2026 Toyota Highlander

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2026 Toyota Highlander

8.3

/10

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Original MSRP

$47,840–$55,495

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Features We Love

For 2026, the biggest change is that all-wheel drive is now standard across the entire lineup, both gas and hybrid. Toyota also simplified the trim lineup, reducing the number of configurations and focusing on higher-feature models.

I really like this Highlander for what it is—it’s comfortable, the hybrid is efficient, and the second row works really well for everyday family use. It’s not the most flexible setup, but if you’re working with two car seats, it actually does a lot right.

Hybrid powertrain option: great fuel efficiency without needing to plug in
Lower anchors on both second row captain’s chairs: two full LATCH positions make installs straightforward and easy to access
Tether anchors in all second row seats: gives you solid options for forward-facing installs where you’ll use them most
Comfortable second row spacing: plenty of room to load kids and buckle without feeling cramped
Rear-facing seat fits behind driver: works even with the seat set for an adult, which is a big win
Sliding second row seats: helps you adjust space depending on your setup
Heated second row seats + sunshades: small things that make a big difference for kids
Ceiling vents in both rear rows: airflow is really good, especially for rear-facing seats

Car Mom Review

The Exterior

Clean, Slightly Basic Design That Still Feels Elevated

I think the Highlander looks nice overall, but it’s not the most exciting design out there. It leans more clean and slightly upscale than bold, and I do think it looks better from some angles than others.

Front End Feels Simple Compared to Competitors

The front is where it falls a little flat for me. The grille has a clean chrome surround and the headlights are pretty standard, nothing super modern or futuristic. Toyota did update the LED headlamps for 2021, which helps with visibility, but visually it still feels a bit basic compared to others in this category.

Side Profile Feels More Premium

From the side, I actually like it more. It gives off a slightly more elevated, almost Lexus-like feel, especially with the chrome window trim and the overall shape. The doors are large, which makes getting kids in and out easier, and the proportions feel practical for everyday use.

Back End Is the Best Angle

I think the rear is the strongest part of the design. The wraparound tail lights look more intentional, and the wide liftgate makes loading strollers and gear easier. Overall, it’s not flashy, but it’s clean, functional, and easy to live with.

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Slightly Basic Design That Still Feels Elevated

First Row

Comfortable Seats and a Driving Position That Feels Easy

The first row feels really comfortable right away. The seats are soft, the materials feel nice, and overall it just feels like a place you can sit for a while. Visibility is pretty good too, even with a full car, which I always pay attention to.

Large Touchscreen with Simple, Usable Controls

The tech is one of the highlights up here, and it’s actually easy to use.

Large touchscreen display: feels upgraded on this trim and very user-friendly
Physical buttons + knobs: quick access to audio and climate without digging through menus
Heads-up display: shows speed, navigation, and direction right on the windshield

Everything is pretty intuitive, which matters when you’re driving with kids.

Storage Works, But the Layout Isn’t Perfect

You have what you need, but it’s not my favorite setup.

Two cupholders + front tray: easy for everyday use
Wireless charger placement: takes up space and makes the console feel smaller
Center console: deep but not as wide as I’d like

It’s functional, just not the most optimized.

Everyday Features That Make Driving Easier

There are a lot of little things that add up.

Heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and auto hold are all here, and those are the features you end up using all the time without thinking about them.

Second Row

Lower Anchors Only on Second Row Captain’s Chairs, Single Tether in Third Row Middle

Lower anchors: two sets, both on the second row captain’s chairs
Top tether anchors: two in the second row + one in the third row middle seat
Limitation: only one usable tether position in the third row, which really restricts forward-facing setups

This is where you start to feel the constraints compared to other SUVs in this category.

Wide, Comfortable Spacing Makes Installs Easier

The actual space in this row is a plus.

There’s enough room between the seats that you’re not fighting for space when installing or buckling. It feels comfortable, even with multiple kids getting in and out.

Good knee and headroom: works well for adults and growing kids
Rear-facing fit: doable behind the driver with decent clearance

Sliding Seats Help, But Access Is Limited with Car Seats Installed

The seats are on tracks, which helps with flexibility.

You can slide them forward to create more third row space, but access is still not great once car seats are installed.

Fold-and-slide function: works best without car seats
No car seat tilt: makes third row access more difficult

Amenities Make This Row Comfortable for Kids

You do get a lot of nice features back here.

