2026 Toyota Highlander Performance

While the 2026 Toyota Highlander is considered a family-friendly SUV, it does not skimp on performance. This model’s specs provide what you need while behind the wheel, whether driving a short distance to a grocery store in Tampa or gearing up for a weekend road trip outside Port Richey. 

2026 Toyota Highlander Performance Specs

Driving a Toyota Highlander around Lakeland means enjoying a powerful engine with impressive horsepower and torque numbers. Check out its performance specs below: 

• Engine: 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged DOHC, D-4S injection, Atkinson-cycle capable
• Horsepower: 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 310 lb-feet @ 1,700–3,600 rpm
• Transmission: Direct Shift 8AT, 8-speed electronically controlled automatic
• Drivetrain: XLE AWD; XSE, Limited, Platinum with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.9 gallons
• GVWR: 5,970 pounds

How Much Can The Toyota Highlander Tow?

The Toyota Highlander towing capacity allows you to haul a wide variety of trailers and recreational vehicles in Brandon and beyond. The max towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which you can utilize for any of the following: 

• Teardrop trailers
• ATVs
• Kayaks 
• Skiffs
• Small fishing boats
• Small pontoon boats
• Motorcycles
• Pop-up campers
• Small cargo trailers
• And so much more! 

How Efficient Is The 2026 Toyota Highlander?

Driving in Port Richey and the surrounding areas does not have to tax your wallet. The Toyota Highlander mpg ratings are impressive, providing maximum capability coupled with efficiency: 

• Fuel Economy (manufacturer-estimated): AWD 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined miles per gallon

Performance Features

This family-friendly SUV includes performance features that make every drive an extra-engaging experience. Here is a sampling: 

• All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• Direct Shift-8AT 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission (ECT)
• Independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar; trailing-wishbone suspension
• Sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar; trailing-wishbone suspension
• Drive Mode Select (DMS) with Sport, Eco, Normal, EV, and Trail Modes
• Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) with MUD & SAND, ROCK & DIRT, and NORMAL modes

The 2026 Toyota Highlander backs up its family-friendly reputation with a powertrain and feature set that keep the driving experience engaging. With 265 hp under the hood, a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, and available Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, this SUV is equipped to handle daily commutes and weekend adventures with equal confidence.