2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

The Toyota Grand Highlander is a three-row midsize crossover that slots between the standard Highlander and the full-size Sequoia in Toyota's SUV lineup. Introduced for the 2024 model year and built in Princeton, Indiana, it was designed to answer a common complaint about the regular Highlander: a tight third row and limited cargo space. The Grand Highlander rides on a longer wheelbase with a larger body, giving it an adult-usable third row and up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind the first row.

Shoppers typically cross-shop it against the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Chevrolet Traverse. Its main draws are Toyota's reliability reputation, strong resale value, and an unusually broad powertrain range that includes two hybrid options — a fuel-economy-focused 2.5-liter hybrid and the powerful Hybrid Max. It appeals mostly to families who need genuine space for seven or eight passengers plus luggage without stepping up to a body-on-frame full-size SUV.

The 2026 model: Launched for 2024 as an all-new nameplate on Toyota's TNGA-K platform, the Grand Highlander is longer and roomier than the standard Highlander, with a genuinely usable third row and class-competitive cargo space. It debuted with three powertrains — a 265-hp 2.4L turbo four, a 2.5L hybrid, and the 362-hp Hybrid Max — plus standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The 2025 model year added a Nightshade edition to the lineup, and 2026 is largely a carryover with the same five grades and three powertrain choices.