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2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. 2027 Kia Telluride: Why the Toyota Wins

Toyota Grand Highlander

Three-row SUV shoppers in North Texas have two strong options this year, but they're not equally matched. The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs Kia Telluride comparison comes down to hybrid maturity, documented safety data, and standard equipment Toyota includes from the base trim up. The specs below show why the Grand Highlander comes out ahead. If you want to skip ahead, you can browse our current Grand Highlander inventory right now.

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. 2027 Kia Telluride: At a Glance

The 2026 Grand Highlander is a carryover year for us with no major non-hybrid changes, while the Telluride skipped 2026 entirely and returns for 2027 as a fully redesigned second generation.

Spec Grand Highlander (Gas) Grand Highlander (Hybrid MAX) Telluride (Gas) Telluride (Hybrid)
Engine 2.4L turbo 4-cyl Turbo 2.4L + electric motor Turbo 2.5L 4-cyl Turbo 2.5L 4-cyl + 2 electric motors
Drivetrain FWD standard, AWD available AWD only FWD/AWD FWD/AWD
Transmission 8-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic
Horsepower/Torque 265 hp 362 hp / 400 lb-ft 274 hp / 311 lb-ft 329 hp / 339 lb-ft
Fuel Economy 21/28/24 mpg 26/27/27 mpg 22 combined FWD (20 city/26 hwy), 20 combined AWD (18 city/24 hwy) Up to 35 mpg combined (EX FWD), 31 mpg AWD
Towing Up to 5,000 lb Up to 5,000 lb Up to 5,000 lb 4,500 lb

Grand Highlander's hybrid lineup has established output figures and a proven fuel economy track record. We'll dig into that further below.

Meet the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

LE, XLE, and Limited: Everyday Value and Comfort

The LE trim starts things off with 18-inch wheels, LED head and taillights, a power liftgate, wiper de-icers, and keyless entry and start. Fabric-trimmed three-row seating comes standard, along with an 8-way power driver seat and a 4-way manual passenger seat. Every Grand Highlander, including the LE, gets a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, no upcharge required.

Step up to the XLE and you'll find heated front seats, a wireless charger, second-row sunshades, and synthetic leather upholstery. An available 8-seat bench configuration and 18-inch silver alloy wheels round out the upgrades. The Limited trim adds a memory driver seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and 20-inch wheels. LE pricing starts at $42,260, XLE from $45,030, and Limited from $49,760.

Platinum and Hybrid Trims: Efficiency Meets Luxury

Hybrid powertrains are available across LE, XLE, Limited, Nightshade, and Platinum trims, so efficiency isn't locked behind a premium price tag. The standard hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor through a CVT, producing 245 hp with FWD or AWD availability. For drivers who want more muscle, the optional Hybrid MAX combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with electric assist for 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with AWD.

Platinum and Hybrid Nightshade trims add heated and ventilated second-row seats. The top Hybrid MAX Platinum brings a panoramic roof, a 10-inch head-up display, a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink, and Traffic Jam Assist through a Drive Connect trial or subscription. AWD adds $1,600 across the lineup and comes standard on Platinum.

Meet the 2027 Kia Telluride

Kia skipped the 2026 model year entirely, moving from the 2025 version straight to a redesigned 2027 model with a bigger, boxier body and a more functional third row. The LX starts at $39,190 before a $1,545 destination charge, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth upholstery, and a second-row bench for 8-passenger seating. The S adds captain's chairs at $42,090, and the EX starts at $43,790.

Eight-passenger seating is not offered across the full lineup, which narrows Kia's family-hauling flexibility next to the Grand Highlander's broader bench availability. Higher trims move toward luxury and capability, with the X-Pro adding 9.1 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a standard tow hitch. Pricing tops out at $56,790 for the X-Pro SX Prestige, and the LX is up nearly $3,000 over the outgoing generation.

Exterior Design, Size, and Capability Compared

The redesigned Telluride grew to a 116.9-inch wheelbase and 199.2 inches overall. The Grand Highlander runs a 116.1-inch wheelbase and stretches to 201.4 inches, making it the longer vehicle of the two by more than 2 inches, with that length going into the third row and cargo hold.