Sunshades: great for keeping light off kids
Heated seats: nice bonus for passengers
USB-C ports + vents: good airflow and charging access

Overall Setup Works Best for Two Car Seats

This is a solid second row for two kids in car seats. Once you try to push beyond that, especially with forward-facing seats, the limitations in tether placement and third row access become much more noticeable.

Third Row

Three Seats Back Here, But Best for Two

This third row technically fits three, but it’s much more realistic for two passengers. It just feels tight once you’re actually back there.

Limited Space with Elevated Floor

The floor sits higher than the second row, so your knees are pushed up, which isn’t the most comfortable for longer rides. Headroom is also tight, especially for adults.

Works for Kids, Not Ideal for Car Seats

You can use this row, but it’s not where I’d prioritize car seats.

Tighter width: harder to fit multiple seats comfortably
Best use: occasional seating or older kids

Amenities Are Still Covered

Even though it’s tight, you still get the basics.

Ceiling vents: good airflow back here
Cupholders: built into both sides

Access Requires Planning

Getting back here depends on how you have the second row set up.

You’ll use the fold-and-slide function, but if you have car seats installed, it can make access more difficult.

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Three seats in the third row, but it's best for two.

Trunk

Smaller Trunk Behind the Third Row

This is not a big trunk when all three rows are in use. It works for a few everyday items, but it fills up quickly if you’re carrying more than the basics.

Works for Light Daily Use, Not Larger Gear

You can fit things like groceries or smaller bags, but there’s not a lot of extra room. There aren’t many storage features back here either, which makes it feel a little limited overall.

Folding the Third Row Opens Up the Space

Once you put the third row down, it becomes much more usable.

Split-folding third row: easy to adjust for more cargo
More continuous cargo area: better for larger items
Added protection with cargo mat: helps keep the back of the seats covered when folded down

Overall Feels More Basic Than Some Competitors

It gets the job done, but it’s not the most functional or flexible trunk setup in this category.

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Safety

The Highlander is a really solid choice when it comes to safety, and that’s a big reason people keep buying it. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating, which is the highest designation from IIHS.

Seatbelt Pretensioners Located in the Front Seats

This is one of those details I always like to call out.

Seatbelt pretensioners: located in the front seats (driver and front passenger)
What they do: tighten the seatbelt instantly during a serious crash, side impact, or rollover to hold you in place
When they activate: severe frontal or side collisions and rollovers—not minor impacts

This is built-in protection that works with the airbags to reduce movement in a crash.

Airbags Cover All Rows

You’re getting a full system here, not just front coverage.

Front airbags: driver and passenger
Knee + seat cushion airbags: added front seat protection
Side + curtain airbags: extend through multiple rows for head protection

Standard Driver Assistance Features Handle Daily Driving

You also get a full set of systems that help prevent accidents in the first place.

Pre-collision braking
Adaptive cruise control
Lane tracing assist
Blind spot monitoring

Car Seat Setup

Two Second Row LATCH Positions, Three Third Row Tether Anchors

This is a good, straightforward setup, but it’s not the most flexible if you’re trying to do a lot of car seats.

Lower anchors: two full sets, both on the second row captain’s chairs
Top tether anchors: one for each third row seat (three total)
No additional lower anchors: limits how many easy installs you can do

Second Row Is Where Car Seats Work Best

This is where I would put most of your seats.

The spacing is good, so you’re not fighting for room, and installs feel pretty straightforward. Rear-facing and forward-facing seats both fit well, and it’s easy to get kids in and out.

Wide spacing between seats: makes buckling and loading easier
Rear-facing clearance: works, but larger seats can push the front row forward

Third Row Is More Limited for Car Seats

You can use it, but it’s not ideal.

Seatbelt installs only: no lower anchors back here
Tighter width: harder to fit multiple seats comfortably
Best for: occasional use or older kids

Access Depends on Your Setup

Getting to the third row takes some planning.

You’ll use the fold-and-slide function on the second row, but if you have car seats installed, that can block access. You can adjust the seats forward to help, but it’s not the easiest setup if you’re regularly using the third row.

Overall Car Seat Takeaway

This works really well for two car seats and everyday use, especially in the second row. Once you start needing three or more seats, that’s where the limitations show up.

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