What's New in the 2026 Toyota Highlander: Versatile Three-Row SUV for Belleville Families

Families in Belleville looking for a three-row SUV that handles daily routines and weekend trips with equal confidence have seven refined options in the 2026 Toyota Highlander lineup. Toyota offers this mid-size SUV in both gas and hybrid-electric powertrains, with four gas grades and three hybrid models providing different seating configurations, technology packages, and performance characteristics.

The Highlander balances passenger car comfort with SUV versatility, making it suitable for school runs, Highway 401 commutes to Toronto, and family vacations across Ontario. Its Toyota New Global Architecture platform creates a low, wide body that improves handling stability while reducing wind noise. For 2026, Toyota continues to offer Highlander with proven powertrains, three-row flexibility, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 as standard equipment.

At a Glance: 2026 Highlander Key Details

Two Powertrains: Gas Turbo and Hybrid Electric

The 2026 Highlander offers families a choice between turbocharged gas power and hybrid efficiency, each with distinct characteristics.

Gas Powertrain: 2.4 L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

The gas-powered Highlander uses a 2.4 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination generates 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque, providing strong acceleration for highway merging and confident passing power. The turbocharger delivers immediate throttle response, making the Highlander feel lively even when carrying a full load of passengers and cargo.

With a 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) towing rating, gas Highlanders can pull mid-size trailers, camping gear, or boats for Ontario cottage trips. Trailer Sway Control helps keep trailers stable during crosswinds or sudden lane changes.

The XLE grade uses Toyota's Dynamic Torque All-Wheel-Drive system, which sends power to the rear wheels when needed for improved traction on snowy or slippery roads. XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades upgrade to Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Drive Mode Select and Driveline Disconnect. This system distributes power between the rear wheels independently for better cornering grip, and disconnects the rear driveline during highway cruising to improve fuel efficiency.

Hybrid Powertrain: 2.5 L Four-Cylinder with Electric Motors

The Highlander Hybrid uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, featuring a 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine, two electric motor-generators, and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The system delivers 243 total horsepower and achieves a fuel economy rating of 6.7 L/100 km (city/highway combined)—an efficiency advantage that reduces fuel costs over time.

All Highlander Hybrid models use an electronic on-demand AWD system that employs a separate, rear-mounted electric motor to power the back axle when required. This setup provides all-weather traction without the mechanical complexity of traditional AWD systems. The hybrid's towing capacity is rated at 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs), sufficient for smaller trailers or cargo haulers.

During city driving, the hybrid can operate on electric power alone at low speeds, reducing fuel consumption and engine noise. The system automatically switches between gasoline and electric power based on driving conditions, requiring no driver input.

Seven Grades Spanning Two Powertrains

Gas Models

Highlander XLE AWD (8 passengers)

The XLE establishes the Highlander's equipment baseline with an 8-passenger cabin featuring a second-row bench seat. Toyota Multimedia with Service Connect, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect services operates through an 8-inch display screen paired with a 6-speaker audio system. The model includes 18-inch alloy wheels, silver roof rails, dual-zone air conditioning, and LED fog lamps.

Highlander XSE AWD (7 passengers)

The XSE takes a sportier direction, replacing the second-row bench with captain's chairs for 7-passenger capacity. The Toyota Multimedia system upgrades to a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 1,200-watt JBL Audio surround sound system featuring Clari-Fi technology and 11 speakers. A 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster replaces traditional analog gauges.

Exterior enhancements include black 20-inch alloy wheels, sport-grade grille and bumpers, a sport-tuned suspension, dual tip exhaust, black roof rails, smoked headlamp and tail lamp surrounds, and black mirror caps. Inside, sporty ambient lighting creates a more dynamic atmosphere.

Highlander Limited AWD (8 passengers)

The Limited emphasizes technology and luxury over sportiness. It retains the second-row bench for 8-passenger seating, then adds leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with driver's seat memory, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Toyota Multimedia system gains Drive Connect functionality alongside the 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Audio upgrades to the 1,200-watt JBL system, and the model adds a panoramic moonroof, premium LED headlamps, Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, a 120-volt 100-watt outlet, and Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Rear Cross Traffic Brake.

Highlander Platinum AWD (7 passengers)

The Platinum tops the gas lineup with added technology and comfort. Captain's chairs replace the second-row bench (now heated), and unique 20-inch alloy wheels differentiate the exterior. Interior upgrades include a digital display rear view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, a head-up display, and the Panoramic View Monitor system. Platinum-specific exterior and interior design finishes complete the package.

