The Ultimate New Toyota SUV Buying Guide for 2026

Toyota’s SUV lineup has undergone its most radical transformation in decades.

From the rebirth of off-road legends to the introduction of entirely new luxury-leaning hybrids, the 2025 and 2026 model years represent a massive shift toward electrification, rugged capability, and advanced software.

Whether you are an off-road enthusiast looking for the latest trail-ready gear or a family needing maximum cargo space without the fuel penalty, this guide breaks down every key model, feature, and specification you need to know before buying a new Toyota SUV.

The Off-Road Icons: Land Cruiser and 4Runner

Two of the most famous names in 4×4 history have been completely reimagined for the modern era, sharing the robust TNGA-F truck platform.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

After a brief hiatus, the Land Cruiser returns to North America, but it is no longer the six-figure luxury barge of the past. It has been “right-sized” to be a more agile, purpose-built off-roader.

  • Powertrain: Exclusively powered by the i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. It delivers 326 horsepower and a massive 465 lb-ft of torque, giving it plenty of low-end grunt for crawling over rocks.
  • Off-Road Tech: Standard full-time 4WD with a locking center differential. Higher trims feature a Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) that increases wheel articulation at the push of a button, and Multi-Terrain Select with modes for Mud, Dirt, and Sand.
  • Design: The “1958” trim features retro round LED headlights, while the standard grade sports rectangular lights reminiscent of the FJ62. The interior is utilitarian yet comfortable, with available heated and ventilated seats and a cool box in the center console.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner

For those who want something even more rugged, the all-new 4Runner arrives with a “Trailhunter” trim designed specifically for overlanding.

  • Engine Options: A standard i-FORCE 2.4L turbo (278 hp) or the optional i-FORCE MAX hybrid (326 hp).
  • Trailhunter Specs: This factory-built overlander comes equipped with ARB Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged shocks, a high-clearance front bumper, rock rails, and a 2400W AC inverter to power campsites.
  • Capability: It retains the power-down rear window (a fan favorite) and offers a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, beating many competitors in the mid-size segment.

The Family Haulers: Grand Highlander vs. Highlander

Toyota now offers two distinct flavors of the “Highlander” nameplate, catering to different space requirements.

The Toyota Grand Highlander

If the standard Highlander felt a bit tight in the third row, the Grand Highlander is the solution. It is physically larger, longer, and wider, designed for “adult-sized” passengers in all three rows.

  • Space: It boasts 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row—enough for seven carry-on suitcases—and a total of 97.5 cubic feet with seats folded.
  • Powertrains:
    • 2.4L Turbo Gas: Good balance of power and value.
    • 2.5L Hybrid: The efficiency champion, offering up to 36 combined MPG.
    • Hybrid MAX: The performance option, pairing a turbo engine with electric motors for 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds.
  • Interior: Features include a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, available panoramic moonroof, and thoughtful storage cubbies for tablets and water bottles in every row.

The Standard Highlander

The classic Highlander remains a strong choice for families who want a slightly more compact footprint for easier city parking while still retaining three-row flexibility. It focuses on value and efficiency, particularly with its standard hybrid models.

The New Premium: Toyota Crown Signia

Replacing the Venza, the 2025 Crown Signia brings a new level of elegance to the lineup. It sits lower than a traditional SUV, offering a car-like ride with the utility of a crossover.

  • Design: It features a “Hammerhead” front fascia and a sleek, wagon-like silhouette. The interior is finished with premium soft-touch materials, bronze accents, and standard leather-trimmed seating.
  • Efficiency: Powered exclusively by a hybrid system, it achieves an EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined.
  • Quietness: Toyota has engineered the cabin with acoustic glass and extensive sound dampening to create a library-quiet driving experience, rivaling luxury brands.
  • Tech: Comes standard with a 12.3-inch floating multimedia display and a digital rearview mirror on higher trims to see past a fully loaded cargo area.

The Daily Driver: RAV4 and RAV4 PHEV

The best-selling RAV4 continues to be the anchor of the lineup. For 2025, the plug-in hybrid model drops the “Prime” moniker and is now simply the RAV4 PHEV, aligning with Toyota’s global naming strategy.

  • RAV4 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid): Offers 42 miles of pure electric range, allowing many drivers to complete their daily commute without using a drop of gas. With 302 horsepower, it remains the second-fastest vehicle in Toyota’s lineup behind the GR Supra.
  • Safety Updates: The latest models integrate the Arene software platform, enabling faster over-the-air updates and enhanced safety features like Front Cross Traffic Alert and a new Proactive Driving Assist that gently brakes into curves.
  • Utility: It retains its “do-it-all” status with 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space and available torque-vectoring AWD on gas models for better handling in snow and rain.

Technology & Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

Across the entire 2025/2026 SUV board, Toyota has standardized Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0). This suite uses higher-resolution cameras and radar to provide:

  • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Now detects motorcyclists and guardrails.
  • Lane Tracing Assist: improved lane recognition to keep the vehicle centered.
  • Road Sign Assist: Uses AI to read speed limit and stop signs and display them on the dashboard.
  • Proactive Driving Assist: Provides subtle braking and steering support to maintain distance from the car ahead, reducing driver fatigue in traffic.

Conclusion: Which Toyota SUV is Right for You?

The 2025 Toyota SUV lineup is more segmented and specialized than ever before.

  • Choose the Land Cruiser or 4Runner if your weekends involve dirt, rocks, and camping gear, and you need a durable truck-based platform.
  • Choose the Grand Highlander if you have a growing family and need genuine space for adults in the third row without moving up to a massive Sequoia.
  • Choose the Crown Signia if you want a premium, comfortable commuter that sips fuel and looks sophisticated.
  • Choose the RAV4 Hybrid/PHEV for the ultimate balance of size, price, and efficiency for daily life.