2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a chiseled, battle-ready SUV that has officially declared war on mediocre commutes. As your premier Toyota headquarters at Smart Toyota—located in Davenport and serving the heart of the Quad Cities from the bluffs of the Hamburg District to the rapidly growing neighborhoods of Bettendorf—we know that Iowa winters and Illinois traffic demand a machine with real backbone. For 2026, the Highlander has leveled up, making All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard across the entire gas lineup. Whether you’re hauling the crew to the TBK Bank Sports Complex or navigating a slushy morning on I-74 toward Moline and Rock Island, this is the three-row fortress built to rule the Midwest landscape.

Interior

Step inside the 2026 Highlander and you’ll find a high-tech command center designed to conquer the daily grind. The cabin offers versatile seating for seven or eight passengers, with available heated and ventilated front seats that are absolute essentials for the Davenport climate. The dash is anchored by a standard 8-inch or a massive, available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, providing a seamless digital landscape for your navigation and media. For those who demand more edge, the XSE trim offers a gut-punch of style with a two-tone red and black leather-trimmed interior. With standard tri-zone automatic climate control and a Qi wireless charging pad, this sanctuary keeps your crew comfortable and connected from Eldridge to East Moline.

Exterior

The 2026 Highlander commands the road with broad, aggressive lines and a predatory front end that refuses to blend in. The chiseled profile is highlighted by standard LED projector headlights and a bold grille that projects pure authority. Every line is functional, from the available power-folding side mirrors to the standard hands-free power liftgate that makes loading gear at the Freight House Farmers' Market a breeze. For a more athletic stance, the XSE model sits lower with a sport-tuned suspension and 20-inch wheels, while the Limited and Platinum trims feature premium alloy wheels that look just as good parked in McClellan Heights as they do cruising the Great River Road.

Performance

Under the hood, the 2026 Highlander packs a formidable 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, unleashing 265 horsepower and a massive 310 lb-ft of torque. This isn't just about speed; it’s about the raw muscle needed to tow up to 5,000 pounds with total confidence. New for 2026, every gas model now features standard AWD, with higher trims utilizing Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD to automatically route power to the wheels that need it most. With Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), you can switch between Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Snow modes, ensuring you have total authority over the Iowa pavement regardless of what the clouds decide to drop on Davenport.

Safety Features

A true warrior always watches its six. Every 2026 Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™, a digital fortress of protection built for the unpredictable nature of the Quad Cities roads. This suite includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Tracing Assist to take the stress out of heavy bridge traffic. Higher grades add Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, giving you a fighter-pilot’s view of your surroundings. It’s high-tech armor for your family, providing the security you need to push the limits safely on any Iowa or Illinois highway.

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the rugged, high-performance SUV the Quad Cities have been waiting for. Visit Smart Toyota in Davenport to feel the 310 lb-ft of turbocharged torque for yourself. Get pre qualified for our latest financing incentives today, or contact us to secure your test drive and experience the evolution of the Highlander legend.