2026 Toyota Highlander Trims and Pricing in Dallas
The 2026 Toyota Highlander comes in seven grades across two powertrains. The gas model uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. The hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motor-generators for 243 combined horsepower, managed by an ECVT. All-wheel drive is standard on every 2026 trim, gas and hybrid alike.
Which Trims Are Available on the Gas vs. Hybrid Highlander and What Do They Cost?
The gas Highlander comes in four grades: XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. The hybrid comes in three: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Toyota dropped the LE grade for 2026, so XLE is now the entry point. The Nightshade and 25th Anniversary editions are gone as well.
2026 Highlander Pricing and Fuel Economy by Trim
| Trim | TSRP | EPA-Estimated MPG (City / Hwy / Combined) | Seating |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLE AWD | $47,865 | 21 / 28 / 24 | 7 or 8 |
| XSE AWD | $49,935 | 21 / 28 / 24 | 7 |
| Limited AWD | $52,320 | 21 / 28 / 24 | 7 or 8 |
| Platinum AWD | $55,520 | 21 / 28 / 24 | 7 |
| Hybrid XLE AWD | $49,615 | 35 / 35 / 35 | 7 or 8 |
| Hybrid Limited AWD | $54,070 | 35 / 34 / 35 | 7 |
| Hybrid Platinum AWD | $57,270 | 35 / 34 / 35 | 7 |
Hybrid power costs a consistent $1,750 more than the matching gas grade. For drivers covering high annual mileage around the metroplex, lower fuel use can offset that step over the course of ownership. Shopping the larger three-row option too? Compare the 2026 Grand Highlander and Highlander side by side.
Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
What Each Grade Adds
| Grade | Powertrains | Wheels | Key Standard Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLE | Gas and Hybrid | 18-inch alloy | SofTex-trimmed seating, heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate |
| XSE | Gas only | 20-inch black alloy | Sport-tuned suspension with high-rate springs and a rear stabilizer bar, aggressive mesh front grille, dual exhaust tips |
| Limited | Gas and Hybrid | 20-inch | Leather-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 12.3-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio |
| Platinum | Gas and Hybrid | 20-inch | Panoramic glass roof, 10-inch color Head-Up Display, heated second-row seats, Panoramic View Monitor |
What Engine Options Are Available on the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The turbocharged gas engine makes its full 310 lb-ft of torque at just 1,700 rpm. That low-end pull is what you feel merging onto I-20 or carrying a full cabin across Dallas. The eight-speed automatic gives drivers defined shift points and a traditional mechanical feel.
The hybrid takes a different approach. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder works alongside two electric motor-generators, switching between electric drive, gasoline power, or both. It never needs to be plugged in. The ECVT adjusts ratios continuously to hold the engine in its most efficient band. If you are weighing electrified options across the lineup, our breakdown of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV differences covers how each system works.
Gas 2.4L Turbo
- Engine: 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 265 hp
- Torque: 310 lb-ft at 1,700 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- AWD System: Dynamic Torque Control AWD on XLE; Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD on XSE, Limited, and Platinum
- Maximum Towing: 5,000 lbs
Hybrid 2.5L
- Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder with two electric motor-generators
- Horsepower: 243 hp combined
- Torque: 175 lb-ft engine torque
- Transmission: ECVT
- AWD System: Electronic On-Demand AWD on every hybrid grade
- Maximum Towing: 3,500 lbs
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Does the 2026 Toyota Highlander Offer All-Wheel Drive Across All Trims?
Yes. Every 2026 Toyota Highlander trim comes standard with all-wheel drive. Toyota made AWD standard across the gas lineup for 2026 and dropped front-wheel-drive gas variants entirely, as confirmed in Toyota’s 2026 Highlander announcement.
Gas Grades Use Two Different AWD Systems
The XLE runs Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD. It can send up to 50 percent of available torque rearward to counter wheel slip.
