Trims and Powertrains

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is offered in five trims: LE, XLE, Limited, Nightshade, and Platinum. The LE, XLE, and Limited use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with Toyota’s hybrid system to yield a combined 245 horsepower. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard except on the XLE, which comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) but is eligible for AWD as an option. Both drivetrains have an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). Toyota’s Hybrid MAX system is optional for the Limited and standard on the Platinum. It includes a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, raising total output to 362 horsepower, and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel economy for the Grand Highlander Hybrid with the base engine is 35 to 37 mpg in the city and 31 to 34 mpg on the highway, based on the trim/drivetrain combination. The Hybrid MAX version delivers 26 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. With the proper equipment, Grand Highlander Hybrids with the upgraded powertrain are able to tow up to 5,000 pounds; the standard powertrain is rated for 3,500 pounds. With all rear seats folded, cargo space totals 97.5 cubic feet, changing to 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 20.6 cubic feet behind the third.

Standard Features

The LE carries an extensive list of equipment, starting with seating for eight (although the second-row bench seat can be swapped with captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating). Its other highlights include fabric upholstery (first and second rows), wireless device charging, tri-zone automatic climate control with rear vents and second-row controls, a power liftgate, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, an eight-way power driver’s seat, LED exterior lighting, heated power side mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, roof rails, a 7-inch driver information display, an overhead console, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, rear privacy glass, seven USB-C ports, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Upgrades for the XLE include SofTex leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a ten-way power driver’s seat, an eight-way power front passenger seat, second-row sunshades, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a digital key. A power panoramic moonroof and a second-row bench seat are available.

Toyota adds more upscale amenities to the Limited: a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery (first and second rows), heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, a hands-free power liftgate, driver’s-side memory, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, LED fog lights, power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, ambient interior lighting, two 120-volt power outlets, roof rails, and 20-inch alloy wheels. When this trim is equipped with the Hybrid MAX engine, it also gets leather and Ultrasuede upholstery (first and second rows), paddle shifters, a dual-exhaust system, and unique interior and exterior accents. Buyers can order a power panoramic moonroof and a three-passenger bench seat for the second row (instead of the standard captain’s chairs).

The Nightshade edition is more or less the Limited with a dark appearance package. It accommodates seven passengers and stands out with exclusive black exterior detailing, matte-gray cabin accents, and black leather-trimmed seats. A power panoramic moonroof is optional. The Platinum sits at the top of the lineup with standard Hybrid MAX power, a power panoramic moonroof, leather and Ultrasuede upholstery (first and second rows), heated and ventilated second-row seats, a color head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a dual exhaust. Trim-specific exterior and interior accents complete its look.

Sophisticated Safety Technology

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard across the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid lineup. This suite of driver-assistance technologies consists of a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, Proactive Driving Assist (for added braking and steering support), traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also part of the package. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking are standard for the Limited, Nightshade, and Platinum. The Platinum also has traffic-jam assist. A surround-view monitor is standard on the Platinum and optional on the Limited and Nightshade. Additional protection comes from eight airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, hill-start assist, Smart Stop Technology (to reduce unintended acceleration), and a backup camera with dynamic guidelines.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid trims gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless smartphone integration (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system integrates access to Toyota Connected Services for cloud-based navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, emergency assistance, over-the-air updates, and remote vehicle access. Audio equipment varies by trim: the LE and XLE use a six-speaker setup, while the Limited, Nightshade, and Platinum move up to a JBL sound system with 11 speakers.