Toyota Highlander trim levels explained

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The 2026 Toyota Highlander comes in four gas grades (XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum) with a 265-hp 2.4L turbo and three hybrid grades (XLE, Limited, Platinum) rated at 243 hp. All-wheel drive is now standard. Toyota.com lists prices from $46,270 for the gas XLE to $55,675 for the Hybrid Platinum, excluding DPH.

Current Highlander trim levels: Fourth generation (2020–present)

The fourth-generation Highlander launched for 2020 from $34,600 with a 295-hp V6 and a 243-hp hybrid; the V6 later gave way to a 265-hp 2.4L turbo four. For 2026 Toyota made AWD standard and simplified the lineup to four gas and three hybrid grades. Prices are Toyota.com 2026 starting MSRPs, excluding DPH.[1][2][3]

Toyota Highlander Fourth generation (2020–present) trims in ladder order with 2026 model-year base MSRP (USD), engines and key standard equipment
TrimBase MSRP (2026, USD)EnginesKey standard equipment
XLE$46,270excl. Dealer Processing and Handling (DPH); Toyota's Sep 2025 release quoted $45,270
  • 2.4L turbo I4 (265 hp, 310 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic
  • Mechanical AWD that can send up to 50% of torque rearward
  • 5,000-lb towing capacity
  • Optional second-row bench for eight seats
[2][1]
XSE$48,340excl. Dealer Processing and Handling (DPH)
  • 2.4L turbo I4 (265 hp, 310 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic
  • Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Drive Mode Select
  • All-black 20-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension
  • Black SofTex seats and ambient lighting; hands-free liftgate
[2][1]
Limited$50,725excl. Dealer Processing and Handling (DPH)
  • 2.4L turbo I4 (265 hp, 310 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic
  • Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD
  • Leather-trimmed seating available by grade
  • Optional second-row bench for eight seats
[2][1]
Platinum$53,925excl. Dealer Processing and Handling (DPH)
  • 2.4L turbo I4 (265 hp, 310 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic
  • Top gas grade with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD
  • Exclusive glazed caramel interior color available
  • 5,000-lb towing capacity
[2][1]
Hybrid XLE$48,020excl. Dealer Processing and Handling (DPH); Toyota's Sep 2025 release quoted $47,020
  • 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid, AWD (243 net hp)
  • Manufacturer-estimated 35 mpg combined
  • SofTex front and second-row seats; 8-inch touchscreen
  • Hands-free power liftgate and Qi charger
  • Up to 3,500-lb towing
[2][1]
Hybrid Limited$52,475excl. Dealer Processing and Handling (DPH)
  • 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid, AWD (243 net hp)
  • Leather seats; heated/ventilated front seats with memory
  • 12.3-inch touchscreen and 11-speaker JBL audio
  • 20-inch wheels; Predictive Efficient Drive
[2][1]
Hybrid Platinum$55,675excl. Dealer Processing and Handling (DPH)
  • 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid, AWD (243 net hp)
  • Heated second-row captain's chairs
  • Panoramic glass moonroof and 10-inch Head-Up Display
  • Panoramic View Monitor and adaptive LED headlights
[2][1]

MSRP excludes destination unless noted. "—" means we could not confirm the price from a Toyota pricing source.

Previous Highlander trim levels: Third generation (2014–2019)

The third-generation Highlander was refreshed for 2017 with a 295-hp direct-injection 3.5L V6 and an 8-speed automatic, a new SE grade, and a 306-hp V6 hybrid offered in four grades. Prices below are Toyota's 2017 MSRPs, which ranged from $30,630 (LE four-cylinder 2WD) to $47,880 (Limited Platinum Hybrid).[4]

