Which 2026 Toyota Highlander Trim Level is Right for You?
Shop the 2026 Highlander at Bill Penney Toyota of Jasper
Stop by Bill Penney Toyota of Jasper in Jasper, AL, near Birmingham and Cullman, to check out the 2026 Toyota Highlander. Our friendly team will help you compare features, performance, and value so you can choose the perfect Highlander for your lifestyle. Visit us today to find the ideal fit for your family’s needs.
2026 Highlander Trim Levels: Which is Right for You?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander lineup offers four gas trims (XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum) and three hybrid trims (XLE, Limited, Platinum), all with standard all-wheel drive—no FWD options anymore.
- XLE: the base model, yet still packed with features like SofTex® upholstery, heated front seats, power liftgate, and a user-friendly multimedia system.
- XSE: a sport-focused model with 20-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, sporty styling, and ambient lighting for drivers who want a sharper look and feel.
- Limited: moves into more comfort and convenience—leather seating, improved cabin materials, and more tech for families who want premium amenities.
- Platinum: the top trim with premium touches—advanced safety and driver-assistance features, upscale interior, larger touchscreen, and luxury extras, ideal for buyers seeking maximum comfort and tech.
Because each trim balances performance, comfort, fuel economy, and cost differently, choosing the trim that matches your lifestyle—whether you favor efficiency, family comfort, sporty driving, or luxury—is key to getting the most from your Highlander.
2026 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels Overview
For 2026, the Toyota Highlander is offered in four gas trims (XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum) and three hybrid trims (XLE Hybrid, Limited Hybrid, Platinum Hybrid). All trims now come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).
Inside, the Highlander continues to offer three-row seating and is capable of seating up to eight (with a bench in the second row) or seven (with captain’s chairs, depending on trim and configuration).
XLE (Gas or Hybrid)—Balanced, Practical, Everyday SUV
- Gas XLE with 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder engine, 265 hp / 310 lb-ft torque, towing capacity up to 5,000 lbs.
- Standard features include SofTex-trimmed heated front seats, 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™, 5 USB ports, power-adjustable driver seat, hands-free power liftgate, and second-row sunshades.
- Hybrid XLE boosts fuel efficiency without sacrificing seating, cargo space (up to 84.3 cu ft with rows folded), and AWD capability.
Best For: Practical family SUV with good fuel economy, reasonable comfort, and modern tech for daily commuting, errands, and family outings.
XSE (Gas only)—Sporty Feel for Drivers Who Want Some Edge
- Builds on XLE with sport-tuned suspension, 20" all-black wheels, mesh grille, lower spoiler, black roof rails & mirror caps, rocker-panel accents, and a more aggressive front fascia.
- Interior includes SofTex seating, ambient lighting, sporty-influenced trim, and an 8-inch touchscreen (optional upgrade to 12.3-inch).
Best For: Drivers who want a sportier look and dynamic driving feel. More style and fun than premium luxury.
Limited—Comfort, Convenience, and Mid-Level Luxury
- Available in gas or hybrid, with leather-trimmed seating, heated/ventilated front seats, power adjustable driver seat with memory, hands-free liftgate, 12.3-inch touchscreen, and 11-speaker JBL® premium audio.
- Additional touches include larger digital instrument cluster (on some trims) and refined interior materials.
Best For: Families or individuals seeking a comfortable, refined ride that balances practicality, space, and higher comfort for longer trips or commuting.
Platinum (Gas or Hybrid)—Fully Loaded for Maximum Comfort
- Top-of-the-line trim with 20-inch alloy wheels, panoramic glass moonroof with power tilt/slide, 12.3-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker JBL audio, leather-trimmed heated/ventilated front seats, power-folding mirrors, and more.
- Hybrid Platinum includes heated second-row captain’s chairs, panoramic roof, 10-inch Head-Up Display, digital rearview mirror with HomeLink, panoramic view monitor, and adaptive LED headlamps.
Best For: Drivers or families who desire a luxury-SUV feel with maximum comfort, convenience, and advanced tech for long trips or frequent passengers.
Which Highlander Trim Is Right for You?
- XLE (gas or hybrid): balanced, efficient SUV for daily driving or family use.
- XSE (gas): sporty looks and dynamic driving over luxury.
- Limited: elevated comfort and quality without top-tier price.
- Platinum (gas or hybrid): full Highlander experience with luxury, convenience, and tech.
Which Highlander Trims Are Best for Drivers in Jasper, AL?
For drivers in Jasper, AL searching for a one-SUV solution for daily errands, family trips, and weekend adventures, the 2026 Toyota Highlander delivers near-ideal balance. With AWD standard across every trim, it offers confident handling on rural back roads, steep grades, or wet conditions.
Inside, three-row seating and up to eight-passenger capacity make it perfect for growing families or carpooling. Whether you choose the fuel-efficient hybrid (up to 35 MPG combined) or turbocharged gas motor, you get a blend of efficiency, power, and versatility.
Tech- and comfort-minded drivers will appreciate the updated cabin with touchscreen infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, tri-zone climate control, optional leather seating, and panoramic moonroof. Advanced driver-assist features from Toyota Safety Sense® 2.5+ come standard.
In short, the 2026 Highlander offers a balanced package of AWD capability, flexible seating, efficiency, comfort, and modern features, making it perfect for drivers in Jasper.
Where Can I Test-Drive the 2026 Highlander in Jasper, AL?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander SUV offers trims from value-focused XLE to luxurious Platinum and sporty XSE, meaning there’s a Highlander to match every type of driver. Visit Bill Penney Toyota of Jasper in Jasper, AL to explore trims, compare features, and take a test-drive to find the Highlander that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
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