The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is a midsize three-row crossover SUV with a body longer than the standard Highlander, resulting in greater third-row legroom and cargo capacity. It competes in the segment with vehicles such as the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade, offering seating for seven or eight passengers. The 2026 model is a carryover from 2025, retaining the same design and powertrain lineup with minor updates including Nightshade editions on select hybrid trims featuring distinct badging. The base powertrain consists of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Hybrid variants provide a 2.5-liter hybrid system with 245 combined horsepower, and the Hybrid MAX offers 362 combined horsepower.
The infotainment system is Toyota Audio Multimedia, equipped with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen that includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition, and over-the-air navigation updates. Available features comprise JBL premium audio and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard on all trims, incorporating full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist with lane centering, and pedestrian detection. Integration with the Toyota app enables remote start, vehicle location tracking, and service reminders, supported by over-the-air software updates for compatible components. Connected services such as Safety Connect offer initial trial periods that convert to paid subscriptions thereafter.
What You're Really Signing Up For
- Broad data sharing and sales for ads in privacy policy.
- Facial recognition cameras scan and store driver faces.
- Long-term storage of collected vehicle data.
- Precise location tracking tied to personal info.
Top Reported Issues
The most frequently mentioned problems by owners
Remote Start Subscription Lock-in
The Grand Highlander's remote start feature, which allows starting the engine from the key fob or ap...
Infotainment screen glitches
The infotainment system is the central touchscreen for radio, navigation, and vehicle controls. Owne...
Navigation Subscription Required
Built-in navigation on the Grand Highlander requires an active Connected Services subscription after...
Default DCM Data Collection
The Grand Highlander's Data Communication Module (DCM) is active by default upon delivery, collectin...
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
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