The XSE, Limited, and Platinum step up to Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Drive Mode Select as standard equipment. Beyond splitting torque front to rear, this system uses dedicated couplings to shift torque between the left and right rear wheels. An AWD Integrated Management system coordinates steering, throttle, and shift behavior. These grades also add rear Driveline Disconnect, which stops the propeller shaft during steady cruising to cut drag and re-engages the moment conditions call for it.
Hybrid Grades Use Electronic On-Demand AWD
A dedicated rear-mounted electric motor drives the rear axle when the vehicle detects acceleration or front-wheel slip. That delivers four-wheel traction on wet roads without the weight of a mechanical prop shaft. If you are comparing traction systems across the brand, see which Toyota vehicles have AWD.
What Are the Towing Capacity, EPA-Estimated MPG Ratings, and Standard Safety Features?
Towing Capacity
Gas Highlander models tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Hybrid models are rated at 3,500 pounds. The gas turbo’s 310 lb-ft of torque suits recreational trailers, small boats, and utility loads. The hybrid handles lighter trailers while prioritizing efficiency.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is where the two powertrains separate most clearly. Gas grades carry an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined. The Hybrid XLE returns an EPA-estimated 35 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 35 mpg combined. The Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Platinum ride on larger 20-inch wheels and are rated at an EPA-estimated 35 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 35 mpg combined. Ratings for every configuration are published at fueleconomy.gov.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Interior Space and Seating
| Specification | 2026 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|
| Cargo behind third row | 16.0 cu ft |
| Maximum cargo, rear rows folded | 84.3 cu ft |
| Standard seating | 7 with second-row captain’s chairs |
| Maximum seating | 8 with the optional second-row bench on gas XLE, Hybrid XLE, and gas Limited |
Standard Safety Technology
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard on every 2026 Highlander. The suite includes:
Pre-Collision System
With Pedestrian Detection.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Full-Speed Range operation.
Lane Departure Alert
With Steering Assist.
Road Sign Assist
Reads posted signage ahead.
You can read more about how these systems work on our Toyota Safety Sense overview.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
Common Questions About the 2026 Toyota Highlander in Dallas
Can buyers test drive both gas and hybrid 2026 Toyota Highlander models side by side?
Legacy Toyota of Dallas keeps both gas turbocharged and hybrid Highlander models available for test drives. Driving both on local highways lets you compare the hybrid’s quiet low-speed electric cruising against the gas engine’s immediate turbocharged response under real conditions.
How does second-row seating affect total passenger capacity on the Highlander?
Passenger capacity depends on the second-row configuration. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard and seat seven, creating a walk-through path to the third row. An optional second-row 60/40 split-fold bench raises capacity to eight, and it is available on the gas XLE, Hybrid XLE, and gas Limited grades.
Does the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid require an external plug-in charging station?
No. The 2026 Highlander Hybrid is a self-charging system with no plug and no charging station required. It recharges its battery through regenerative braking during deceleration and through generator power produced by the gas engine during normal driving.
Are specialized wheel sizes included on higher trim levels of the 2026 Highlander?
Yes. The XLE AWD and Hybrid XLE AWD ride on 18-inch alloy wheels. The XSE AWD, Limited AWD, Platinum AWD, Hybrid Limited AWD, and Hybrid Platinum AWD all move up to 20-inch wheels.
Test Drive Your 2026 Toyota Highlander at Legacy Toyota of Dallas
Choosing between the turbocharged gas engine and the hybrid comes down to one trade-off: towing capability against long-term fuel efficiency. Our team is here to help you land on the right configuration.
Whether the 2.4-liter turbo’s towing capability or the 2.5-liter hybrid’s fuel efficiency fits your driving better, we can walk you through the trim differences and current inventory. Stop by our showroom at 39660 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Dallas, TX 75237, or call our sales team at 945-207-3254 to schedule your test drive.
Disclaimers
Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.