carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $40,154–$51,113 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2026 Toyota Highlander at 8.1/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, 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 8.9/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.9/10 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. Tech rates a reasonable 7.7/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $40,154–$51,113, 24 MPG, seating 7, the Toyota Highlander sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.8/10 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 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 →
The 2026 Toyota Highlander ranks #84 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 97% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.7 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $40,154 starting price is about 11% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the 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.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $40,154 | |
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $40,154 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $38,985 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.0/10 | $37,815 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.0/10 | $36,645 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.9/10 | $35,476 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.9/10 | $34,306 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.8/10 | $33,137 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.8/10 | $31,967 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.7/10 | $30,798 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.7/10 | $29,628 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.6/10 | $28,459 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.