Trims and Powertrains

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid comes to you in five trim grades: LE, XLE, Limited, Nightshade, and Platinum. The LE, XLE, and Limited use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors within Toyota’s hybrid system for a combined 245 horsepower. Most versions come with all-wheel drive (AWD), although the XLE gets front-wheel drive (FWD) by default but offers AWD as an option. Both drivetrains have an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). A turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors form Toyota’s Hybrid MAX system, raising the total output to 362 horsepower. This configuration, which is optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters, and standard AWD.

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 trim and drivetrain. The Hybrid MAX version reaches 26 mpg city/27 mpg highway. When they’re properly equipped, Hybrid MAX variants can tow up to 5,000 pounds; the standard hybrid is rated for 3,500 pounds. With all rear seats folded down, the 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 (the second-row bench seat can be swapped with captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating). Other highlights of this base trim include fabric upholstery (first and second rows), wireless device charging, a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents and second-row controls, 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.

The XLE is upgraded with 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 optional at this level.

The Limited goes upscale with leather upholstery (first and second rows), heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row outboard seats, has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a hands-free power liftgate, a driver’s memory system, LED fog lights, power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, ambient cabin lighting, two 120-volt power outlets, roof rails, and 20-inch alloy wheels. When it’s equipped with the Hybrid MAX powertrain, the Limited is outfitted with leather and Ultrasuede upholstery (first and second rows), paddle shifters, a dual-exhaust system, and unique interior and exterior accents. The Limited’s options list includes a power panoramic moonroof and a three-passenger bench seat in the second row instead of the standard captain’s chairs.

Based on the Limited, the Nightshade edition accommodates seven passengers and stands out with exclusive black exterior detailing, matte-gray cabin accents, and black leather-trimmed seating. A power panoramic moonroof is optional. The Platinum sits at the top of the line 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, digital rearview mirror, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a dual-exhaust system. Trim-specific exterior and interior accents complete the trim’s flagship look.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard throughout the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid lineup. The 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 on the Limited, Nightshade, and Platinum; the Platinum also gets traffic-jam assist. A surround-view monitor is standard on the Platinum and optional on the Limited and Nightshade. Additional protection for each trim comes from eight airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, Smart Stop Technology (to reduce unintended acceleration), and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid trims come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless 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. The audio setup varies according to the trim: the LE and XLE use a six-speaker setup, while the Limited, Nightshade, and Platinum graduate to a premium 11-speaker JBL sound system.