2026 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ANNOUNCED WITH PRICING

EV Channels Review

The 2026 Toyota Highlander faces significant scrutiny in this review, primarily due to its updated pricing and the introduction of standard all-wheel drive across all trims. While the AWD addition is a positive, the elimination of the base LE trim and a substantial price increase for the entry-level models make it less accessible. The reviewer strongly advises against purchasing the Highlander, highlighting that the Grand Highlander offers more space and diverse powertrain options for a similar or even lower price, particularly in its LE hybrid configuration. Competitors like the Nissan Pathfinder and Hyundai Santa Fe are presented as superior alternatives, offering better value, more features, and more engaging driving dynamics for less money. The review concludes that the Highlander's relevance is diminishing within Toyota's own lineup, overshadowed by the more popular Grand Highlander and Sienna, and questions its future, especially as an EV, given current market trends and the success of Korean EV offerings.