2026 Toyota Highlander Trims and Pricing at North Hollywood Toyota

The 2026 Toyota Highlander brings notable changes worth knowing before you shop. All-wheel drive is now standard across every gas trim, the LE has been discontinued, and the lineup is consolidated to four gas trims and three hybrid trims — each with a streamlined feature set and updated pricing. Whether you're after the efficiency of a hybrid or the towing capability of the turbocharged gas model, here's the complete 2026 Highlander trim and pricing breakdown for shoppers near North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Burbank, Studio City, and the surrounding Valley.

What's New for the 2026 Highlander

Three changes define the 2026 model year:

• AWD is now standard on every gas Highlander trim. Previously optional on lower trims, the upgrade adds capability and confidence in changing weather but raises the entry price.
• The LE trim has been discontinued. XLE is the new entry-level offering, with substantially better-equipped standard features than the outgoing LE.
• The Hybrid lineup is streamlined. The XLE Nightshade and Limited 25th Anniversary editions have been removed, leaving three core hybrid trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum.

It's also worth noting that 2026 is the final model year for the gas-powered Highlander. Toyota has announced a fully electric Highlander arriving for the 2027 model year, so 2026 is the last opportunity to purchase a gas or hybrid version new.

2026 Toyota Highlander Gas Trim Lineup and Pricing

Every 2026 gas Highlander comes with the same powertrain: a 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG across the lineup.^† Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are standard on every trim.

XLE — Starting MSRP $45,570*

The new entry-level gas Highlander is more generously equipped than the outgoing LE it replaces. Standard features include 18-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, a power tilt moonroof, SofTex-trimmed heated front seats with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a hands-free power liftgate. Inside, an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, with an optional upgrade to a 12.3-inch screen. The XLE seats seven with standard captain's chairs, with an optional second-row bench that increases capacity to eight. Other standard equipment includes Qi wireless charging, second-row sunshades, three-zone automatic climate control, and Multi-Terrain Select with four drive modes.

XSE — Starting MSRP $47,640*

The XSE adds a sportier character without sacrificing daily utility. Toyota's Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Drive Mode Select replaces the XLE's mechanical AWD, and a sport-tuned suspension with high-rate springs, a rear stabilizer bar, and low-friction shock absorbers gives the XSE noticeably tighter handling. Visual cues include 20-inch black alloy wheels, an XSE-exclusive front fascia and mesh grille, twin-tip exhaust, and black exterior accents. Inside, black SofTex-trimmed seats, ambient lighting, and a carbon-fiber-style instrument panel reinforce the sport theme. The XSE comes with second-row captain's chairs only, capping seating at seven — there is no bench seat option on this trim.

Limited — Starting MSRP $50,025*

The Limited steps the Highlander into luxury territory. Standard features include 20-inch alloy wheels, a height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate, genuine leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats, and heated and ventilated front seats with a 10-way power driver's seat with memory. Technology gets a major upgrade: a dual 12.3-inch display setup pairs the 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and an 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system with subwoofer and amplifier comes standard. A Bird's Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan is available on the Limited (and standard on the Platinum). Wood door and dash trim, LED fog lights, and puddle lights with the integrated Highlander logo round out the upscale appointments. Like the XLE, the Limited is available with seating for seven (captain's chairs) or eight (optional bench).

Platinum — Starting MSRP $52,925*

The range-topping Platinum adds Toyota's most premium technology and convenience features. The headline additions include a power Panoramic Glass Moonroof with sunshade, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display, a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink, and a Panoramic View Monitor (360-degree camera system). The Platinum also adds an 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, rain-sensing wipers, illuminated front doorsill scuff plates, and LED projector headlights with adaptive front-lighting. Like the XSE, the Platinum is captain's-chairs-only, seating seven.

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trim Lineup and Pricing

For shoppers prioritizing fuel economy, the Highlander Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators and an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT). Combined output is 243 horsepower, with EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined^† across all hybrid trims and standard Electronic On-Demand AWD. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. The Highlander Hybrid is offered in three trims for 2026 — there is no XSE in the hybrid lineup.

Hybrid XLE — Starting MSRP $47,320*

Standard features mirror the gas XLE, with the hybrid powertrain and standard Electronic On-Demand AWD as the key additions. The Hybrid XLE comes with the 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen as standard, with the 12.3-inch system available as an upgrade. The optional second-row bench seat increases capacity from seven to eight.

Hybrid Limited — Starting MSRP $51,775*

The Hybrid Limited adds the same luxury appointments as the gas Limited: leather-trimmed seating with heated and ventilated front seats, the dual 12.3-inch display setup, 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Power-folding heated mirrors with blind spot indicators are standard.

Hybrid Platinum — Starting MSRP $54,975*

The hybrid range-topper adds heated second-row captain's chairs, a Panoramic Glass Moonroof, a Panoramic View Monitor, a 10-inch Head-Up Display, a digital rearview mirror, and adaptive LED projector headlights. Seating is for seven only (captain's chairs).

Comparing Gas and Hybrid: Which Highlander Fits You?

The hybrid commands roughly a $1,750 premium over its gas counterpart at each trim level. The gas XLE starts at $45,570* while the Hybrid XLE starts at $47,320*. At the top of the range, the gas Platinum at $52,925* compares to the Hybrid Platinum at $54,975*.

In exchange for the hybrid premium, you get an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined^† — roughly 11 MPG better than the gas Highlander's 24 MPG combined — with the same standard AWD. For a shopper driving 15,000 miles a year, that fuel-economy advantage works out to meaningful annual savings, and the hybrid premium typically pays back within 2 to 3 years.

The trade-offs go the other way for shoppers who tow or want a sportier feel. The gas Highlander's maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity outpaces the hybrid's 3,500 pounds, and the gas lineup is the only place to find the sport-themed XSE trim. For Valley commuters facing daily stop-and-go traffic on the 101 or 134, the hybrid's efficiency advantage is most pronounced. For weekend trailer or boat duty, the gas turbo remains the better fit.

Highlander vs. Grand Highlander: Pricing and Size

Toyota also offers the larger Grand Highlander, and one of 2026's pricing surprises is that the Grand Highlander now starts at a lower MSRP than the standard Highlander. Here's how the two compare:

For families needing genuine adult-sized third-row space or maximum cargo room, the Grand Highlander makes a strong case despite (or because of) its lower entry price. For shoppers who prefer the standard Highlander's tighter footprint, want the sport XSE trim, or don't need the extra interior volume, the Highlander remains the right pick.

Cargo, Towing, and Warranty

Across all 2026 Highlander trims, gas and hybrid alike, cargo capacity measures 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. Maximum towing is 5,000 pounds on gas models and 3,500 pounds on hybrid models, when properly equipped.

Every 2026 Highlander comes backed by Toyota's standard warranty: a 3-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.^‡ Hybrid models add an 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid component warranty and a 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty. Toyota also includes ToyotaCare — a 2-year/25,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan with 24-hour roadside assistance — on every new Highlander.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find Your 2026 Highlander at North Hollywood Toyota

Whether you're shopping for a family commuter in Studio City, comparing hybrid efficiency against your daily Valley drive, or looking for a sport-themed XSE for weekend escapes, North Hollywood Toyota stocks the full 2026 Highlander lineup — every trim, gas and hybrid. Visit our showroom at 4606 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602, or call us at (818) 369-3922 for current trim availability, financing options, or to schedule a test drive.