2026 Toyota Highlander Xu70 Redesign
Vehicle Overview
The 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 redesign is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and refinement. It boasts a bold and modern exterior design, featuring a sleek and aerodynamic profile. The spacious interior has been meticulously crafted with premium materials and advanced technology, offering a comfortable and luxurious driving experience. The Highlander XU70 is targeted at families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a versatile and capable SUV. It represents a significant upgrade from previous models, with a host of new features and enhancements that cater to the evolving needs of today’s drivers.
Exterior Design
The exterior of the Highlander XU70 exudes a commanding presence. The front fascia features a wide grille flanked by sleek LED headlights, giving it a distinctive and aggressive appearance. The sculpted hood and sharp body lines accentuate its athletic stance. The rear of the vehicle features a full-width taillight design, enhancing its visual appeal.
Interior Design
The cabin of the Highlander XU70 is a sanctuary of comfort and functionality. The spacious interior provides ample legroom and headroom for all occupants. The dashboard features a user-friendly layout with a large touchscreen infotainment system and intuitive controls. The seats are upholstered in premium leather and offer adjustable lumbar support for optimal comfort on long journeys.
Powertrain and Performance
The Highlander XU70 offers a choice of powertrains, including a fuel-efficient hybrid system and a powerful V6 engine. The hybrid system combines a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering impressive fuel economy and reduced emissions. The V6 engine provides ample power and torque for effortless acceleration and towing capabilities.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority in the Highlander XU70. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The vehicle also features a reinforced body structure and airbags throughout the cabin to ensure maximum protection in the event of a collision.
Technology and Connectivity
The Highlander XU70 is at the forefront of automotive technology. The large touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. The vehicle also offers a premium sound system, a wireless charging pad, and a host of other connectivity features to enhance the driving experience.
Performance and Engine
The 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 boasts a robust powertrain that delivers exceptional performance and fuel efficiency. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine generates an impressive 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for both daily commutes and adventurous off-roading.
Fuel Efficiency and Emissions
Toyota engineers have prioritized fuel efficiency in the XU70, implementing a range of advanced technologies. The engine features Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which optimizes valve timing to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, the Highlander XU70 is equipped with a stop-start system that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill, further enhancing fuel economy.
Power and Performance
The 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers responsive acceleration and ample passing power. The XU70 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs in its class. The transmission is smooth and precise, ensuring seamless gear changes and optimal performance in all driving conditions.
Comparison to Competitors
Compared to its competitors, the 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 offers a competitive balance of power and fuel efficiency. It outperforms the Honda Pilot in terms of horsepower and torque, while achieving comparable fuel economy. The XU70 also boasts a more refined and responsive driving experience than the Nissan Pathfinder.
Interior and Technology
The 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 boasts a redesigned interior that combines comfort, convenience, and advanced technology. Here’s an overview of its key features:
| Seating and Comfort | Cargo Space | Infotainment System | Driver-Assist Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| – Spacious seating for up to 8 passengers – Heated and ventilated front seats – Panoramic moonroof |
– Ample cargo capacity of 16.1 cubic feet – Power liftgate for easy access |
– 12.3-inch touchscreen display – Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration – Premium audio system |
– Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite – Adaptive cruise control – Lane departure alert |
The interior of the Highlander XU70 is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient driving experience. The spacious seating allows for ample legroom and headroom for all passengers, and the heated and ventilated front seats ensure comfort during extreme temperatures. The panoramic moonroof creates an airy and open atmosphere, while the power liftgate makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze.
The infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive, featuring a large 12.3-inch touchscreen display. It integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to access their favorite apps and services while on the go. The premium audio system delivers crystal-clear sound, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Safety is a top priority in the Highlander XU70. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of driver-assist features provides peace of mind on the road. Adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance from other vehicles, while lane departure alert warns drivers if they unintentionally drift out of their lane. These features work together to enhance driver awareness and reduce the risk of accidents.
