2026 Toyota Highlander Xu70 Release Date

Vehicle Overview

The 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 is the latest iteration of Toyota’s popular three-row SUV. It boasts a bold and rugged exterior design, a spacious and versatile interior, and an array of advanced technology features.

The Highlander XU70 is targeted towards families and adventure enthusiasts who seek a vehicle that combines comfort, capability, and style. It is positioned in the midsize SUV segment and competes with models such as the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade.

Exterior Design

The Highlander XU70 features a muscular and aggressive exterior design. Its front fascia is dominated by a large grille with a honeycomb mesh pattern and flanked by sleek LED headlights. The SUV rides on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, with larger 20-inch wheels available as an option. The rear of the vehicle features a pair of LED taillights connected by a light bar, as well as a roof spoiler and a skid plate for added ruggedness.

Interior Design

The interior of the Highlander XU70 is designed to be both spacious and comfortable. The cabin offers seating for up to eight passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in all three rows. The dashboard features a clean and modern design, with a large touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage. The SUV comes standard with a variety of amenities, including heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Powertrain

The Highlander XU70 is powered by a choice of two powertrains. The base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The optional powertrain is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and is available with all-wheel drive only.

Safety Features

The Highlander XU70 comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The SUV also offers a variety of advanced safety features as options, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system.

Release Date and Availability

The official release date of the 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 is highly anticipated, and the vehicle is expected to hit dealerships in the United States in the fall of 2025. The specific release date may vary slightly depending on the region and market, but Toyota aims to make the Highlander XU70 widely available to customers worldwide.

Pre-Order and Reservation Options

Toyota offers pre-order and reservation options for the 2026 Highlander XU70, allowing customers to secure their place in line for the highly anticipated SUV. Interested buyers can visit Toyota’s official website or contact their local Toyota dealership for more information on pre-ordering or reserving the Highlander XU70.

User Reviews and Feedback

The 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 has received generally positive reviews from automotive experts, journalists, and consumers. Here’s a summary of their feedback and key themes:

Positive Reviews

• Spacious and comfortable interior: Many reviewers praise the XU70’s roomy cabin, comfortable seats, and versatile seating arrangements.
• Improved fuel economy: The XU70’s updated powertrain is commended for delivering better fuel efficiency than its predecessor.
• Advanced safety features: The XU70’s suite of standard and available safety features, including lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control, is highly regarded.
• Off-road capability: The XU70’s available all-wheel drive system and terrain management system receive positive reviews for enhancing its off-road performance.

Areas for Improvement

• Dated interior design: Some reviewers note that the XU70’s interior design feels outdated compared to some competitors.
• Limited cargo space: While the XU70 has a spacious interior, its cargo space is smaller than some other SUVs in its class.
• Sluggish acceleration: The XU70’s base engine is criticized for providing lackluster acceleration, especially when fully loaded.
• Price: Some consumers express concerns that the XU70’s price is higher than some competitors, especially for higher trim levels.

Common Queries

When is the official release date of the 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70?

The official release date for the 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 is expected to be in the second half of 2025.

In which regions and markets will the 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 be available?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 is expected to be available in North America, Europe, and select markets in Asia.

What are the key differences between the 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 and previous Highlander models?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 features a redesigned exterior, an updated interior with enhanced technology and comfort features, and improved performance with a new hybrid powertrain option.

What is the expected fuel efficiency of the 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 is expected to have improved fuel efficiency compared to previous models, with an estimated combined fuel economy of around 30 mpg.

What are the key safety features of the 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander XU70 is expected to come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.