New & Used 2026 Toyota Highlander for Sale nearManito, IL

Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander a good car?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a comfortable, practical midsize SUV that leans more toward everyday usefulness than excitement. Toyota says all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup for 2026, and the Highlander’s core strengths remain a smooth ride, strong practicality, and a reputation for reliability and safety.

It also gives you a generous amount of cargo space, with up to 84.3 cubic feet available with the seats folded down, which helps explain why it remains a sensible family choice. You also get both gas and hybrid powertrains, plus standard equipment like an 8-inch touchscreen, USB inputs, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Toyota Safety Sense.

The tradeoff is that it still isn’t especially engaging to drive, and Toyota’s tech remains a hassle to use. Even so, if you want comfort, efficiency, and a well-rounded family SUV, the Highlander still makes a strong case for itself. With 33.3% of listings priced as good or great deals, the market offers a moderate amount of value.

Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander reliable?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander continues to lean on the same strengths that have long defined the nameplate: a reputation for reliability and safety, along with a practical, comfort-focused design. It is built to be a sensible family SUV rather than a flashy one, and Toyota’s standard safety and convenience equipment supports that mission.

You also get a straightforward powertrain lineup with gas and hybrid options, which gives you flexibility without making the vehicle feel overly complicated. For used buyers, that generally points to lower long-term ownership risk than you might expect from a larger, more feature-heavy SUV.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Toyota Highlander?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 95.3% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are comparing multiple listings. Focus on overall condition, maintenance records, and whether the SUV’s equipment and interior show signs of heavy family use.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Toyota Highlander?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have enough inventory to shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 813 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 95.3% of listings are accident-free.

Should I buy a 2026 Toyota Highlander or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 95.3% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

The bottom line: If you want the latest version of the Highlander’s comfort-first formula, the 2026 is the cleanest path. If you are more price-sensitive, a nearby model year may give you a lower entry point while still delivering the same basic family-friendly strengths.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.