by Update for the Chinese Market
While the Toyota Highlander for North America for the 2026 model year has remained virtually unchanged, except for a significant price increase due to the cancellation of the base trim, the situation in China is different. There, buyers are receiving a series of interior updates that enhance technological capabilities and give the interior a more modern look.
Larger Screens, Fewer Buttons
The Highlander for the Chinese market is produced by the GAC Toyota joint venture and is sold alongside the nearly identical FAW Toyota Crown Kluger. At first glance, the 2026 Highlander looks the same as before, but the changes become obvious once you get inside. Every trim level is now equipped with a significantly larger 15.6-inch multimedia screen, replacing the previous 10.25-inch and 12.3-inch systems. It works in tandem with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while a head-up display remains an option.
For comparison, the Limited and Platinum trims for the US-market Highlander have a fully digital instrument panel, including dual 12.3-inch screens and a 10-inch color head-up display. The remaining trims make do with a smaller 7-inch instrument cluster combined with an 8-inch multimedia screen.
To free up space for the larger screen in the Chinese version, Toyota redesigned the dashboard with narrower air vents and completely eliminated physical climate control buttons. Other improvements include a faster 50 kW wireless charging pad and new color options for Nappa leather. Higher trims add a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable and heated rear seats, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. Buyers can still choose between five- and seven-seat configurations.
Toyota Highlander Interior in China (top) and USA (bottom).
Technical Specifications Unchanged
As expected, the technical underpinnings remain untouched. The non-electrified turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 244 hp (182 kW / 248 PS) and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain delivers a combined output of 243 hp (181 kW / 246 PS) and offers a choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive (E-Four).
Pricing and Availability
The slightly updated Toyota Highlander is already available for order in China, where its price ranges from 249,800 to 325,800 yuan (approximately $35,000-$45,700 USD). For comparison, the US-market Highlander starts at $45,270 and reaches $54,675 for top versions.
The Future of the Highlander
The fourth-generation Highlander was introduced in 2019, although it only arrived in China in 2021. The GAC Toyota joint venture has confirmed that the next generation of the crossover will receive “large-scale updates” along with the introduction of a range-extender powertrain option, which is popular among Chinese buyers.
As for North America, it has been reported that a fully electric Toyota Highlander could arrive at dealerships in early 2026, although there is no official confirmation of this information. Toyota recently introduced the 2026 model year Highlander with available internal combustion engines and hybrid powertrains, where all-wheel drive became standard across the lineup.
GAC Toyota
The difference in the approaches to updating the Highlander for China and North America clearly demonstrates the specifics of these markets. Chinese consumers show significant demand for advanced digital technologies and interior innovations, forcing automakers to adapt faster. At the same time, the US market shows more conservative dynamics, where the emphasis is often on reliability and familiar solutions. This strategy allows Toyota to compete effectively in both regions by offering products that best match local preferences. The future of the model, especially a potential shift to electric power, indicates a global transformation of the automotive industry and the search for new development paths.