Toyota Highlander Third generation (2014–2019) trims in ladder order with 2017 model-year base MSRP (USD), engines and key standard equipment
TrimBase MSRP (2017, USD)EnginesKey standard equipment
LE$30,630excl. DPH; four-cylinder 2WD; LE V6 2WD $32,680, AWD $34,140
  • Four-cylinder (2WD only)
  • 3.5L V6 (295 hp, 263 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic
  • Only grade offered with the four-cylinder
  • Toyota Safety Sense P standard
  • Backup camera standard
[4]
LE Plus$35,060excl. DPH; 2WD V6 (AWD $36,520)
  • 3.5L V6 (295 hp, 263 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic
  • Silver-painted grille finish
  • Stop and Start Engine System on V6
[4]
XLE$38,520excl. DPH; 2WD (AWD $39,980)
  • 3.5L V6 (295 hp, 263 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic
  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert standard
  • Blu-ray rear-seat entertainment available
[4]
SE$39,690excl. DPH; new for 2017; 2WD (AWD $41,150)
  • 3.5L V6 (295 hp, 263 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic
  • New sporty grade for 2017
  • Blu-ray rear-seat entertainment available
[4]
Limited$41,680excl. DPH; 2WD (AWD $43,140)
  • 3.5L V6 (295 hp, 263 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic
  • Chrome grille finish and rear bumper garnish
  • Bench second row newly available for eight seats
[4]
Limited Platinum$44,800excl. DPH; 2WD (AWD $46,260)
  • 3.5L V6 (295 hp, 263 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic
  • Top gas grade
  • New brown leather interior option
[4]
LE Hybrid$36,270excl. DPH; AWD standard; new for 2017
  • 3.5L V6 hybrid, AWD (306 total system hp)
  • EPA-estimated 30/28/29 mpg
  • Electronic On-Demand AWD-i with rear electric motor
[4]
XLE Hybrid$41,330excl. DPH; AWD standard; new for 2017
  • 3.5L V6 hybrid, AWD (306 total system hp)
  • XLE equipment with hybrid AWD
[4]
Limited Hybrid$44,760excl. DPH; $3,110 less than 2016
  • 3.5L V6 hybrid, AWD (306 total system hp)
  • Price cut for 2017 while adding equipment
[4]
Limited Platinum Hybrid$47,880excl. DPH; $2,605 less than 2016
  • 3.5L V6 hybrid, AWD (306 total system hp)
  • Top Highlander for 2017
[4]

MSRP excludes destination unless noted. "—" means we could not confirm the price from a Toyota pricing source.

Related Highlander research

See which trim and packages a Highlander was built with.

Trim names on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Toyota build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Toyota build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the 2026 Highlander trim levels?

Gas: XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum, all with a 265-hp 2.4L turbo four. Hybrid: XLE, Limited and Platinum with 243 net hp. Every 2026 Highlander has all-wheel drive.

Is AWD standard on the 2026 Highlander?

Yes. The gas XLE uses a mechanical AWD system; the XSE, Limited and Platinum use Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD; every hybrid uses Electronic On-Demand AWD.

How much does the 2026 Highlander cost?

Toyota.com lists the gas XLE at $46,270 and the Hybrid Platinum at $55,675, before DPH. Toyota's September 2025 launch release quoted $45,270 (gas XLE) and $47,020 (Hybrid XLE).

How much can the Highlander tow?

Toyota rates every 2026 gas Highlander at 5,000 pounds and every hybrid at up to 3,500 pounds.

Does the Highlander still have a V6?

No. The 295-hp 3.5L V6 used in the 2017–2019 third generation and the 2020 fourth generation has been replaced by a 265-hp, 310 lb-ft 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder.

Sources

Prices and equipment are as published by Toyota for the model year shown; trim content changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2026 Toyota Highlander Gets Standard All Wheel Drive Across the Lineup (Sep 5, 2025) — Toyota USA Newsroom (pressroom.toyota.com)
  2. 2026 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid grades and starting MSRPs (toyota.com, accessed Nov 5, 2026) — Toyota Motor North America (toyota.com)
  3. Toyota's Fourth Generation 2020 Highlander Redesigned from the Ground Up (Dec 18, 2019) — Toyota USA Newsroom (pressroom.toyota.com)
  4. 2017 Highlander with More Power, More Safety and More Model Choices Adds up to More Value Pricing (Jan 3, 2017) — Toyota USA Newsroom (pressroom.toyota.com)

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