How to Prep Your Toyota for the 2026 Summer Heatwave
When seasonal weather changes and summer heat climbs to historic levels, routine vehicle service shifts from an optional checklist into a crucial safety need. Intense summer heat accelerates part fatigue, depletes core fluids, and places immense strain on your engine block and moving parts. Overlooking this warm-weather prep increases the danger of unexpected breakdowns, expensive fixes, and hazardous highway tire blowouts. Guarding your vehicle against these conditions demands a proactive, smart maintenance program.
Toyota has made all-wheel drive (AWD) standard across all 2026 Highlander trims. This three-row SUV strikes a balance between comfort and capability, making it well-suited for everyday driving as well as longer trips. The AWD system works with a turbocharged engine and automatic transmission to deliver confident performance in a variety of conditions.
Hybrid vehicles are a regular part of life on U.S. roads today—but that wasn’t always the case. When the Toyota Prius first launched 25 years ago, it represented a bold leap toward greater fuel efficiency at a time when the idea was still new. Now, with the arrival of the 2026 Prius, Toyota is honoring the model that helped change how we think about driving.