New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Redesign, Colors, MPG

New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Redesign, Colors, MPG  –   The fight for SUV supremacy is hotter than ever as automakers attempt to win consumers over with their offerings. Plenty of resources are being poured into making them astonishingly refined, luxurious, and well equipped for the task of family transportation, and it seems like there are new contenders around every corner.

After pitting Honda’s redesigned Pilot against the award-winning Kia Telluride, a head-to-head in which the former emerged victorious, it looked like there was a new favourite in the three-row segment. Fast forward a few short months and the Pilot might well be swept aside by the New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander – an SUV that offers more space (and style) than its namesake.  New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Redesign

New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

The slightly smaller Highlander is a decent enough machine, but its rearmost seats and modest cargo space have long been its biggest sore spots. That’s where the Grand Highlander really shines, with a wheelbase that’s 100 mm (3.9 in) longer and an overall length that’s 164 mm (6.5 in) more generous. Both passenger and luggage room swell as a result, with enough of both to compete with the best in the segment.  New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Redesign

While the Limited trim tested here features a pair of second-row captain’s chairs, the XLE trim’s second row bench allows the Grand Highlander to shuttle around as many as eight occupants. Like the Highlander, the Grand Highlander tops out at towing 2,268 kg (5,000 lb), which is competitive within the segment.

New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Specs

There are seven USB-C ports inside the Grand Highlander. But beyond how many there are is their strategic placement throughout the cabin to be of the most use to occupants. For instance, directly ahead of the front passenger seat is a tidy shelf that’s wide enough to hold a modern smartphone, and at the right side of that shelf is a USB port. Equally clever is the console that sits between the two second-row (heated) seats in this Limited trim, with enormous cup holders and two rubberized slots to safely hold a tablet.  New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Redesign

Up front, the power leather seats aren’t just heated but ventilated. The driver faces a configurable 12.3-inch instrument display, while the primary infotainment screen spans the same area and is bright and crisp – compliments that wouldn’t be given to some of this SUV’s predecessors.

Engine and Performance

The non-hybrid Grand Highlander tested here was powered by Toyota’s increasingly familiar 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It has ample torque (310 lb-ft) that peaks at a very low 1,700 rpm to give it enough oomph to zip around town with plenty of pep. Amazingly, despite being bigger in every dimension, the Grand Highlander is only 50 kg (110 lb) heavier than its smaller sibling, which means when it comes to accelerating to highway speeds or passing slower traffic, the big Toyota manages just fine.

Those wanting a lot more gusto can opt for the so-called Hybrid Max versions that bump that torque to 400 lb-ft. Meanwhile, those seeking a more efficient ride will want to opt for the conventional hybrid.  New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Redesign

New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Fuel Economy

Although the government hadn’t yet published official fuel consumption figures as of this writing, an indicated average of 9.8 L/100 km during this test is right where Toyota’s claims suggest it should be. The Hybrid Max is expected to shave at least 1.0 L/100 km from that figure, and the conventional hybrid should be around the 7.0 mark.  New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Redesign

New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Safety Features

The extensive feature count carries over on the safety front, too. There are parking sensors, a surround-view, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, plus automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system can spot pedestrians and cyclists, and keep an eye out for oncoming traffic when turning left.  New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Redesign

Separate from the pre-collision system that works with the adaptive cruise is the a “Proactive Driving Assist” that utilizes the forward-facing camera and radar to provide subtle braking and steering assistance to maintain safe speeds heading into curves or to help keep a safe distance from preceding traffic. The braking was fairly obtrusive during testing, often feeling like the aggressive regenerative braking of a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV). The same issue was noticed in the all-new Toyota Crown, too.

New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Price and Release Date

The New 2026 Grand Highlander Limited is well-equipped and smartly laid out for family-hauling duties, and feels like a good value at its $57,690 suggested retail price. Meanwhile, the XLE represents the entry point to the Grand Highlander lineup and starts at a little more than $50,000.

Still, Toyota faces very strong competition in this segment with the similarly-equipped Honda Pilot EX-L and Kia Telluride SX squeaking in just below the Grand Highlander Limited, but each offering smoother V6 engines. There’s also the new Mazda CX-90 that relies on a powerful inline six-cylinder and carries a price tag that’s cheaper than this Toyota’s.  New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Redesign