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There's nothing quite like loading up the family and hitting the open road. Whether you're chasing fall colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway, heading to the Outer Banks for a week of sun and surf, or simply making the trek to visit relatives across state lines, a road trip guarantees making memories.
But let's be honest: a great road trip needs more than just a destination and a good playlist. It needs a vehicle that can keep everyone comfortable for the long haul, handle whatever North Carolina roads throw at it, and still have room for all the gear, snacks, and "just in case" items.
That's where the 2026 Toyota Highlander comes in. With three rows of seating that provide spacious comfort, proven reliability, and smart features that take the stress out of road trips, it’s practically designed for road trips.
The difference between a road trip you endure and one you talk about for years comes down to comfort—and the 2026 Highlander delivers it in spades.
With seating for up to eight passengers across three rows, there's room for the whole crew without anyone feeling cramped. Available heated and ventilated front seats mean the driver and front passenger can ride in comfort no matter the season, while optional second-row heated seats allow your backseat passengers to enjoy the same luxury. And when you're cruising through North Carolina's scenic highways with the available panoramic moonroof open, letting in fresh air and natural light, even I-40’s longest stretches feel a little less monotonous.
But comfort isn't just about the seats—it's about keeping everyone entertained and connected, so “are we there yet?” is a thing of the past. The Highlander's rear power outlet (1200V/1500W) provides enough juice to run laptops, portable speakers, or even a movie projector for impromptu outdoor movie nights at the campsite.
Need to navigate tight parking lots at rest stops or squeeze into a trailhead parking area? The Panoramic View Monitor uses four cameras to give you a complete bird's-eye view on the touchscreen, making tight maneuvers stress-free.
It's these details that make the Highlander the perfect Toyota SUV for weekend getaways.
Whether you're merging onto the highway or navigating winding mountain roads, the 2026 Highlander has the power to handle almost anything with confidence. Under the hood, the 2.4L turbocharged engine delivers an impressive 265 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. If efficiency is your priority, the hybrid option offers up to 35 mpg combined without sacrificing space or versatility. Selectable drive modes, including Sport for spirited driving, Eco for maximum fuel savings, and Normal for everyday balance, allow you to adapt the Highlander's performance to match your mood and the road ahead.
But where the Highlander truly shines—especially when it comes to adventures—is in its ability to go beyond the pavement. AWD models equipped with Multi-Terrain Select let you dial in the perfect traction for whatever conditions you're facing. The system offers dedicated modes for Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal driving, giving you confidence to go where other SUVs might not dare. Add in Dynamic Torque Vectoring—which intelligently sends up to 50% of power to the rear wheels and distributes it to whichever wheel needs it most—and you've got an SUV that’s responsive even when the terrain gets challenging.
If you want an extra edge in handling, the XSE trim takes things up a notch with its sport-tuned suspension. Enhanced shock absorbers, high-rate springs, and a rear stabilizer bar work together to reduce body roll and improve cornering, giving you more control on those twisty mountain roads. It's the kind of setup that makes you forget you're driving a three-row family SUV.
Modern road trips demand modern technology, and the 2026 Highlander delivers with a tech suite that keeps you connected, entertained, and informed.
The centerpiece is a 12.3-inch multimedia display that serves as command central for everything from navigation to your road trip playlists. This is complemented by features like:
The Highlander is also equipped with cutting-edge safety technology. Your Highlander keeps you and your most precious cargo safe with features like Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which acts as an extra set of eyes, warning you about vehicles in your blind spots during lane changes or approaching traffic. Meanwhile, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking takes things further by detecting stationary objects, pedestrians, or vehicles in your path. If you don't react in time, the system can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent a collision. It's the kind of technology that makes navigating unfamiliar places significantly less stressful.
What really sets Toyota apart is the peace of mind that comes standard with every Highlander: ToyotaCare. This complimentary plan includes two years or 25,000 miles of no-cost maintenance and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit the road knowing that routine service is covered and help is just a phone call away if something unexpected happens. When you're planning adventures across North Carolina and beyond, that kind of support makes all the difference.
The 2026 Highlander doesn't just perform like an adventure vehicle—it looks the part too.
With its sculpted exterior design, contoured lines, and available 20-inch wheels on XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims, this SUV turns heads no matter where you are. The twin-tip exhaust adds a sporty edge that hints at the capability underneath, while standard LED headlights make sure you always have crisp, clear visibility. Overall, the exterior design strikes the perfect balance between rugged capability and sophisticated refinement.
In addition to its rugged design, the Highlander is equipped with practical features that make everyday life a little easier. The hands-free power liftgate is a game-changer when your arms are loaded; just wave your foot under the rear bumper, and it opens automatically. Available rain-sensing wipers adjust their speed based on weather conditions, keeping your windshield clear without any manual fiddling when you hit an unexpected downpour.
If you’re looking for the best SUV for road trips in North Carolina, look no further than the new Toyota Highlander. With room for your whole crew and all of their gear, you’ll love the Highlander.
Explore our selection of Toyota Highlander models for sale, then visit your Rocky Mount, NC, Toyota dealership to get behind the wheel for a test drive!
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