Top 2026 Toyota SUVs for Weekend Adventures in British Columbia

Planning a weekend escape from the city? British Columbia's dramatic landscapes - from coastal highways to mountain passes - demand vehicles that pair comfort, capability, and versatility. Whether you're heading to the mountains or exploring backcountry trails, the right SUV transforms every journey into an adventure.

Toyota's 2026 lineup delivers exactly that: a range of SUVs engineered for Canadian conditions, packed with advanced safety features, and designed to handle everything from highway cruising to light off-road exploration. Here's how to choose the ideal companion for your next weekend getaway.

Why SUVs Dominate Weekend Road Trips

Modern SUVs strike the ideal balance between passenger comfort and cargo versatility. Three-row seating accommodates family and friends, while fold-flat configurations create massive cargo areas for gear, luggage, and outdoor equipment.

All-wheel drive provides confident handling across varying road conditions, and elevated ride heights improve visibility and ground clearance on unpaved routes. Toyota's electrified powertrains - spanning hybrid and plug-in hybrid options - deliver strong fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. This means fewer fuel stops and more time enjoying the destination.

2026 Toyota RAV4: The Versatile Explorer

The all-new RAV4 sets the standard for compact SUV capability. Now exclusively electrified, every 2026 RAV4 features hybrid or plug-in hybrid power, standard all-wheel drive, and three distinct design personalities: Core, Rugged, and Sport.

Powertrain Performance:

The fifth-generation Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system generates 236 system horsepower from a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors. Fuel consumption ratings reach an excellent 5.1 L/100 km city, 6.0 L/100 km highway, and 5.5 L/100 km combined for the LE AWD grade.

For maximum capability, the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) delivers up to 320 combined system horsepower and an estimated 80-kilometre all-electric driving range. Towing capacity reaches 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) on select grades.

Weekend-Ready Features:

• Spacious cargo area with 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats
• Available panoramic moonroof for scenic views
• Multi-terrain select system for varying road conditions
• Digital gauge cluster with integrated navigation

Rugged Design Option:

The RAV4 Woodland grade stands out with raised roof rails, crossbars, all-terrain tires, and a split grille with integrated Rigid Industries LED lighting. This model sits approximately half an inch higher for improved ground clearance on unpaved roads.

2026 Toyota Highlander: The Family Adventure Vehicle

When you need three rows of seating without compromising comfort, the Highlander delivers. Available in seven- or eight-passenger configurations, this midsize SUV pairs refined on-road manners with genuine utility.

Powertrain Choices:

• Gas: 2.4 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and up to 309 lb-ft of torque. Eight-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity: 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs).
• Hybrid: 2.5 L four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators delivering 243 total system horsepower. Fuel efficiency: 6.7 L/100 km combined. Towing capacity: 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs).

Comfort and Technology:

Every Highlander features Toyota Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. Upper grades add premium touches like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, panoramic moonroof, and JBL audio systems.

Cargo Versatility:

With all seats in use, the Highlander provides practical cargo space for luggage and gear. Drop both rear rows for a maximum 2,387 litres - enough for camping equipment, sports gear, and weekend essentials.

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: Maximum Space, Premium Comfort

For those who need maximum passenger and cargo space, the Grand Highlander steps up with a larger footprint and adult-sized seating in all three rows.

Generous Dimensions:

The Grand Highlander offers 2,761 litres of maximum cargo capacity with seats folded. Even with all seven or eight passengers aboard, there's room behind the third row for seven carry-on suitcases.

Powertrain Options:

Like the standard Highlander, the Grand Highlander is available with gas or hybrid powertrains, both paired with standard all-wheel drive. All models feature three drive modes (Sport, Eco, Normal) for optimized performance and efficiency.

Premium Appointments:

Standard equipment includes power-adjustable heated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging dock, and Toyota Multimedia. The cabin features soft-padded surfaces, high-quality stitching, and thoughtful storage throughout.

2026 Toyota 4Runner: The Off-Road Specialist

When weekend adventures venture beyond pavement, the 4Runner answers the call. Built on a body-on-frame chassis with available hybrid power, this SUV delivers serious off-road capability without sacrificing daily drivability.

Hybrid Powertrains:

The i-FORCE MAX 2.4 L Turbo L4 Hybrid system generates 326 system horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Fuel consumption: 10.3 L/100 km city, 9.5 L/100 km highway, 9.9 L/100 km combined. Towing capacity reaches 2,631 kg (5,800 lbs).

Trail-Ready Technology:

• Multi-Terrain Select for optimized traction on various surfaces
• Crawl Control for slow-speed off-road precision
• Downhill Assist Control for steep descents
• Available locking rear differential

Rugged Capability:

TRD Pro and Trailhunter grades feature FOX shock absorbers, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and heritage-inspired design elements. The Trailhunter adds an onboard air compressor, roof rack, and Old Man Emu shock absorbers for serious overlanding capability.

2026 Toyota Sequoia: Full-Size Adventure

For maximum passenger and cargo capacity, the Sequoia delivers full-size SUV capability with three rows of seating for up to eight passengers.

Exclusive Hybrid Power:

Every Sequoia features the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain: a twin-turbo 3.5 L V6 with electric motors generating 427 system horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. (Note: Technical specifications table lists 437 hp; 427 hp per primary press release.) Towing capacity: 4,087 kg (9,010 lbs) for Platinum and Limited trims; SR5 rated at 4,137 kg (9,121 lbs). Fuel consumption: 12.6 L/100 km city, 10.5 L/100 km highway, 11.7 L/100 km combined.

Commanding Presence:

The Sequoia's muscular design expresses capability through distinctive headlamps, grilles, and wheel designs across SR5 TRD Off Road, Limited, Platinum, and Capstone grades.

Versatile Seating:

Eight-passenger models feature a second-row bench, while seven-passenger configurations offer captain's chairs. Second-row seats recline and fold down, while third-row seats recline and slide for flexible cargo management.

Choosing Your Weekend Adventure Vehicle

For Solo or Couple Getaways:

The RAV4 delivers compact versatility with strong fuel efficiency and available all-electric driving range in PHEV models.

For Family Adventures:

The Highlander or Grand Highlander provides three-row comfort with refined on-road manners and genuine utility.

For Off-Road Exploration:

The 4Runner pairs trail capability with hybrid efficiency - ideal for accessing remote destinations.

For Maximum Capacity:

The Sequoia accommodates eight passengers and their gear without compromise, ideal for extended family trips or group adventures.

Safety Features Across the Lineup

Every 2026 Toyota SUV comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, featuring:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Automatic High Beams
• Road Sign Assist

Additional standard features include Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, backup camera, eight airbags, and Vehicle Stability Control.

Experience Toyota's Adventure-Ready SUVs

British Columbia's diverse landscapes demand vehicles that adapt to changing conditions while keeping passengers comfortable and safe. Toyota's 2026 SUV lineup delivers exactly that - pairing proven reliability, advanced safety systems, and genuine capability.

Ready to find the right weekend adventure vehicle? Visit our team at Regency Toyota to explore the complete lineup, experience these vehicles in person, and see how Toyota's latest SUVs can transform your next getaway.