Toyota Highlander (2026)

The Highlander’s cabin is versatile, but its passenger promise needs a little qualification. Buyers can configure seven or eight seats, depending on the second-row captain’s chairs or bench, and the second row is generally spacious and comfortable. Family-friendly touches include tri-zone climate control, five USB ports, and extensive storage. Still, the third row favors children, and fitting people plus luggage is difficult, so shoppers carrying adults regularly may find the larger Grand Highlander, Pilot, or Telluride more accommodating.

The Highlander prioritizes calm, easy travel over sporty responses. Its smooth, quiet ride and supportive seats make highway trips and daily errands comfortable, and useful visibility, physical controls, and storage reinforce its user-friendly character. The turbo engine supplies enough urgency for normal driving, but reviewers report loose steering and merely average braking, including a 132-foot stopping result in one test. Selectable drive modes add flexibility, yet the Highlander remains a composed family hauler rather than an engaging driver’s SUV.

The gas Highlander is the better choice when weekend equipment matters as much as commuting. Properly equipped models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, supported by the turbo engine’s 310 lb-ft of torque and standard AWD. That is enough for a boat, trailer, or recreational gear within the vehicle’s limits, and reviewers find the powertrain capable in ordinary use. The hybrid is more efficient but drops to 3,500 pounds of towing, so buyers should choose the powertrain around actual trailer weight rather than fuel economy alone.

The Highlander works best when the third row is occasional seating rather than a full-time adult zone. Its 16.0 cubic feet behind the third row is usable for smaller bags, but luggage and strollers quickly compete for room with all seats occupied. Reviewers consistently describe the 28-inch third row as cramped, sometimes even for three children. Folding the rear seats expands capacity to 84.3 cubic feet, so the layout is practical for families who can trade passengers for cargo when needed.

Standard all-wheel drive is one of the Highlander’s clearest practical advantages. Every gas model includes standard AWD, so buyers do not have to pay extra for added confidence on snowy, wet, or loose roads. That supports the family-focused brief, especially for winter commutes and school runs, although AWD cannot replace proper tires or careful driving. Reviews generally support Toyota’s positioning here, praising the SUV’s sure-footed feel, while the hybrid’s drivetrain should be checked by trim because its configuration and towing limit differ.

The Highlander offers a sensible choice between smooth economy and stronger utility. The 2.4-liter turbo-four makes 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate everyday acceleration, though reviewers notice some turbo lag. Gas models return an estimated 24 mpg combined, which is respectable rather than exceptional. The available hybrid produces 243 combined horsepower and is rated around 35 mpg combined, making it the better fit for high-mileage commuting, while early owner feedback favors its quiet, seamless operation.

The Highlander’s final verdict is practical rather than flashy: it delivers standard all-wheel drive, a quiet ride, and a choice between a capable turbo engine and notably efficient hybrid powertrain. The gas model’s 5,000-pound towing rating suits weekend equipment, while the hybrid better serves high-mileage commuters. Its flexible seven- or eight-seat cabin and comfortable second row work well for families, but the cramped third row and limited cargo space with all seats occupied are real constraints. Experts and early owners generally praise its calm manners, storage, technology, and Toyota ownership confidence, while noting average gas economy, occasional turbo lag, and pricing that approaches roomier alternatives. Choose it for dependable daily transport, winter traction, and balanced utility—not frequent adult third-row duty. That sensible mix earns a positive recommendation, though its compromises keep it from being the obvious choice for maximum space or value.