Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$45,737–$59,024
Fuel Economy36 MPG
Seating8 passengers
CategorySUV
Est. Annual Fuel$1,458/yr
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander scores 8.0/10 at Carivo, ranking #180 of 2454 suvs, with 3 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $1,458/year fuel cost.
Scored by Carivo·Updated: October 23, 2026·How we score →
Key Specifications — 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Seating Capacity
8 passengers
Body Style
SUV
Base Price
$45,737–$59,024
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Our scoring places the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander at 8.0/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.7/10, while Performance at 7.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.6/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.7/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.1/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.0/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $45,737–$59,024, 36 MPG, seating 8, the Toyota Grand Highlander sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Our take: The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander ranks #180 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 93% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $45,737 starting price is about 27% above the segment's median of $36,079.
5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Fuel (75,000 miles)
~$7,290 ($1,458/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs
$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Grand Highlander Year Should You Buy?
Across the Grand Highlander model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Strong fuel economy at 36 MPG, keeping running costs low
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander (3 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Back over prevention / Display function 30/10/2025 · 25V744000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error…
Power train / Axle assembly 08/07/2026 · 26V437000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Lexus TX Plug-In Hybrid, TX Hybrid, TX, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Grand Highlander vehicles. The rear axle carriers may have been manufactured with insufficient material…
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Lexus TX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX350, RX500 Hybrid, TX500 Hybrid, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front steering…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander reliable?
We rate the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander's reliability 8.6/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander worth buying?
It scores 8.0/10 overall, ranking #180 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 93% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander cost?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander starts at $45,737 and ranges up to $59,024 across trims (MSRP when new). At 36 MPG, expect roughly $1,458/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Grand Highlander years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 3 Grand Highlander model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.0/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander have?
The documented issues for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Back over prevention, Power train, Steering (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Toyota Grand Highlander
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