2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Specs
If you're researching 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander specs, you're likely wondering about its power, efficiency, and real-world capability. The Grand Highlander answers those questions with three distinct powertrains, multiple drivetrain options, and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.1 In this guide, Tom Wood Toyota details the key specs behind this versatile three-row SUV.
Toyota Grand Highlander Specs at a Glance
- Powertrain choices: Gas, Hybrid, and Hybrid MAX
- Drivetrain options: FWD, on-demand AWD, and full-time AWD
- Maximum towing capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds1
- Seating capacity: Seven or eight passengers
- Cargo space: Up to 97.5 cubic feet
- Peak fuel efficiency: Up to 37/34/36 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 with a Hybrid FWD configuration
Toyota Grand Highlander Exterior Design
A three-row SUV doesn't have to be boxy or look aggressive, as proven by the new Toyota Grand Highlander. Sleek, flowing lines and an aerodynamic profile give it a modern vibe, while various wheel sizes complement its performance. At 201.4 inches long and riding on a 116.1-inch wheelbase, the exterior Toyota Grand Highlander dimensions reflect the spacious nature of the cabin.
Drivetrain Specs and Customization
Before we get into discussing the power and performance of the Grand Highlander, let's first look into the drivetrain. This system determines how your vehicle feels and handles during everyday situations, from highway merges to slippery roads. This SUV has three powertrains, each with unique specs and features.
The gas-powered new Toyota Grand Highlander engine is available with both front-wheel drive and a dynamic torque-control all-wheel-drive system. FWD prioritizes efficiency for daily driving, while AWD adds extra traction when conditions get unpredictable.
The base Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid comes with electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, which uses an independent electric motor to provide rear-wheel power only when needed for efficiency. The Hybrid MAX features full-time electronic all-wheel-drive, which continuously powers all four wheels to enhance stability and responsive performance.
Drive modes vary by model. Gas variants include Sport, Eco, Normal, and Snow modes. Hybrid models can choose Sport, Eco, Normal, EV, and sometimes Trail modes, depending on the trim. The Hybrid MAX configurations include Multi-Terrain Select with MUD & SAND, ROCK & DIRT, and NORMAL modes. These modes allow the Grand Highlander to adapt to different driving conditions with the turn of a dial.
Power and Performance: Engine Specs of the Toyota Grand Highlander SUV
As you might expect, the Grand Highlander specs are different for each powertrain configuration. Each powertrain is designed with a slightly different balance of efficiency, capability, and performance. Let's take a look:
- Gas: 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque
- Hybrid: 2.4-liter four-cylinder Hybrid engine with 245 net combined horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque
- Hybrid MAX: 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged Hybrid MAX engine with 362 net combined horsepower and 400 net combined pound-feet of torque
This wide range of options allows you to prioritize fuel economy, balanced performance, or stronger acceleration depending on your needs.
Towing and Payload Capacities for the Grand Highlander Lineup
Towing and payload capacities are all thanks to the engine and drivetrain configurations. If you plan to tow a small camper, boat, trailer, or ATV, this spec is likely one you want to know!
The Toyota Grand Highlander towing capacity is rated at up to 5,000 pounds1 with Gas and Hybrid MAX models. The standard Hybrid model is rated for up to 3,500 pounds.1
Regarding the Toyota Grand Highlander payload capacity, the manufacturer does not publish a single, universal figure due to variables in trim and equipment. However, you can calculate this number yourself by subtracting the vehicle's curb weight from its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). With dozens of configurations and weights, this lineup undoubtedly offers dozens of payload capacities. Instead of listing them all here, we recommend contacting our experts at Tom Wood Toyota to learn more about a specific model, as many may have upgrades that add more weight.
Toyota Grand Highlander MPG Ratings
Here are the in-depth MPG estimates for all three powertrain options of the new Grand Highlander SUV.
- Gas FWD (LE/XLE/Limited: 21/28/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
- Gas AWD (LE/XLE): 21/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
- Gas AWD (Limited/Platinum): 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
- Hybrid FWD (XLE): 37/34/36 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
- Hybrid AWD (LE/XLE/Limited/Nightshade): 36/32/34 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
- Hybrid MAX AWD (Limited/Platinum): 26/27/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
Gas-powered variants offer solid efficiency for a three-row SUV with plenty of power on tap, while the standard Hybrid lineup dramatically boosts fuel efficiency for drivers who spend a lot of time commuting, running errands, or shuttling the family around town. The Hybrid MAX option balances strong performance with respectable efficiency, proving you don't have to sacrifice power to stretch a gas tank further.
Do Different Trims Have Different Specs?
Yes, different trim levels of the Toyota Grand Highlander have different specs, but they don't affect the performance of the vehicle in the way that you might think. The main differences in specs among models in this lineup are curb weights, GVWR, drivetrain, and engine options.
Here are the trim levels along with their power and drivetrain options:
| Drivetrain | Powertrain | |
|---|---|---|
| LE | FWD or AWD | Gas |
| XLE | FWD or AWD | Gas |
| Limited | FWD or AWD | Gas |
| Platinum | AWD | Gas |
| Hybrid LE | AWD | Hybrid |
| Hybrid XLE | FWD or AWD | Hybrid |
| Hybrid Limited | AWD | Hybrid |
| Hybrid Nightshade | AWD | Hybrid |
| Hybrid MAX Limited | AWD | Hybrid MAX |
| Hybrid MAX Platinum | AWD | Hybrid MAX |
Beyond the raw numbers, the Grand Highlander is built for comfort and long-term reliability. Plus, depending on the trim, the Toyota Grand Highlander seating capacity is either seven or eight, with the ability to stow up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo.
See the Grand Highlander in Person at Tom Wood Toyota
Whether you prioritize maximum fuel efficiency for city commuting or robust towing power for weekend adventures, the 2026 Grand Highlander is ready to adapt to your family's evolving lifestyle and daily demands. Ready to see how these Toyota Grand Highlander specs translate to real-world capability? Visit Tom Wood Toyota to explore available models, compare powertrain options, and take a test drive.
1Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. (Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.) Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