Towing favors Toyota's hybrid lineup. Both the gas and Hybrid MAX Grand Highlander are rated at 5,000 lb, while the Telluride's hybrid drops to 4,500 lb. For North Texas families towing a boat to Lake Lewisville, the Hybrid MAX means no trade between capability and fuel savings.

Interior Space, Comfort, and Cargo Room

Cargo capacity is where the Grand Highlander separates itself once you start loading up. It offers 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.9 with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.5 with all rear seats down, enough to stack seven carry-on suitcases behind the third row. Kia lists the gas Telluride at 22.3, 48.7, and 89.3 cubic feet, with the hybrid a cubic foot lower at each measurement. The Telluride holds a small edge with every seat occupied, but the Grand Highlander opens up more than 8 additional cubic feet when you fold everything flat.

The third row tells a similar story. The Grand Highlander gives back-seat passengers 33.5 inches of legroom against the Telluride's 32.1, with headroom within a fraction of an inch. Toyota also offers eight-passenger bench seating across more of the lineup. If your third row carries adults regularly rather than occasionally, the Grand Highlander is the one built around that.

Powertrain Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Grand Highlander's standard gas engine is a 265-hp turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic, running FWD standard with AWD available for $1,600 more. FWD models return 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The Telluride's gas engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 274 hp and 311 lb-ft, which is 17 hp less than the prior generation's 3.8-liter V6 but 49 lb-ft more torque. Reviewers have split on how that trade plays out in practice, with some noting the extra torque arrives early and others finding the four-cylinder less eager than the old V6 at higher revs. Toyota's 265-hp turbo four sits in the same neighborhood on output, and buyers who want real acceleration have the 362-hp Hybrid MAX available without leaving the lineup, an option Kia does not match on either powertrain.

Why the Grand Highlander's Hybrid Advantage Matters

Grand Highlander's standard hybrid delivers 245 hp with an EPA-rated 37 mpg city, 34 highway, and 36 combined on the FWD XLE, a fuel economy figure built on years of proven hybrid engineering. The Hybrid MAX pushes output to 362 hp and 400 lb-ft while still returning 26/27/27 mpg, giving drivers a genuine performance option without leaving efficiency behind.

Kia's Telluride hybrid pairs its turbo 2.5-liter engine with two electric motors for 329 hp and 339 lb-ft, reaching up to 35 mpg combined in the best-case EX FWD trim or 31 mpg with AWD. Those numbers look competitive on paper. What's new is the combination: this turbo-hybrid powertrain is making its debut in a first-year redesign, and it's the first Kia hybrid assembled in the United States, at the company's West Point, Georgia plant. That means there is no model-specific reliability data for it yet.

Toyota's hybrid system, by contrast, has been refined across multiple generations, and Consumer Reports singled out the Grand Highlander Hybrid as a standout performer in its 2026 reliability survey. Toyota also backs the hybrid battery for 10 years or 150,000 miles. That combination counts for something if you're commuting across North Texas daily or planning a long road trip with three rows packed full of gear.

Technology, Safety, and Driver-Assist Features

Every Grand Highlander trim, starting with the LE, comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with voice control is standard across the board too, so you're not paying extra for baseline safety and connectivity.

IIHS has put the Grand Highlander through the full battery, and the results are on the record. It earned good ratings in passenger-side small overlap, moderate overlap, and updated side impact, plus superior marks for daytime and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention. An acceptable driver-side small overlap rating keeps it out of Top Safety Pick contention, though the dummy measurements showed no elevated injury risk to front occupants. The redesigned 2027 Telluride has not been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA at all. One side has a published picture, the other has nothing yet.

Pricing, Reliability, and Long-Term Value

On paper, the Telluride's LX starts lower at $39,190 (before destination) compared to the Grand Highlander LE's $41,360. The Telluride S starts at $42,090 and the EX at $43,790, compared to our XLE at $44,130 and Limited at $48,860.

