Trims and Powertrain

The 2026 Grand Highlander has four trim levels to choose from: LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The powertrain pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (output: 265 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque) to an 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, with paddle shifters on the Platinum. The three lower trims come with front-wheel drive (FWD), with an option to upgrade to dynamic torque control all-wheel drive (AWD). The Platinum gets standard AWD.

The Grand Highlander achieves good fuel economy, with the LE, XLE, and Limited rated for an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with FWD. With AWD, the LE and XLE achieve 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while the Limited and Platinum drop slightly to 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The Grand Highlander’s default drive-mode selector comes with Sport, Eco, Normal, and Snow settings, joined in the Platinum by a multi-terrain selector (with Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Normal modes). AWD Grand Highlanders add downhill assist control. All trims have independent MacPherson front struts and a multi-link rear suspension with a stabilizer bar. With trailer brakes, the towing limit is 5,000 pounds.

Standard Features

The LE seats eight occupants on fabric-upholstered seats: front captain’s chairs (power-adjustable for the driver), a reclining and sliding second-row bench, and a fold-down third row bench (both benches split 60/40). Its other main interior features are tri-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch multi-informational display with analog gauges, a power liftgate with adjustable height and jam protection, the Smart Key System on all doors and the liftgate, push-button ignition , seven USB-C ports, two 12-volt outlets, power windows with auto-up/down, an acoustic noise-reducing windshield and front windows, rear privacy glass, a soft-touch roll-top center console with a removable utility tray, 13 beverage holders, and an overhead console with sunglasses storage and maplights. On the outside, look for heated power side-view mirrors with blind-spot warning indicators, LED headlights, daytime running lights with auto-on/off, LED taillights, a rear spoiler-mounted LED brake light, and 18-inch silver-painted alloy wheels.

The XLE moves to a 7-passenger layout, swapping the second-row bench for captain’s chairs (the 8-seater layout is optional). It also adds SofTex upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, an 8-way power front passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, Digital Key compatibility, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated HomeLink garage door opener, manual second-row sunshades, and roof rails. The Limited receives a leather interior, driver’s seat memory, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument interface, a hands-free foot-activated power liftgate, heated second-row outboard seats, heated power-folding side-view mirrors with blind-spot warning indicators, LED daytime running lights with auto-on/off, LED fog lights, a rear spoiler-mounted elongated LED stop light, ambient interior lighting, a 120-volt auxiliary power outlet, a metal front door scuff plate, and 20-inch silver and chrome metallic alloy wheels. The Platinum gets the most amenities, with a panoramic power-tilting/sliding moonroof with a power sunshade (available on the XLE and Limited), a 10-inch head-up display, a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink integration, heated/ventilated second-row seats, facial recognition for user profile (enables automatic settings for seat position, audio presets, etc.), LED liftgate/cargo illumination, two 120-volt auxiliary power outlets (center console and cargo area), and 20-inch silver-finished alloy wheels.

Safety and Driver-Assistance

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard, equipping each trim with Proactive Driving Assist, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. All Grand Highlanders also get a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit alert, hill start assist control, and a backup camera with dynamic gridlines. The Limited adds front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, which the Platinum complements with a panoramic view monitor, and traffic jam assist.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Grand Highlander’s multimedia system uses a 12.3-inch touchscreen and incorporates wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LE and XLE have a basic sound system with six speakers, while the Limited and Platinum upgrade to a premium 11-speaker JBL sound system with a subwoofer and amplifier. Access to Toyota’s subscription-based Connected Services is also included, offering cloud navigation, Wi-Fi, maintenance updates, roadside assistance, and remote controls.