Although Toyota has not released any official information about the 2026 Toyota Highlander, a recent digital sketch from the AutoYa Info channel on YouTube has quickly gained attention in the automotive enthusiast community.
The rendering simulates a completely new look for the 2026 Toyota Highlander with bold details, sparking excitement about a significant transformation for this popular SUV.
The fourth-generation Toyota Highlander (code XU70) has been around since 2019 and has only received minor tweaks over the years. Meanwhile, the larger and more modern Grand Highlander was officially introduced in 2023, bringing significant upgrades in design and technology. It is reasonable to speculate that Highlander will undergo a mid-cycle refresh to keep up with market trends and maintain its competitive appeal.
According to AutoYa Info’s sketch, the 2026 Highlander features a more modern exterior with sleek headlights, a two-tier grille, and a horizontal LED bar connecting the front lights, a design element previously seen on the Grand Highlander. The side air intakes and front bumper have been redesigned with a sportier look, giving the family SUV a more robust and youthful appearance.
At the rear, the taillights are expected to be connected by a central LED bar, a popular trend on new SUVs that creates a seamless and imposing look. This is considered one of the most identifiable potential changes if Toyota decides to update the exterior design in the upcoming model.
The interior is also predicted to undergo significant changes. Based on the sketch, the 2026 Toyota Highlander could feature a super-wide screen that integrates the digital instrument cluster and the central infotainment display, similar to the style favored in luxury electric vehicles like the Lexus RZ or Mercedes EQ. While physical climate control buttons are retained for convenience, this area will be rearranged for a neater and more modern appearance. Additionally, the traditional gear lever may be replaced by buttons or an electronic gear selector, freeing up space for the front seats and creating a more minimalist feel.
Even though it is an unofficial mockup, the rendering from AutoYa Info somewhat accurately reflects Toyota’s design direction, blending Highlander’s characteristic practicality with high-tech features and a sharper aesthetic.
With formidable competitors like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Mazda CX-90 continuously raising the bar, Highlander must offer more substantial upgrades to maintain its standing in the highly contested three-row mid-size SUV segment in the North American market. If Toyota materializes the changes from this CGI in the 2026 facelift, the Highlander is likely to remain one of the brand’s strategic pillars in the coming years.
With the rise of formidable rivals such as the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Mazda CX-90, Highlander needs to do more than minor tweaks to stay in the game. Should the 2026 facelift bring these CGI changes to life, this SUV is destined to be a standout in Toyota’s North American lineup.
TH (Tuoitrethudo)
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