Toyota Highlander

Model Overview

The Highlander serves as GAC Toyota's core D-segment SUV. Since its local assembly debut in 2009, it has long been regarded as the benchmark in the domestic mid-size SUV segment, thanks to its generous cabin space, bulletproof reliability, and well-balanced all-round performance. On 23 September 2025, the 2026 Toyota Highlander officially went on sale. The updated line-up comprises 9 variants with two powertrain options: 2.0T petrol and 2.5L petrol-electric hybrid. Official retail prices range from RM249,800 to RM325,800, alongside an introductory promotional price starting from RM219,800. As an annual model year update, the 2026 Highlander receives notable enhancements in intelligent tech and interior refinement, taking on key rivals such as the Ford Edge L, Honda Avancier, and its sister model, the Crown Kluger.

Design Language

Styling-wise, the 2026 Highlander largely retains the familiar silhouette of the outgoing model. Up front, it features a black trapezoidal grille flanked by chrome trim accents beside the badge. LED headlamps with auto on/off and adaptive high beam functions come standard across the range, complemented by LED front fog lamps integrated into the lower bumper. The side profile exhibits clean, muscular character lines, where flared wheel arches paired with 20-inch alloy wheels on higher-spec grades give it a commanding stance. At the rear, it adopts a broad, understated design without a full-width light bar, opting instead for sleek, distinctive tail lamp clusters with high visual recognition. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,965 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, and 1,750 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. The 2026 model year introduces a new Cyber Gold paint finish, alongside Attitude Black, Platinum White Pearl, Blueprint, and Celestial Silver.

Cabin and Features

Inside, the 2026 Highlander benefits from a significant cabin overhaul, sporting revised styling on the dashboard and air-con vents. Buyers can choose from Ivory White, Starry Black, and a newly added Galaxy Brown interior theme. A 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch floating infotainment touchscreen are fitted as standard across the entire range. Under the skin, the infotainment unit is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8155P automotive chip, delivering vastly smoother UI responsiveness than before. It supports Apple CarPlay, HUAWEI HiCar 5.0, and ICCOA Carlink smartphone mirroring, packed with intelligent voice commands, online GPS navigation, streaming entertainment, smart home integration, and OTA firmware updates. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and leatherette upholstery are now standard across the board, providing a marked step up in perceived quality even on base trims.

Powertrain Performance

The 2026 Highlander continues to offer 2.0T petrol and 2.5L hybrid powertrains. The 2.0T petrol variant is powered by an S20A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine churning out 182 kW (248 PS) and 380 Nm of peak torque, paired with an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and standard on-demand AWD. It returns a WLTC rated combined fuel consumption of 8.74 L/100 km. The 2.5L hybrid variant pairs a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with electric motors to produce a combined system output of 181 kW. The petrol unit on its own produces 139 kW and 236 Nm; front-wheel-drive (FWD) models run a 134 kW front motor, while all-wheel-drive (AWD) models gain an additional 40 kW motor on the rear axle. Power is managed via an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.82 L/100 km for the FWD version and 5.97 L/100 km for the AWD version. Capable of running on RON 92 petrol, it can save approximately RM3,000 in annual fuel expenses compared to equivalent pure-petrol SUVs based on an annual mileage of 15,000 km.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinned by the TNGA-K platform, the 2026 Highlander features a suspension setup comprising front MacPherson struts and a rear E-type multi-link suspension, with the rear adopting a three-lateral and one-trailing arm geometry. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Benefiting from TNGA's inherently low centre of gravity, the chassis feels noticeably more planted than its predecessor, soaking up bumps cleanly and decisively. The suspension tuning remains comfort-oriented, competently filtering out road surface imperfections, while NVH suppression has seen considerable improvement over the previous generation. Petrol models feature on-demand AWD as standard, whereas the hybrid's E-Four electronic AWD system delivers surefooted traction over wet and slippery tarmac.

Cabin and Features

Comfort features on the 2026 Highlander have been substantially upgraded. Acoustic laminated noise-reduction glass for the windscreen and first- and second-row side windows, alongside rear privacy glass, are standard across the range. A 50W Qi wireless smartphone charger and a 540-degree transparent chassis camera view have been newly added. High-spec variants gain an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system and 64-colour ambient lighting. Both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations are available. The first two rows offer generous legroom and headroom, while the third row is best suited for children or short trips. Flagship trims feature power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, alongside heated second-row seats with sliding and reclining adjustments. Mid-to-high spec grades also add NAPPA leather upholstery, a Head-Up Display (HUD), and a 360-degree surround-view monitor.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

On the safety front, all 2026 Highlander models come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite, which bundles Pre-Collision System (PCS) with pedestrian detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Automatic High Beam (AHB). Selected top-spec variants upgrade to TSS 3.0 Pro, which introduces blind-corner pedestrian/cyclist cross-traffic mitigation and Driver Monitoring System (DMS). Passive safety is bolstered by 7 SRS airbags as standard, encompassing dual front, front side, full-length curtain, and a driver's knee airbag, all housed within Toyota's high-rigidity Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) safety cell. In terms of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), Level 2 semi-autonomous driving is standard across the board, providing Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Centring Control, alongside Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC).

Market Performance and Assessment

The Highlander has historically dominated sales charts in the domestic mid-size SUV segment. Full-year sales in 2025 reached 77,227 units; between January and July 2025, cumulative sales recorded 41,902 units, marking a 46.88% year-on-year decline, before dipping to 1,176 units in February 2026. Meanwhile, combined 2025 annual deliveries for the broader "Highlander family" (including the Crown Kluger) were projected to surpass 130,000 units.

Motoring media reviews highlight that by fitting the 15.6-inch display, Snapdragon 8155 chip, acoustic glass, and a leather steering wheel as standard across the range, the 2026 Highlander has effectively rectified the outgoing model's shortcomings in in-car tech and perceived cabin quality. The aggressive promotional pricing strategy also lowers the barrier to entry. Its core strengths continue to be exceptional hybrid fuel efficiency, practical and flexible packaging, proven long-term durability, and strong residual values. However, with fierce competition from new energy vehicles (NEVs) and value-packed domestic alternatives, the Highlander's market share remains under immense pressure. As an enduring icon in the Chinese SUV landscape, the Highlander now faces the twin challenges of product reinvention and shifting market dynamics.