Did the 2026 Highlander’s starting price catch your attention?
The Toyota Highlander is one of the market’s most popular family-friendly, three-row, mid-size SUVs. For the 2026 production year, Toyota has eliminated the Highlander’s entry-level LE trim, increasing the model’s starting price from $40,320 to $45,270, with the XLE becoming the base trim. This simplifies the lineup, positions the SUV in a new portion of the market, and makes all-wheel drive (AWD) standard. However, despite prices for other 2026 Highlander trims mirroring last year’s costs, the model’s starting MSRP increase of nearly $5,000 will make shoppers think twice before committing. Learn more about how the 2026 Highlander XLE compares to the 2025 Highlander LE and if there are better, less-expensive competing options.
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2025 Highlander LE vs 2026 Highlander XLE: feature breakdown
Besides a transition from front-wheel drive (FWD) to AWD, the 2026 Highlander XLE features standard 20-inch black alloy wheels. In contrast, the 2025 Highlander LE gets smaller 18-inch painted alloy wheels. Those willing to spend an extra $4,950 on the 2026 Highlander XLE also receive a power tilt/slide moonroof with a sunshade and one-touch open and close operation, SofTex-trimmed (synthetic leather) heated front seats, and a wireless charging pad — all of which you won’t find in the 2025 Highlander LE. When it comes to rear cargo access, the 2026 Highlander XLE eases item loading and unloading with a hands-free power liftgate, whereas its LE counterpart has a power liftgate without hands-free functionality.
Additional upgrades you’ll receive with the 2026 Highlander XLE include a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and an 8-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror reducing headlight glare from trailing vehicles, and second-row sunshades. The 2025 Highlander LE’s front driver seat has an 8-way power adjustment, and the front passenger receives a 4-way manual adjustment. While the 2025 Highlander LE and 2026 Highlander XLE both come standard with an 8-inch central infotainment touchscreen, XLE drivers have the option of upgrading the display’s size to 12.3 inches. You’ll find all of the standard Toyota Safety Suite features of the 2026 Highlander XLE in the 2025 Highlander LE, but spending extra on the 2026 Highlander XLE gives you downhill assist control, which helps maintain a stable, slow speed down steep inclines.
Toyota
Are there any 2026 Highlander XLE competitors with better value propositions?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander’s five primary three-row, mid-size SUV competitors are the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, and Ford Explorer. All five of these rivals have lower starting prices than the 2026 Highlander’s base MSRP, with the 2025 Kia Telluride offering the most affordable entry-level cost at $36,390.
Opting for the entry-level 2025 Telluride gives you features that differentiate the 2026 Highlander XLE from the 2025 Highlander LE, such as synthetic leather upholstery. The base Telluride also provides a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which is an optional upgrade on the 2026 Highlander XLE, along with a 265-horsepower engine that produces 26 more horsepower than its Toyota rival. Those prioritizing a hybrid mid-size three-row SUV without spending $47,020 on a hybrid 2026 Highlander XLE can save over $8,000 on an entry-level 2026 Mazda CX-90 that starts at $38,800.
Toyota
Final thoughts
While the 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE helps justify its higher pricing with features like standard AWD, synthetic leather upholstery instead of fabric-trimmed seats, and larger wheels, other options on the market, such as the Kia Telluride, offer better value in many ways. Despite rivals like the Telluride not featuring standard AWD in its entry-level trim, you can equip the model with optional AWD and still save thousands over a 2026 Highlander XLE. Be sure to test drive the 2026 Highlander and other key competitors before committing to one.
About the author
Cody Carlson
Contributing Writer, Autoblog