If you're in the El Monte, CA area, the 2026 Toyota Highlander is on offer at a price between $46,270* and $55,675*. This midsize three-row SUV will accommodate seven or eight passengers, that is contingent on the trim. An all-wheel drive system is included as standard on each one. As for powertrain options there are two to pick from, a 265-hp turbo four or the 243-hp hybrid variant of the four which does 35 mpg combined. You can find it at Claremont Toyota, some 23 minutes out of El Monte on the 10 in Los Angeles County.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $46,270* to $55,675* |
| Powertrains | 2.4L Turbo gas, 2.5L Hybrid |
| EPA-estimated MPG | 24 combined (gas) to 35 combined (hybrid) |
| Seating | 7 or 8, depending on trim |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive, standard on every trim |
| Safety suite | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ |
| Horsepower | 265 hp (2.4L Turbo gas) / 243 hp (2.5L Hybrid) |
*MSRP excludes the manufacturer's destination and handling charge, which varies by model. It also excludes the $85 dealer doc fee, taxes, title, license and other applicable fees. Contact dealer for total price.
What is the Highlander?
The Highlander is a three row midsize SUV built to put up with a family and their belongings. The XLE, Hybrid XLE and Limited will accommodate eight without issue thanks to the bench in the second row. But if seven is what you are after, an XSE or Platinum (hybrid or otherwise) has captain's chairs there in lieu of a bench.
Powertrain options are two. There is the 2.4L turbo four for 265 hp of gas-powered acceleration and towing, and then the 2.5L hybrid four putting out 243 hp for a combined 35 mpg. The Hybrid XLE is EPA-rated at 35 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while the Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Platinum are rated at 35 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, so figures vary slightly by trim even though all land at 35 combined.
Starting in 2026 all-wheel drive is standard across the board for the gas models, where it was only optional on some of the lower trims until this point. Pricing for the XLE starts at $46,270* and goes as high as $55,675* for a top spec Hybrid Platinum. A comparison with a Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride is in order.
Driving the Highlander in El Monte
A weekend excursion to the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area from El Monte is an occasion to put the Highlander's cargo room through its paces. Tuck in the second and third rows and 84.3 cubic feet are yours, more than enough to stow a cooler, some folding chairs and your picnic things and you need not bother with the roof rack.
The errands at the El Monte Civic Center for permits or what have you. The Highlander is well suited to the confined parking lots you encounter there, its midsize build and AWD make it far less of a chore than a longer three-row SUV.
You may still want a dependable car at home when you head to El Monte Station to catch the bus into town. The Hybrid trims deliver a combined 35 mpg, which is economical for the school runs and daily chores, even in the stop-and-go traffic of El Monte. And if you have time for a midday trip to the El Monte Historical Museum by the civic center, or a Saturday workout at the pool and open fields of Zamora Park, the ride is short. Come back after a rain and the standard AWD means you won't give the ramp into the lot a second thought.
Getting to Claremont Toyota from El Monte
Claremont Toyota sits at 601 Auto Center Dr in Claremont, off the 10. The distance from El Monte is 19 miles. The drive takes roughly 23 minutes.
Highlander Pricing at a Glance
| Trim family | Starting MSRP | Powertrain |
|---|---|---|
| Gas trims (XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum) | $46,270* to $53,925* | 2.4L Turbo, 265 hp |
| Hybrid trims (Hybrid XLE, Hybrid Limited, Hybrid Platinum) | $48,020* to $55,675* | 2.5L Hybrid, 243 hp |
*MSRP excludes the manufacturer's destination and handling charge, which varies by model. It also excludes the $85 dealer doc fee, taxes, title, license and other applicable fees. Contact dealer for total price.
Every trim, gas or hybrid, comes standard with all-wheel drive for 2026.
Highlander Towing by Configuration
| Trim/config | Max Tow Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas: XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum | 5,000 lb | 2.4L turbocharged four, 265 hp, AWD standard |
| Hybrid: Hybrid XLE, Hybrid Limited, Hybrid Platinum | 3,500 lb | 2.5L hybrid four, 243 hp, AWD standard |
With the gas version of the Highlander, you can tow 5,000 lb. The Hybrid is good for 3,500 lb.
The Honda Pilot opens at $42,395*. Some of its more upmarket trims, namely the TrailSport and Touring (including the Blackout), the Elite and the Black Edition, can match the 5,000-lb capacity of the gas Highlander. The EX-L and Sport are in line with the Highlander Hybrid at 3,500 lb. But the Kia Telluride makes both look expensive, it is $39,190* to start and you get 5,000 lb of towing out of any trim.
Why Buy Your Highlander from Us
We invite you to review our new inventory and see the gas and hybrid Highlander trims in stock. You will find our dealership an easy drive from El Monte and throughout the San Gabriel Valley, being just off the 10 in Claremont.
For a valuation of your current vehicle should you wish to put it in trade, try our trade value tool. You can also put in an order for financing online in advance. When you come in we are here to put the differences between the gas and hybrid Highlander in perspective, allowing you to choose the one that fits your needs for towing or commuting. Then once the purchase is done, take a look at our service specials to help keep maintenance costs in check.
Toyota is recognized in Consumer Reports' 2026 Brand Report Card, which weighs a host of factors: road test results, reliability and owner satisfaction as well as safety. If mpg or towing capacity are among the considerations for your next vehicle, or perhaps the seating, come to Claremont Toyota to see how the Highlander, gas or hybrid, measures up in person.
Our pre-owned and certified pre-owned inventory is worth a browse if you want to be more economical.