Overall, the interior and technology of the 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 are designed to provide a comfortable, convenient, and safe driving experience for all passengers.
Exterior Design
The 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 features a bold and aggressive exterior design that combines elements of ruggedness and sophistication. Inspired by the rugged terrain and natural beauty of the American West, the XU70’s exterior embodies a spirit of adventure and exploration.
Materials, Colors, and Finishes
The Highlander XU70’s exterior is constructed from high-strength steel and aluminum, providing both durability and lightweight efficiency. The vehicle’s body panels are adorned with a variety of materials and finishes, including chrome accents, matte black trim, and glossy paint options. The color palette ranges from classic shades like Midnight Black Metallic and Lunar Rock to vibrant hues like Ruby Flare Pearl and Supersonic Red.
Safety Features
The 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to protect drivers and passengers. These systems work together to provide peace of mind and enhance overall safety on the road.
The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system is standard on all Highlander models and includes a range of features that assist with collision avoidance, lane keeping, and driver alertness. These features include:
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
This system uses a camera and radar to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians. If a collision is imminent, the system will alert the driver and apply the brakes automatically if necessary.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
This system monitors lane markings and alerts the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane. It can also provide gentle steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane.
Automatic High Beams
This system automatically switches between high and low beams based on traffic conditions, ensuring optimal visibility while reducing glare for oncoming drivers.
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
This system maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic. It can also adjust the vehicle’s speed to match the flow of traffic.
Road Sign Assist
This system uses a camera to recognize traffic signs and displays them on the instrument panel, helping drivers stay informed about speed limits and other important road information.
In addition to the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system, the Highlander XU70 also offers a range of other safety features, including:
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
This system uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and alerts them with a visual and audible warning. When reversing, the system can also detect vehicles approaching from the sides and alert the driver.
Parking Assist with Automatic Braking
This system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles around the vehicle and can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent while parking.
Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
This system uses radar sensors to detect vehicles approaching from the sides when reversing and can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent.
These advanced safety features work together to provide a comprehensive level of protection for drivers and passengers of the 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70. They help to reduce the risk of collisions, improve driver awareness, and provide peace of mind on every journey.
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 is expected to be priced competitively within its segment. Pricing details will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch date, but industry experts estimate a starting price in the mid-$30,000 range.
The Highlander XU70 will be offered in a variety of trim levels, including the base LE, mid-level XLE, sporty XSE, and luxurious Limited. A hybrid version of the Highlander is also expected to be available, offering improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, Toyota may offer special editions or packages with unique features and styling.
The availability of the 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 is anticipated in the second half of 2025. Toyota has yet to announce the exact release date, but it is likely to coincide with the 2026 model year.
The pricing and availability of the 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 will play a crucial role in its market success. The competitive pricing is expected to make the Highlander an attractive option for buyers looking for a reliable and versatile SUV. The availability of a hybrid version and various trim levels will cater to a wide range of customer needs and preferences. The timely release of the Highlander XU70 in the second half of 2025 will ensure that it is available to meet the demand of buyers seeking a new SUV in the upcoming model year.
Answers to Common Questions
What sets the 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 apart from its predecessors?
The XU70 boasts a comprehensive redesign, featuring a more aerodynamic exterior, an upgraded powertrain for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency, and a host of advanced safety and technology features.
What are the key interior highlights of the XU70?
The XU70’s interior is a haven of comfort and convenience, featuring a spacious cabin with ample seating for up to eight passengers, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies.
How does the XU70 compare to competitors in terms of performance?
The XU70’s advanced powertrain delivers exceptional performance, offering a balance of power and efficiency that surpasses many competitors in its class.
What safety features are available on the XU70?
The XU70 is equipped with Toyota’s latest suite of advanced safety features, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, providing drivers with peace of mind.
When can we expect the XU70 to be available?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 is anticipated to arrive in dealerships in the second half of 2025.
