Tesla Model Y vs Toyota Highlander
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Toyota Highlander
Overview
| Spec | Tesla Model YPremium | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Premium | XLE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | electric | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | electric | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Tesla Model YPremium | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $45,990 (best) | $46,270 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Tesla Model YPremium | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | — | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | — | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | — | 28 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | — | 17.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Tesla Model YPremium | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 295 hp (best) | 265 hp |
| Torque | 309 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | — | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | — | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Tesla Model YPremium | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | — | 84.3 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 3,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs (best) |
| Payload | — | 1,225 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,184 lbs (best) | 4,376 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 7 in | 8 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 114 in (best) | 112.2 in |
| Length | 189 in | 194.9 in (best) |
| Width | 78 in (best) | 76 in |
| Height | 64 in | 68.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Tesla Model YPremium | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Tesla Model Y | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premium $45,990 MSRP(Currently comparing) | XLE $46,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium $49,990 MSRP | XLE $48,020 MSRP |
| 3 | Performance $57,990 MSRP | XSE $48,340 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Limited $50,725 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Limited $52,475 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Platinum $53,925 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Platinum $55,675 MSRP |
Tesla Model Y vs Toyota Highlander FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 Tesla Model Y or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Tesla Model Y vs 2026 Toyota Highlander on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2027 Tesla Model Y or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2027 Tesla Model Y starts lower at $45,990.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Tesla Model Y or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2027 Tesla Model Y leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (45,990).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 Tesla Model Y or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 Tesla Model Y or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2027 Tesla Model Y leads on horsepower in this comparison (460).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2027 Tesla Model Y or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2027 Tesla Model Y vs 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Toyota Highlander (5/5 NHTSA overall).