2026 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
Trim Levels for Toyota Highlander SUVs at a Glance
- Toyota Highlander XLE: Starting the Toyota Highlander trim levels, 2026 XLE variants offer gas or hybrid power, standard AWD, heated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, SofTex upholstery, Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, and wireless phone charging.
- Toyota Highlander XSE: A more athletic take, with a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and an aggressive front end with a black mesh grille and lower spoiler; the XSE is the only iteration without available hybrid power.
- Toyota Highlander Limited: Dual 12.3-inch displays, an 11-speaker JBL® premium audio system, leather seating, front-seat heating and ventilation, and heater power mirrors join the Limited model.
- Toyota Highlander Platinum: At the top of the range, the Platinum is the best Highlander trim for those who appreciate the finer things in life, such as a panoramic glass roof, a Panoramic View Monitor, and a 10-inch Head-Up Display.
Welcome to our introduction of the Toyota Highlander trim levels for 2026. The current lineup offers a range of options, including gas-only or hybrid performance, seating for seven or eight, and standard all-wheel drive. Join DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring as we compare trim levels for Toyota Highlander SUVs.
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels Comparison Chart
| 2025 Toyota Highlander XLE | 2025 Toyota Highlander XSE | 2025 Toyota Highlander Limited | 2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum | |
| Powertrain | Gas or hybrid | Gas | Gas or hybrid | Gas or hybrid |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 | 7 | 7 or 8 | 7 |
| Seat Material | SofTex | SofTex | Leather | Leather |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 20 in | 20 in | 20 in |
| Safety Suite | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ |
| Ambient interior lighting | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Touchscreen Size | 8 in | 8 in | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Speakers | 6 | 6 | 11 | 11 |
Explore the Specs and Features of the Toyota Highlander Trims
With four versions to choose from, three of which have available hybrid power, the trim levels on Toyota Highlander SUVs can be tailored to your driving preferences. Plus, with standard all-wheel drive for the new model year, you'll have the capability to handle your next family camping adventure, ski trip, or back-road trek.
All four variants come standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that churns out 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, meaning you'll have plenty of acceleration power when it's time to merge. Alternatively, XLE, Limited, and Platinum iterations can be had with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and rear-mounted electric motor, providing a slightly lower 243 horsepower but improved fuel economy. All gas Toyota Highlander trim levels can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while hybrid models top out at 3,500 pounds.
Looking beyond performance, the new Toyota Highlander comes with a host of modern features, beginning with the entry-level XLE. An 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ is part of the standard feature list, though you'll find a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display and other advanced tech, like a Head-Up Display, as you move through the ranks.
As for comfort and convenience, heated front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support are included with every model, while front-seat ventilation and a panoramic glass roof are available at higher tiers.
Additionally, all new Toyota Highlander trim packages provide Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes advanced driver aids like these:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Finally, included trial periods for Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect let you monitor and control certain aspects of your vehicle directly from your smartphone.
Comparing the 2026 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels to Last Year's Model
Unlike the current selection of Toyota Highlander trim levels, 2025 included standard front- or available all-wheel drive. The previous model year also had one additional trim level – the LE – which was dropped to give three-row SUV shoppers more premium appointments right from the get-go. In a 2025 vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander trim comparison, that means you can now get standard SofTex upholstery, wireless device charging, a power tilt/slide moonroof, and heated front seats – none of which were standard for 2025.
Compare the Highlander and Its Trims to Other SUVs
Do you want to see how the 2026 Toyota Highlander trims stack up against some of this SUV's closest competitors? Review performance, interior space, safety features, and more with our model comparisons below. The three-row SUV segment is crowded these days, but we think Toyota Highlander models rise above the rest in several ways. We even have research comparing the Highlander with other well-appointed Toyota SUVs, so you can decide which one suits your family.
- Toyota Highlander vs. Kia Telluride
- Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot
- Toyota Sequoia vs. Highlander
- Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Highlander
Browse our new Toyota inventory to learn all about this automaker's 2026 stable.
Meet the Trims of the Toyota Highlander at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring
If you happen to be in our area, we invite you to stop by DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring and experience everything the 2026 Toyota Highlander trim levels have on tap. We'll hand you a set of test-drive keys and let you take this seven- or eight-seat three-row SUV out for a spin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Toyota Highlander trim levels?
Currently, there are four Toyota Highlander trim levels. 2026 Highlander options are:
- 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE
- 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE
- 2026 Toyota Highlander XSE
- 2026 Toyota Highlander Limited
- 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited
- 2026 Toyota Highlander Platinum
- 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum
Compare Toyota Highlander models and find the best option for your lifestyle at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring.
Is a Highlander Limited better than a Highlander XLE?
Whether or not the Highlander Limited is better than the Highlander XLE will depend on your personal preferences and goals. The entry-level XLE gives you premium appointments at an exceptional value, while the Limited iteration leans more into luxurious amenities for an even more refined cabin experience.
What is the highest package on the Toyota Highlander?
The highest of the Highlander packages for 2026 are the Toyota Highlander Platinum gas and hybrid variants. These top-spec models offer many upscale touches, including a panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with natural light. They also come with a Panoramic View Monitor and a 10-inch color Head-Up Display.
Toyota Highlander Owner Reviews & Testimonials:
Kevin Mejia
03/20/2026
I am expanding my family, so I needed to purchase a bigger, reliable family vehicle. Carlos met all my needs in purchasing my new Toyota Highlander. It is the perfect addition to our family. I’m very satisfied with my purchase and customer service. Carlos was very friendly and made the experience go smoothly. Jose in finance was very helpful as well. If I ever need another vehicle in the future, I will definitely be coming back and recommending them to my family and friends.