Toyota’s Highlander in China gets a bigger display, refreshed dashboard, and tech-packed cabin upgrades
The Toyota Highlander might have rolled into the 2026 model year in North America largely unchanged aside from a huge price hike caused by the discontinuation of the entry-level trim, but the story in China is a little different. There, buyers are treated to a round of cabin upgrades that sharpen the tech offering and give the interior a more up-to-date feel.
Bigger Screens, Fewer Buttons
The Chinese-market Highlander is built by GAC Toyota and sold alongside its near-identical sibling, the Crown Kluger, which comes from FAW Toyota. At first glance, the 2026 Highlander looks the same as before, but the changes appear once you step inside. Every trim now features a much larger 15.6-inch infotainment screen, replacing the previous 10.25- and 12.3-inch units. This pairs with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while a head-up display remains available as an option.
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For comparison, the Limited and Platinum trims of the US-spec Highlander come with a full digital cockpit that includes dual 12.3-inch screens and a 10-inch color head-up display. The rest of the range makes do with a smaller 7-inch instrument cluster paired with an 8-inch infotainment screen.
To make space for the larger screen in China, Toyota has reworked the dashboard with slimmer climate vents and has done away with physical climate controls. Other upgrades include a quicker 50 kW wireless charging pad and fresh color choices for the Nappa leather seats. Higher trims add a panoramic roof, power-operated and heated rear seats, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. Buyers can still choose between five- and seven-seat layouts.
No Surprises Underneath
Predictably, there are no changes under the skin. The non-electrified turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generates 244 hp (182 kW / 248 PS) and is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and an AWD system. The hybrid 2.5-liter powertrain is good for a combined 243 hp (181 kW / 246 PS), offering a choice between FWD and AWD (E-Four) setups.
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The slightly updated Toyota Highlander is now available to order in China, where it is priced between ¥249,800–325,800 ($35,000-45,700). For comparison, the US-spec Highlander starts from $45,270 and tops out at $54,675.
The Highlander’s Future
The fourth generation of the Highlander has been around since 2019, although it didn’t reach China until 2021. The GAC Toyota joint venture has confirmed that the next generation of the crossover will gain “large-scale updates” alongside 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 hit dealers in early 2026, although there is no official confirmation. Toyota has recently introduced the 2026 MY of the existing Highlander offering carry-over ICE and hybrid options with standard AWD across the lineup.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio
