in the fall.
What is the 2026 Toyota Highlander Price?
While a price hasn’t been announced yet, the current entry trim of the 2025 Toyota Highlander starts at $46,320 MSRP, so a ballpark $47,000 is a safe bet, especially if the Highlander is only available as a hybrid moving forward.
Pre-Order the 2026 Toyota Highlander
Whether you live near Arlington, Euless, or Fort Worth, Family Toyota of Arlington is ready to help you get behind the wheel of one of the first 2026 Toyota Highlanders when they launch. Contact us or call us at 682-418-3310 to speak with a representative about pre-ordering the 2026 Toyota Highlander or to schedule a test drive of one of our other Toyota vehicles.
Connect with us
