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2026 Toyota Highlander

What real owners wish they knew before buying

39

Issues Found

8

Categories Affected

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The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row SUV with seating for up to eight passengers on configurable second- and third-row benches and cargo space behind the third row. It competes with other three-row SUVs including the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Chevrolet Traverse. The 2026 model continues on the fourth-generation platform with updates that include all-wheel drive as standard equipment across all trims. The gas powertrain consists of a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The available hybrid powertrain uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors for 243 net combined horsepower and an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined.

The Highlander features the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen on base models and a 12.3-inch screen on higher trims. Standard connectivity includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, multiple USB ports, and Bluetooth. Available features include an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system and a voice-activated Intelligent Assistant. All trims include the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ driver-assistance suite with full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pedestrian detection, and road sign recognition. Additional services include Remote Connect for remote start, lock, and vehicle status monitoring with a one-year trial period, over-the-air software updates for the infotainment system, onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and optional subscriptions for cloud-based navigation and streaming services.

What You're Really Signing Up For

  • Safety features and cameras locked behind subscriptions.
  • Interior camera watches and records without notice.
  • Personal data collected extensively and shared with Toyota.
  • Remote start and navigation require ongoing fees.
  • App connections unreliable, cameras freeze during use.

Top Reported Issues

The most frequently mentioned problems by owners

Subscription Lock-in10 mentions

Remote Start Subscription Fee

Toyota's Remote Connect app provides remote start, lock/unlock, and other features via smartphone, w...

Full details with sources in report
OTA Behavior6 mentions

Rear camera freezes

Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) rear camera may freeze or blank when reversing due to Parking Assist EC...

Full details with sources in report
Privacy & Surveillance4 mentions

Extensive personal data collection

Toyota collects name, address, phone, email, demographics, precise geolocation, biometric data, driv...

Full details with sources in report
Interface Friction4 mentions

Toyota App Connection Failures

The Toyota mobile app allows remote features like lock/unlock and start but frequently glitches with...

Full details with sources in report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the 2026 Toyota Highlander

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