Highlander
The dependable 7-seat hybrid SUV — Toyota's most popular large family choice in the UAE · 7 seats
REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOK / PexelsOur verdict
8.4 / 10The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the UAE's archetypal family SUV — a car that succeeds by never failing. Its 2.5L hybrid powertrain delivers genuinely frugal 5.6 L/100km in a vehicle that seats seven adults in real comfort, all underpinned by Toyota's legendary build quality and an unmatched service network that spans every emirate. It is not the most exciting or luxurious thing in its class, but it is by far the most sensible, and in the UAE market that translates directly into the strongest resale values and the lowest total cost of ownership.
Who it's for — Families of 5–7 needing dependable daily transport with school-run practicality, long inter-emirate drives and the confidence of the UAE's widest service network. Also ideal for corporate fleet buyers seeking low running costs.
PROS
- +Exceptional fuel economy for its size — hybrid system consistently returns under 6 L/100km
- +AWD standard on both trims — reassuring in rain and off-tarmac
- +Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 standard across the range — comprehensive ADAS
- +Best-in-class resale value in the UAE; Highlanders hold value remarkably well
- +Al-Futtaim service network is the widest in the country — no service anxiety
- +Seven seats with usable third row; cargo floor at reasonable height when third row is stowed
CONS
- –Third row is tight for adults on long journeys — better suited to children
- –The 0–100 km/h of around 11 seconds is leisurely; merging onto UAE highways takes planning
- –Interior quality on the GXR trim is functional rather than premium feeling
- –No PHEV or plug-in option; cannot top up battery overnight
- –The 658 L boot with all rows up is smaller than rivals like the Kia Sorento
Specifications
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
DIMENSIONS & CAPACITY
Features
SAFETY & ADAS
8 airbags — front, side, curtain and driver knee
Pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking
Dynamic radar cruise control with lane trace assist
Lane departure warning with steering assist
Automatic high beam control
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Panoramic view monitor with multiple camera angles
Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines — standard on GXR
Vehicle stability control (VSC) with traction control
Direct TPMS with individual wheel display
Downhill assist control and hill-start assist
ISOFIX child seat anchors on second row
COMFORT
7-seat configuration — 2+3+2; third row folds flat
Leather-trimmed seats throughout; fabric on GXR
8-way power adjustable driver and front-passenger seats with memory function
Heated and ventilated front seats
Tri-zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents
Large dual-pane panoramic moonroof
Hands-free power tailgate
18-inch alloy wheels on GXR; 20-inch on VXR
Interior ambient lighting
Slide-and-recline second-row bench or optional captain chairs
Colour head-up display
Full LED headlights with automatic levelling
INFOTAINMENT
8-inch touchscreen display audio on GXR; 12.3-inch on VXR
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto (wired)
Built-in satellite navigation
4.2-inch MID on GXR; 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on VXR
6-speaker audio on GXR; 9-speaker premium audio on VXR
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Multiple USB-A and USB-C ports across all three rows
Toyota Connected Services with remote app, vehicle status and Wi-Fi hotspot
Trim ladder
| PRICE | AED 169,900 | AED 205,900 |
| POWER | 240 hp | 240 hp |
| 0–100 KM/H | 11 s | 11 s |
| FUEL | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| ECONOMY | 5.6 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| DRIVE | AWD | AWD |
Toyota
Nothing ships until it's proven, so Toyotas run for decades and stay the easiest car to resell.
The global benchmark for dependable motoring — conservative, thoroughly-proven engineering chosen over chasing the newest tech.
In the UAE — The default UAE choice — the simplest car in the country to service and sell on.
Where to get it
Official listings are GCC spec. Grey-market imports may be other specs (US, Chinese, Japan) — always confirm the spec, as it affects warranty, A/C cooling and resale.
BUY FROM
Al-Futtaim Motors is the exclusive Toyota distributor for the UAE. Call 800TOYOTA (800 269 8682).
https://www.toyota.ae/en/new-cars/highlander-hybrid/ ↗RENT FROM
7-seat SUV category; availability varies by emirate
Large SUV category available at major UAE airports
Warranty — 5 years / 100,000 km · Toyota UAE (Al-Futtaim Motors) offers UAE-wide service network with over 30 authorised service centres
Frequently asked
How much does the 2026 Toyota Highlander cost in the UAE?+
The Toyota Highlander ranges from AED 169,900 (GXR) to AED 205,900 for the top trim in the UAE, GCC spec.
Is the Toyota Highlander worth buying?+
Caralog rates the Toyota Highlander 8.4/10. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the UAE's archetypal family SUV — a car that succeeds by never failing. Its 2.5L hybrid powertrain delivers genuinely frugal 5.6 L/100km in a vehicle that seats seven adults in real comfort, all underpinned by Toyota's legendary build quality and an unmatched service network that spans every emirate. It is not the most exciting or luxurious thing in its class, but it is by far the most sensible, and in the UAE market that translates directly into the strongest resale values and the lowest total cost of ownership.
Who should buy the Toyota Highlander?+
Families of 5–7 needing dependable daily transport with school-run practicality, long inter-emirate drives and the confidence of the UAE's widest service network. Also ideal for corporate fleet buyers seeking low running costs.
What are the pros and cons of the Toyota Highlander?+
Pros: Exceptional fuel economy for its size — hybrid system consistently returns under 6 L/100km; AWD standard on both trims — reassuring in rain and off-tarmac; Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 standard across the range — comprehensive ADAS; Best-in-class resale value in the UAE; Highlanders hold value remarkably well; Al-Futtaim service network is the widest in the country — no service anxiety; Seven seats with usable third row; cargo floor at reasonable height when third row is stowed. Cons: Third row is tight for adults on long journeys — better suited to children; The 0–100 km/h of around 11 seconds is leisurely; merging onto UAE highways takes planning; Interior quality on the GXR trim is functional rather than premium feeling; No PHEV or plug-in option; cannot top up battery overnight; The 658 L boot with all rows up is smaller than rivals like the Kia Sorento.
Is the Toyota Highlander reliable, and does it hold its value?+
Toyota has exceptional reliability and exceptional resale in the UAE. Nothing ships until it's proven, so Toyotas run for decades and stay the easiest car to resell.
How fast is the Toyota Highlander?+
The Toyota Highlander makes 240 hp and does 0–100 km/h in 11s (top speed 180 km/h).
What is the fuel economy of the Toyota Highlander?+
The Toyota Highlander returns about 5.6 L/100km combined.
How many seats does the Toyota Highlander have?+
The Toyota Highlander seats 7, with 658 litres of boot space.
Where can I buy the Toyota Highlander in the UAE?+
Available from Al-Futtaim Toyota. 5 years / 100,000 km warranty.
What are the alternatives to the Toyota Highlander?+
Cross-shop the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-90, Ford Explorer.