After you have settled on a Highlander, booking a maintenance visit is straightforward via our schedule service page. We are here to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact us or call (909) 455-9142. You can also review parts and accessories for your new SUV and get your hours and directions before making the trip in.
You can also browse our new inventory online.
For the complete trim-by-trim breakdown, see the 2026 Toyota Highlander specs and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 2026 Toyota Highlander cost near El Monte?
The 2026 Highlander's MSRP will start at $46,270* for the XLE in gas form and go as high as $55,675* in the case of a Hybrid Platinum. You can expect to pay between $46,270* and $53,925* across the board for the gas variants, be they an XLE, XSE, Limited or Platinum. The hybrid versions (XLE, Limited, Platinum) are priced from $48,020* up to $55,675*.What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Highlander?
The gas Highlander comes with a 5,000 lb. towing rating, no matter if it is an XLE, XSE, Limited or Platinum. You will see a 3,500 lb. figure on the Hybrid XLE, Limited and Platinum trims. Then again, for those whose primary concern is to have the most capacity, the gas models are better suited to the task than the hybrids.What is the difference between the gas Highlander and Highlander hybrid?
Under the hood of the gas Highlander is a 2.4L turbo four-cylinder putting out 265 hp. With that comes a combined 24 mpg and the ability to tow up to 5,000 lb. The hybrid is on a different plane, while its 2.5L engine is good for 35 mpg combined with 243 hp, you are limited to 3,500 lb for towing. In the end the gas version is more powerful and can pull more, though you have to give up a measure of fuel economy for it.How many miles per gallon does the 2026 Toyota Highlander get?
Gas trims (XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum) are EPA-rated at 21 city, 28 highway, and 24 combined. The Hybrid XLE is rated at 35 city, 35 highway, and 35 combined. The Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Platinum are rated at 35 city, 34 highway, and 35 combined.Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander available with all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive is standard across every 2026 Highlander trim, gas and hybrid alike. This is a change for 2026, since AWD was previously optional on some lower trims rather than standard lineup-wide.How far is Claremont Toyota from El Monte?
Claremont Toyota is 19 miles from El Monte. Your drive takes roughly 23 minutes. The dealership sits off the 10 at 601 Auto Center Dr in Claremont.What is the best route from El Monte to Claremont Toyota?
The most direct route from El Monte to Claremont Toyota covers 19 miles. It takes roughly 23 minutes under normal traffic conditions, ending at the dealership's Auto Center Drive location off the 10 in Claremont.Can I get my Highlander serviced near El Monte?
Yes. We offer maintenance and repair for the Highlander lineup, about a 23-minute drive from El Monte. You can schedule an appointment online through our service scheduling page at your convenience.Can I test drive a 2026 Highlander if I live in El Monte?
Yes. We are 19 miles from El Monte, about a 23-minute drive. Contact us to schedule a test drive and compare the gas and hybrid powertrains back to back before deciding.How many people fit in the 2026 Highlander?
The XLE, Hybrid XLE, and Limited seat eight across three rows with a second-row bench. The XSE, Hybrid Limited, Platinum, and Hybrid Platinum seat seven, trading the second-row bench for captain's chairs.What's new on the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The biggest change for 2026 is that all-wheel drive is now standard across the entire gas lineup, where it was previously optional on certain trims. This applies to every gas-powered configuration. Hybrid trims continue with AWD as their standard drivetrain as well.Is the 2026 Highlander the same as the 2025 model?
Not entirely. The 2026 Highlander carries over the same trim structure and powertrain choices, but all-wheel drive is now standard on every gas trim rather than optional on lower trims. If you're comparing the two model years, keep that drivetrain change in mind when you look at equivalent trims.What is the cargo capacity of the 2026 Highlander?
Maximum cargo capacity with the second and third rows folded is 84.3 cubic feet. This figure is consistent across every trim in the lineup, gas and hybrid alike. That gives you room for larger loads like camping gear, sports equipment, or a full Costco run without needing a roof box.What safety features come standard on the 2026 Highlander?
Every 2026 Highlander trim comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, Toyota's suite of driver-assist safety technology. This standard equipment applies across the entire lineup, from the base XLE through the Hybrid Platinum, with no trim requiring an upgrade for you to access it.Has the 2026 Toyota Highlander won any awards?
For mass-market brands, no one has a higher predicted resale value than Toyota. The automaker is the recipient of the ALG Residual Value Award from J.D. Power / ALG for mainstream brands. Keep in mind, however, that this is an accolade at the brand level for the model year and not one bestowed on the Highlander in particular. We can have our team explain how it plays into the numbers for your trim for trade-ins or leasing.Sources: EPA Fuel-Economy Ratings · Official Toyota Specifications
*All prices shown are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and are provided for informational purposes only. MSRP excludes the manufacturer's destination and handling charge, which varies by model. It also excludes the $85 dealer doc fee, taxes, title, license and other applicable fees. Actual purchase price is determined at the dealership. Contact Claremont Toyota for complete pricing.
Information accuracy: Details on this page are provided for general information and are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Vehicle images are for illustration only and may depict a different trim or optional equipment. Any pricing shown applies only to the trim and configuration specifically identified and may not apply to the vehicle pictured. Specifications, features, and pricing are set by the manufacturer and the EPA and may change or be corrected after publication; we aren't responsible for changes made on their end. Fuel-economy figures are EPA estimates for comparison only; actual mileage varies. Please confirm specs, pricing, and availability with Claremont Toyota before purchase; the window sticker and signed purchase agreement are the controlling documents.