2026 Toyota Highlander in Myrtle Beach, SC
2026 Toyota Highlander in Myrtle Beach
The 2026 Toyota Highlander brings power, flexibility, and premium design together in a way few three-row SUVs can match. With a 2.4-liter turbo engine, standard All-Wheel Drive on every trim, and one of the most spacious and refined interiors in its class, this Highlander is ready for whatever’s next. Whether you’re running errands in Myrtle Beach or planning a road trip with the whole crew, the Highlander delivers the comfort, capability, and tech to make it effortless.
This year’s lineup features four gas trims – XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum – and each one is loaded with performance upgrades, safety innovations, and family-friendly convenience features. From its bold exterior design to the smart cabin layout and advanced Toyota Safety Sense tech, the 2026 Highlander stands tall among competitors like the Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Telluride, GMC Acadia, and Nissan Pathfinder.
Highlander Trim Breakdown
XLE
- SofTex® Heated Seats and Power Driver’s Seat
- 8-inch Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay®
- Power Liftgate, Roof Rails, LED Headlights
- Tri-Zone Climate Control and Second-Row Sunshades
- Smart Key with Push-Button Start and Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
XSE (Adds or Replaces)
- Sport-Tuned Suspension and Sport Styling Accents
- 20-inch Alloy Wheels and LED Fog Lights
- Mesh Grille with Gloss Black Trim
- Chrome Dual Exhaust Tips
- Unique Interior Stitching and Trim Accents
Limited
- Leather-Trimmed Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- JBL® Premium Audio with Navigation
- 12.3-inch Multimedia Display and Digital Gauge Cluster
- Front And Rear Parking Assist with Auto Braking
- Satin Chrome Exterior Trim
Platinum (Adds or Replaces)
- Panoramic Glass Roof with Power Sunshade
- Head-Up Display and Digital Rearview Mirror
- Heated Second-Row Seats and Power Folding Mirrors
- Adaptive Front Lighting System with Auto-Leveling LED Headlights
- 20-inch Alloy Wheels with Platinum Finish
Designed for Life: Interior Glance
With seating for up to eight and tons of thoughtful storage options, the 2026 Highlander cabin is equal parts spacious and smart. Whether you choose bench seats or second-row captain’s chairs, there’s room for everyone and everything. High-quality materials, quiet ride dynamics, and premium standard features create a refined atmosphere that feels a step above.
Behind the third row, you’ll find 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a max of 84.3 cubic feet with all rear seats down. Passenger volume reaches 141.8 cubic feet, making the Highlander one of the most comfortable vehicles in the segment.
Interior Features to Know
- Heated Front Seats with SofTex® or Leather Trim
- Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof or Panoramic Glass Roof with Sunshade
- 10-Way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Lumbar Support
- Available Ventilated Front Seats and Heated Rear Seats
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Rear Air Vents
Additional comforts include second-row fold-down armrests, sliding and reclining seatbacks, optional sunshades, front and rear USB-C ports, wireless smartphone charging, illuminated cupholders, dual sun visors, ambient interior lighting, auto-dimming mirrors, and configurable seatback storage.
Interior measurements include 42.0 inches of front legroom, 38.7 inches in the second row, and 27.7 inches in the third. The Highlander also offers up to 39.9 inches of headroom in the front row and 37.1 inches in the second row.
Exterior Details and Styling
The 2026 Highlander is ready to turn heads in Myrtle Beach thanks to a striking front-end design, expressive grille shapes, LED lighting, and your choice of bold wheel options. Whether you go sporty with the XSE or luxurious with the Platinum, this SUV makes a confident first impression.
LED projector headlights with Daytime Running Lights are standard, and higher trims bring in adaptive front lighting, LED fog lights, and unique bumper treatments. From the gloss-black grille on the XSE to the satin chrome surround on Limited and Platinum, there’s a style for all tastes.
Exterior Features That Stand Out
- Standard 20-inch Alloy Wheels on XSE, Limited, and Platinum Trims
- LED Headlights, Taillights, and Fog Lamps
- Power Liftgate with Jam Protection and Optional Hands-Free Access
- Rain-Sensing Wipers and Windshield Wiper De-Icer
- Gloss-Black and Chrome Exterior Accents Based on Trim
Exterior color options include Celestial Silver, Magnetic Gray, Midnight Black, Ruby Flare, Blueprint, and Wind Chill Pearl. Other available features include heated outside mirrors with puddle lights, power-folding side mirrors, rear spoilers, and sound-insulating windshield and front door glass.
A Powertrain That Works Hard
The gas-powered 2026 Highlander runs on a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, pushing out 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provides a perfect balance of efficiency and strength, helping you handle both city driving and passing on the highway with confidence.
Every trim now comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, and the Highlander boasts a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. With EPA-estimated* 21 MPG city / 28 MPG highway, you get the kind of fuel economy families and commuters alike appreciate.
Gas Performance Features Worth Mentioning
- 2.4-liter Turbocharged Engine with 265 Horsepower
- 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sequential Shift Mode
- Standard All-Wheel Drive with Multi-Terrain Select
- 5,000-Pound Towing Capacity with Trailer Sway Control
- Drive Mode Select (Sport, Eco, Normal) Across All Trims
The suspension setup includes a MacPherson strut front system and multi-link rear configuration, and the XSE trim features a specially tuned sport suspension. An electric power steering system and active cornering assist help with everyday agility and handling.
Smart Tech Specs You Can Actually Use
The Highlander’s tech suite puts everything you need at your fingertips. The Toyota Audio Multimedia System includes an 8-inch display on XLE and XSE trims, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen standard on Limited and Platinum. Both screens are wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatible, and voice control is better than ever with the “Hey Toyota” assistant.
Optional tech like the 11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio System, Head-Up Display, and Digital Rearview Mirror transform how you interact with your vehicle, and over-the-air updates ensure your systems stay current.
Top Highlander Technology Features
- Toyota Audio Multimedia System With 8- or 12.3-inch Screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility
- Available JBL® Premium Audio with Clari-Fi® Technology
- Qi-Compatible Wireless Charging with LED Indicator
Additional options include Remote Connect via smartphone or smartwatch, cloud-based navigation, Intelligent Assistant voice commands, USB-C charging, Safety Connect®, Service Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Bluetooth® streaming with dual device pairing.
Safety Where it Counts
Toyota continues to raise the bar with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, standard on every 2026 Highlander. This suite includes driver-focused features like Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is also standard, and Limited and Platinum trims add Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, a 360-Degree Camera System, and Rear Pedestrian Detection.
Standard and Available Safety Equipment
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist
- Panoramic View Monitor with Overhead 360-Degree Camera
Also included: eight airbags, Smart Stop Technology®, Star Safety System (with ABS, VSC, and Brake Assist), Trailer Sway Control, Hill Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and a Tire Pressure Monitor with individual readouts.
Test Drive the 2026 Toyota Highlander at Sparks Toyota
If you're shopping for a comfortable SUV that packs efficiency, cargo flexibility, premium features, and standard AWD into one good-looking package, the 2026 Toyota Highlander delivers. From family road trips to school drop-offs, it’s built for your real life.
Explore More Options in Myrtle Beach
Want even better fuel economy? Ask us about the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, also available at Sparks Toyota alongside hundreds of other Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs. Contact us today to schedule your test drive or learn more about current special offers.
*All fuel economy mpg listings in the content above are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary.
*Bluetooth® word mark 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.