Hybrid Models

Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD (8 passengers)

The Hybrid XLE mirrors the gas XLE's equipment list while adding hybrid efficiency. It features Toyota Multimedia with an 8-inch screen, 6-speaker audio, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome roof rails, three-zone independent automatic climate control, LED fog lamps, and an electronic parking brake. The hybrid's electronic AWD system operates silently compared to mechanical systems.

Highlander Hybrid Limited AWD (7 passengers)

The Hybrid Limited upgrades to captain's chairs (7 passengers) and adds leather upholstery. Front seats gain heating and ventilation plus driver's seat memory. The model includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, retractable side mirrors, premium LED headlamps, 20-inch alloy wheels, the 1,200-watt JBL audio system, a panoramic moonroof, two 110-volt 1,500-watt high output power outlets, and Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Rear Cross Traffic Brake.

Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD (7 passengers)

The Hybrid Platinum completes the lineup with unique 20-inch alloy wheels, a digital display rear view mirror, heated second-row seats, the Bird's Eye View monitor, rain-sensing wipers, a head-up display, and Platinum-specific styling cues.

Comparing Gas vs. Hybrid Highlander

Interior Space and Versatility

The Highlander provides adult-sized seating across all three rows. Eight-passenger models feature a 60/40 split folding second-row bench that accommodates three people, while seven-passenger models replace the bench with captain's chairs for easier third-row access.

The third row uses a 60/40 split, fold-flat bench design. When cargo capacity takes priority, the Highlander offers up to 2,387 litres (84.3 cubic feet) of space behind the front row with both rear rows folded. Even with the third row in use, there's adequate space for groceries, sports equipment, or weekend luggage.

The cabin features soft, padded surfaces and a tailored look across all grades. Premium models add leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and ambient lighting to create a more upscale environment.

Technology Features Standard Across All Grades

Every Highlander includes the Toyota Multimedia system, which integrates wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's interface uses familiar smartphone gestures—swiping, tapping, and pinching—making operation feel natural for most drivers.

A 7-inch multi-information display sits between the gauges (upgraded to 12.3 inches on XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades), presenting trip data, fuel economy, and vehicle settings. The Smart Key System with Push Button Start streamlines vehicle access.

Safety Equipment Built Into Every Model

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 comes standard across the Highlander lineup. The system includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which monitors the road ahead and can automatically apply brakes if a collision seems likely. Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control maintains a set distance from vehicles ahead, adjusting speed in traffic.

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist warns if the vehicle drifts from its lane and can provide corrective steering input. Lane Tracing Assist helps keep the vehicle centred in its lane when cruise control is active. Road Sign Assist uses cameras to recognize speed limit, stop, and yield signs, displaying them in the instrument cluster. Automatic High Beams toggle between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic.

Additional standard safety features include the Toyota Star Safety System (Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brakes, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, and Brake Assist), a backup camera, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, an anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring, and 8 airbags.

Which Highlander Makes Sense for Your Family?

Gas models suit families who regularly tow trailers, prefer stronger acceleration, or primarily drive on highways where fuel economy differences narrow. The XLE provides strong value with complete equipment, while the XSE adds sporty styling. Limited and Platinum grades appeal to buyers wanting premium technology and comfort features.

Hybrid models make sense for city-focused driving, where frequent stops and starts maximize electric-only operation and fuel savings. The $3,200 premium over a comparable gas model (XLE to Hybrid XLE) can be recovered through fuel savings over time, particularly for high-mileage drivers. Hybrid Limited and Platinum grades combine efficiency with luxury features.

Seven-passenger configurations (XSE, Platinum, and all hybrid Limited/Platinum models) provide easier third-row access through the captain's chair aisle, making them practical for families with small children or older passengers who need simpler entry and exit. Eight-passenger models maximize seating capacity when transporting larger groups.

Experience the Highlander at Belleville Toyota

The 2026 Toyota Highlander delivers three-row versatility with a choice of gas or hybrid power. With seven grades spanning different equipment levels and seating configurations, families in Belleville can find a Highlander that matches their priorities and budget.

Book your test drive today at our Belleville dealership. Our product specialists can demonstrate the differences between gas and hybrid models, explain grade-specific features, and help you determine which Highlander configuration best suits your family's needs.