2026 Toyota Highlander at Thornhill Toyota
Discover the 2026 Toyota Highlander at Thornhill Toyota
Roomy, capable, and well-equipped for anything from soccer practice to road trips, the 2026 Toyota Highlander is back and better than ever at Thornhill Toyota in Chapmanville, WV. With its spacious three-row interior, a turbocharged engine, and confident handling, this midsize SUV is a go-to for families who want versatility without compromise.
Available in four gas-only trims – XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum – the 2026 Toyota Highlander offers standout value compared to rivals like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse, and Nissan Pathfinder. While the larger Toyota Grand Highlander focuses on maximum passenger space, the Highlander hits the sweet spot for families who want flexibility without the full-size feel. Compared to other Toyota SUVs like the RAV4, 4Runner, or Sienna, the Highlander slots in with balanced size, performance, and comfort.
Interior Comfort that Goes the Distance
Inside the 2026 Highlander, you’ll find a spacious, upscale cabin with seating for up to eight passengers, depending on your configuration. Second-row bench seats are available on the XLE and Limited trims, while all others come standard with second-row captain’s chairs for easier third-row access.
The Highlander’s interior comfort and thoughtful features shine for families. You get available heated and ventilated front seats, second-row sunshades, and three-zone automatic climate control to keep everyone happy on long rides. There’s LATCH hardware on the outboard second-row seats and tether anchors for both the second and third rows, making this SUV a smart pick for car seat installation.
Cargo capacity also makes a strong case for Highlander ownership. With all seats down, you get a generous 84.3 cubic feet of space. Behind the second row, you’ll have 48.4 cubic feet for gear, and 16 cubic feet behind the third row for day-to-day errands.
Interior Highlights:
- Leather-Trimmed or SofTex® Seats (Based on Trim)
- 14 Cup/Bottle Holders
- Leather-Trimmed Shift Knob and Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel
- 10-Way Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Eight-Way Power-Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
Exterior Styling that Stands Out
From family road trips to weekend sports, the 2026 Highlander brings bold design cues with aerodynamic body lines and detailed finishes. Depending on your trim, you’ll get 18- or 20-inch wheels and one of several unique grille designs. The Platinum trim stands out with silver-finished front and rear bumpers and a panoramic glass roof, while the XSE adds a sportier touch with dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets and black mesh grille accents.
Every 2026 Highlander comes with LED lighting front and rear, while higher trims add features like adaptive front-lighting with auto-leveling and rain-sensing windshield wipers. A hands-free power liftgate and Smart Key access on all four doors come standard across all models.
Available Exterior Colors:
- Midnight Black Metallic
- Wind Chill Pearl
- Ruby Flare Pearl
- Blueprint
- Heavy Metal
The Highlander’s versatile style makes it a natural fit in the Toyota SUV family, bridging the gap between the compact RAV4 and the rugged 4Runner.
Performance: Turbocharged and Ready for the Road
All 2026 Toyota Highlander gas models are powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth gear changes and confident acceleration, whether you’re merging onto I-64 or tackling mountain roads.
All-wheel drive is standard on the XLE, while the XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims come with Toyota’s advanced Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive. This system adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear wheels as needed for traction and includes Multi-Terrain Select for light off-road adventures.
Towing capacity for all gas-powered Highlanders comes in at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is more than enough for a small camper or boat.
Manufacturer-estimated fuel economy comes in at 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined with AWD models.
Technology that Keeps You Connected
Whether you're running errands in Chapmanville or heading toward Charleston, the Highlander keeps everyone connected and entertained. The standard 8.0-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system includes wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and upper trims upgrade to a larger 12.3-inch display with an available JBL® 11-speaker premium audio system.
A standard 7-inch MID or available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster gives you instant access to speed, navigation, AWD torque distribution, and more. Cloud Navigation with Intelligent Assistant is available via Drive Connect, allowing you to say “Hey Toyota” and get hands-free directions or info.
Technology Features:
- Five USB Ports + Two 12V Outlets
- Wi-Fi Connect with AT&T Hotspot
- Digital Rearview Mirror (Platinum)
- Bluetooth® Hands-Free Functions
- 10-inch Color Head Up Display
Connected Services like Remote Connect, Service Connect, and Safety Connect come with free trial periods and make it easier to manage your vehicle from the Toyota app.
Safety Features You Can Count On
Toyota’s commitment to safety is front and center in the 2026 Highlander, which includes the full Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ suite across all trims. This package brings essential driver assistance features to help you stay alert, avoid collisions, and manage traffic stress with ease.
For families, seatbelt reminders in all rows are a huge plus. The Highlander also comes equipped with eight airbags and child-protector rear door locks.
Key Safety Features:
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
- Panoramic View Monitor (Optional or Standard on Upper Trims)
The Highlander also includes a standard backup camera (dynamic or projected path depending on trim), anti-theft system, and Hill Start Assist Control.
See the 2026 Toyota Highlander at Thornhill Toyota in Chapmanville, WV
If you're looking for a midsize SUV that blends versatility, comfort, and performance, the 2026 Toyota Highlander delivers on all fronts. Whether you're carpooling across town or heading out for the weekend, the Highlander is ready for your next move. Stop by Thornhill Toyota in Chapmanville, WV, today to explore trims, compare features, and test drive your favorite model.
*Bluetooth® word marks and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Toyota is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage, and carrier.
Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.
*All fuel economy mpg listings in the content above are manufacturer estimates. Actual mileage will vary.