Buying guide · Chicago Northside Toyota
2026 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
For 2026 the Highlander lineup starts at XLE and runs through Platinum, with hybrid versions of three of the four trims and all-wheel drive on all of them. There is no base LE this year; the Grand Highlander covers that end. Here is each trim, what it costs and what it adds, from Toyota's published specifications.
Quick answer
The 2026 Highlander comes as XLE ($46,270), XSE ($48,340), Limited ($50,725) and Platinum ($53,925), plus Hybrid XLE ($48,020), Hybrid Limited ($52,475) and Hybrid Platinum ($55,675). Every one is all-wheel drive. Gas trims use a 265-hp 2.4-liter turbo with an 8-speed automatic, rated 24 mpg combined and 5,000 lb of towing; hybrids pair a 2.5-liter with electric motors for 243 hp, 35 mpg and 3,500 lb. XLE and Hybrid XLE have SofTex seats and an 8-inch screen; XSE adds sport styling and the 12.3-inch digital cluster; Limited adds leather, the 12.3-inch touchscreen and JBL audio; Platinum adds the panoramic roof, head-up display, 360-degree camera and 20-inch wheels.
2026 Highlander trims at a glance
| Trim | Base MSRP | Powertrain | EPA mpg | Seats | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLE | $46,270 | 2.4L turbo, 265 hp | 21/28/24 | 7 (8 optional) | SofTex heated seats, 8-in. screen, moonroof, power liftgate, roof rails |
| Hybrid XLE | $48,020 | 2.5L hybrid, 243 hp | 35/35/35 | 7 (8 optional) | XLE equipment with the hybrid system |
| XSE | $48,340 | 2.4L turbo, 265 hp | 21/28/24 | 7 | Sport suspension and styling, 20-in. wheels, 12.3-in. digital cluster, ambient lighting |
| Limited | $50,725 | 2.4L turbo, 265 hp | 21/28/24 | 7 (8 optional) | Leather, ventilated front seats, 12.3-in. touchscreen, 11-speaker JBL, 120V outlet |
| Hybrid Limited | $52,475 | 2.5L hybrid, 243 hp | 35/34/35 | 7 | Limited equipment; two 120V outlets (1500W) |
| Platinum | $53,925 | 2.4L turbo, 265 hp | 21/28/24 | 7 | Panoramic roof, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, 360 camera, heated second row |
| Hybrid Platinum | $55,675 | 2.5L hybrid, 243 hp | 35/34/35 | 7 | Platinum equipment with the hybrid system |
Base MSRP from toyota.com in October 2026, excluding delivery fees. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, three-zone climate control and a wireless charger are standard on every trim.
Gas or hybrid
2.4L turbo (XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum)
265 hp and 310 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic. Tows 5,000 lb with trailer-sway control standard. 24 mpg combined on a 17.9-gallon tank.
2.5L hybrid (Hybrid XLE, Limited, Platinum)
243 hp net with an electric motor driving the rear wheels. 35 mpg combined, which is roughly 11 mpg better, for $1,750 more at each trim. Towing drops to 3,500 lb.
The break-even
At 12,000 miles a year and the gas and hybrid ratings above, the hybrid uses about 160 fewer gallons a year. Most buyers who keep the SUV four years or more come out ahead, before any difference in resale.
What each trim adds
- XLE and Hybrid XLE: the volume trims. SofTex seats heated in front with a 10-way power driver's seat, second-row captain's chairs (bench optional), 8-inch touchscreen, 7-inch driver display, moonroof, power liftgate, 18-inch wheels.
- XSE: the gas-only sport trim. Firmer suspension, 20-inch wheels, a unique front fascia and twin exhaust tips, the 12.3-inch digital cluster, ambient lighting and SofTex sport seats. JBL audio is optional here. Seven seats only.
- Limited and Hybrid Limited: leather seats heated and ventilated in front, the 12.3-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker JBL, wood-look trim, a cargo cover, puddle lamps and 20-inch wheels. Gas Limited gets one 120-volt outlet; Hybrid Limited gets two sharing 1500 watts.
- Platinum and Hybrid Platinum: panoramic moonroof, 10-inch head-up display, digital rearview mirror, Panoramic View Monitor, heated second-row seats, rain-sensing wipers, illuminated sills and a different 20-inch wheel. This is the only trim that heats the second row.
Highlander or Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander is about 6 inches longer, seats up to eight with a third row adults can use, and its lineup starts lower (LE, from $42,560 with front-wheel drive) and tops out higher (Hybrid MAX Platinum, 362 hp). If the third row is for car seats and occasional carpool runs, the Highlander is lighter, a little more efficient and easier to park in a city garage. If a teenager rides in row three every day, drive the Grand Highlander first. See the Highlander interior in detail.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 2026 Toyota Highlander trim levels?
XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum, plus Hybrid XLE, Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Platinum. All seven are all-wheel drive.
Is there a 2026 Highlander LE?
No. The 2026 Highlander lineup starts at XLE; the Grand Highlander offers an LE trim.
How much does the 2026 Highlander cost?
Base MSRP runs from $46,270 for the XLE to $55,675 for the Hybrid Platinum (toyota.com, October 2026, before delivery fees).
How much can the 2026 Highlander tow?
5,000 lb with the 2.4-liter turbo gas engine and 3,500 lb with the hybrid, per Toyota.
What is the difference between Highlander Limited and Platinum?
Platinum adds the panoramic moonroof, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, 360-degree camera, heated second-row seats and rain-sensing wipers to the Limited's leather, 12.3-inch screen and JBL audio.
Find the right Highlander at Chicago Northside Toyota
We stock gas and hybrid Highlanders at every trim. Tell us whether you tow and how many car seats you carry and we will point you at two.
Sources
Trim content, base MSRP, output, towing and EPA-estimated mpg are Toyota's published 2026 Highlander specifications, checked on October 20, 2026. The fuel-cost comparison is arithmetic on those ratings, not a measured result.
- 2026 Toyota Highlander full specifications, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. (toyota.com)
- 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander full specifications, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. (toyota.com)
- 2026 Toyota Highlander photo gallery (interior and exterior images and captions), Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
