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2026 Toyota Highlander XLE: A Smart Choice for Families
For families in search of a reliable and spacious vehicle, the 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE stands out as an excellent option. This mid-size SUV combines comfort, advanced safety, and practical features, making it a top contender for daily commutes and family adventures alike.
Key Highlights for Family Life
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Seven-Passenger Seating: Comfortable seating for up to seven people, with flexible second-row captain’s chairs.
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Advanced Safety Features: Equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including Pre-Collision System and Lane Tracing Assist, to help keep everyone safe.
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Comfortable Ride: A smooth and quiet ride, perfect for long trips or navigating city streets.
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Ample Cargo Space: Easy-to-fold third-row seats and a power liftgate make loading up groceries, sports gear, or luggage simple.
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Modern Technology: Features like a 12.3-inch primary display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and wireless charging keep everyone connected and entertained.
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Efficient Performance: A 2.4L intercooled turbo engine offers 265 horsepower and a combined 24 MPG, balancing power with fuel economy.
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All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Provides better traction and control in various driving conditions.
Seating and Space Designed for Families
The 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE is built with families in mind, offering seating for up to seven passengers. The second row features comfortable captain’s chairs, giving passengers more personal space. Getting into the third row is straightforward, and once there, passengers will appreciate the reclining seats and head restraints for added comfort. This third row also splits 60-40 and can be folded flat into the floor, making it easy to adjust the space for passengers or cargo.
When it comes to cargo, the Highlander XLE truly shines. With the third-row seats folded, you get a large, flat area perfect for strollers, sports equipment, or shopping bags. A power liftgate makes accessing the cargo area effortless, and features like a roll-up cargo cover, tie-downs, and concealed storage help keep your belongings organized and secure. This versatility is a big reason why families choose mid-size SUVs like the Toyota Highlander.
Comfort and Technology for Every Journey
Every trip in the 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE is designed to be pleasant. The standard ride suspension, combined with independent front and multi-link rear suspensions, works with gas-pressurized shock absorbers to provide a smooth and steady ride. Inside, the cabin is a comfortable place to be, with SofTex leatherette front and rear seat upholstery. Heated driver and front passenger seats add warmth on chilly mornings, and manual rear side window sunblinds offer extra shade for younger passengers.
Technology is at your fingertips with a 12.3-inch primary display and an 8-inch primary display, offering clear views for navigation and entertainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mean your smartphone integrates seamlessly, while a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad keeps your devices powered up without messy cords. Dual-zone front climate control and a separate rear climate control system ensure everyone can set their preferred temperature. With five USB ports and Wi-Fi Connect mobile hotspot capability, staying connected on the go is simple.
Safety You Can Count On
Safety is a top priority for families, and the 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE delivers with a comprehensive suite of features. It includes eight airbags, covering the front, sides, and even a driver’s knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag. The vehicle also comes with advanced driver-assist systems as part of Toyota Safety Sense. This includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which helps prevent accidents, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which maintains a safe distance from the car ahead.
Other important safety features include Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and Automatic High Beams. The Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert helps you see what’s around your vehicle, especially when changing lanes or backing out of a parking spot. A rear camera with a washer keeps your view clear, and systems like Electronic Stability Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Hill Start Assist Control provide added confidence in various driving conditions. A rear seat check warning is also included to remind you about passengers in the back.
Quick Specifications Summary
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Engine: 2.4L I-4 Intercooled Turbo, 265 HP
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Transmission: 8-speed Automatic
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Drive Type: Automatic Full-Time All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
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Fuel Economy (MPG): 21 City / 28 Highway / 24 Combined
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Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
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Exterior Color: Wind Chill Pearl
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Interior Color: Graphite
Find Your Family’s Next SUV in Fort Scott
The 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE is a fantastic choice for families looking for a versatile, safe, and comfortable mid-size SUV. Its blend of passenger space, cargo flexibility, advanced safety technology, and a smooth ride makes it ideal for everything from school runs to weekend getaways. If you’re searching for a 2026 Toyota Highlander for sale or a Toyota Highlander for sale near me, we invite you to Briggs Toyota of Fort Scott. Visit us today at 1819 S Main St in Fort Scott, Kansas, or call us at (620) 644-4892 to learn more about this impressive 2026 Toyota Highlander and take it for a test drive. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect family vehicle.
Written for Briggs Toyota of Fort Scott
By the USA TODAY Network Automotive Insights Team, in collaboration with https://vehiclesforsalenearkansascity.com/ and the Vehicles For Sale Near USA Today Kansas City Edition.
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