Why the 2026 Toyota Highlander Is the Perfect Family SUV 

The 2026 Toyota Highlander builds on an already solid engineering pedigree, delivering a family SUV that feels purpose-designed for real daily use rather than imagined scenarios on a drawing board. It blends structural integrity, interior versatility, and advanced driver-assistance technology in a way that suits Ashland’s mixture of rural roads, winter weather, and busy family schedules.  

At Marthaler Toyota of Ashland, the focus remains on helping families understand the engineering choices that make this Highlander such a dependable long-term companion. 

Spacious Interior and Everyday Comfort 

The 2026 Highlander demonstrates how thoughtful packaging transforms a midsize SUV into a genuinely usable family tool. With seating for up to 8, the cabin layout prioritizes workable space rather than simply quoting numbers on a spec sheet. Legroom across all rows is shaped by intelligent floor height, seat geometry, and roofline design, giving adults and children space to settle without compromise. 

Cargo solutions are equally well resolved. The rear seats fold into a flat load floor in several configurations, supporting everything from school drop-offs to long-distance travel. Across trims, the layout offers over 136 cu. ft. of passenger volume, creating a cabin that feels bright, airy, and inherently practical. 

Comfort technology is integrated in a way that avoids distraction. An available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster places navigation directions, vehicle data, and safety alerts directly in the driver’s line of sight, reducing cognitive load. The optional panoramic moonroof introduces natural light and expands cabin ambience, with a power tilt/slide function and retractable sunshade for fine-tuned control. 

Advanced Safety and Connected Technology 

Family SUVs must do far more than transport passengers; they must actively support the driver’s situational awareness. Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 reflects that philosophy with improved hazard detection, lane-support behaviors, and adaptive cruise responses that feel less binary and more intuitive. In Ashland’s winter climate—snowpack, ice patches, and varying visibility—these refinements matter. 

Inside, Toyota’s latest multimedia architecture provides a seamless technology layer. The available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen delivers rapid response, wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android Auto™, and an upgraded JBL® audio system that keeps long journeys comfortable for every occupant. Additional rear entertainment options turn the Highlander into a genuinely family-centric environment on extended trips. 

Performance That Excels in Real-World Driving 

The engineering focus of the 2026 Highlander is straightforward: reliable, predictable performance with the right balance of power and efficiency. Two powertrains are available. 

The 2.4L turbocharged gas engine produces 265 hp and 310 lbs. ft. of torque, giving the Highlander the authority needed for merging, highway overtakes, and steep rural grades. Its torque delivery is smooth, avoiding the abruptness sometimes associated with modern turbocharging. Toyota’s suspension calibration—confident but not harsh—keeps the vehicle settled even when fully loaded. 

The hybrid variant prioritizes efficiency with an EPA-estimated 35 combined mpg, making it an appealing option for families covering significant weekly mileage. With available AWD, both powertrains maintain traction and predictability in rain, snow, and gravel conditions common across northern Wisconsin. 

Visit Marthaler Toyota of Ashland 

The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a blend of structural capability, interior versatility, and refined technology that suits nearly every type of family use case in Ashland. At Marthaler Toyota of Ashland, the team is ready to guide drivers through trims, features, and configurations so the Highlander fits each household’s real-world needs with precision. 

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