Reliability is where the long-term math shifts firmly in Toyota's favor. Consumer Reports ranked Toyota the #1 most reliable brand for 2026 with a reliability score of 66, ahead of Subaru at 63 and Lexus at 60. J.D. Power's dependability studies consistently place Toyota and Lexus at the top of the industry.

Kelley Blue Book's expert reviews also point to the Grand Highlander's strong resale value, tied directly to Toyota's reliability reputation. When it comes to Kia Telluride vs Toyota Grand Highlander reliability, the data favors Toyota's track record over Kia's brand-new hybrid system with no history yet.

Final Verdict: Why the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Wins

Line up the Toyota Grand Highlander vs Kia Telluride specs side by side, and the Grand Highlander wins on the factors that matter most for long-term ownership. Grand Highlander offers broader 8-passenger seating availability across the lineup, a hybrid powertrain with a proven track record and documented fuel economy, standard safety technology backed by real IIHS crash-test data, and reliability rankings that lead the industry according to Consumer Reports and J.D. Power.

The Telluride brings bold styling and strong base-trim value, but Kia is asking buyers to sign on for a redesign with no crash-test results and a first-generation hybrid system. For families comparing Highlander vs Telluride or Grand Highlander vs Telluride options in North Texas, the Grand Highlander delivers verified performance where the Telluride is still asking buyers to take it on faith.

Test Drive the Grand Highlander at Longo Toyota of Prosper

We'd rather you experience these numbers firsthand than just read about them. Longo Toyota of Prosper operates from a $25 million, 15-acre facility at 2100 West University Drive in Prosper, Texas, and we've proudly carried the title of the nation's #1 volume Toyota dealership for over 55 years.

Explore a virtual test drive from home, or browse our current Grand Highlander inventory to find the trim that fits your family. When you're ready to talk specs, financing, or scheduling a visit, contact our team and we'll get you behind the wheel.

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Two Toyota sedans

Where Are Toyotas Made? U.S. Manufacturing and Tariffs Explained

If you're shopping for a new Toyota, you've probably wondered where your vehicle actually comes from. The answer surprises a lot of people: roughly half of the Toyotas sold in the U.S. are assembled on American soil, including several of the brand's highest-volume models. With tariff policy shifting through 2026, knowing where your Toyota is built matters more than ever for pricing and peace of mind. Before you browse our new Toyota inventory, we'll break down exactly where your next Camry, RAV4, or Tacoma is built and what tariffs could mean for your wallet. Toyota's U.S. Manufacturing Footprint at a Glance Toyota's U.S. manufacturing footprint is bigger than most shoppers realize. The company employs approximately 50,000 people in the United States and has been involved in the development and manufacturing of more than 35 million vehicles across 11 U.S. manufacturing plants. That production is backed by nearly $60 billion in cumulative U.S. investment since Toyota began operations here nearly 70 years ago. On November 12, 2025, Toyota announced up to $10 billion in additional U.S. investment over the next five years. On March 23, 2026, timed to the Kentucky plant's 40th anniversary, Toyota detailed that $1 billion of that would go toward Kentucky and Indiana. The Kentucky plant receives $800 million to prepare for its second battery electric vehicle and to increase Camry and RAV4 assembly capacity, while Indiana receives $200 million to increase capacity for the Grand Highlander. Increasingly, the honest answer to "where are Toyotas made?" is: more of them here every year. Inside Toyota's American Plants Toyota's manufacturing plants in the USA each specialize in a different corner of the lineup, from sedans to full-size trucks to the batteries that power the hybrids. Here's a look at each facility keeping the Toyota factory network running. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, KY, is Toyota's largest manufacturing plant in the world, spanning roughly 1,300 acres and 9 million square feet. Toyota broke ground here in 1986 and built its first Camry in 1988. The plant marked 40 years in the commonwealth in 2026 and employs around 10,000 team members. TMMK currently builds the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and RAV4 Hybrid, with Lexus ES production having wrapped up in 2025. The plant is also Toyota's entry point into American EV assembly. Toyota confirmed in February 2026 that the all-electric 2027 Highlander will be built in Georgetown, making it the first three-row battery electric vehicle Toyota builds for the U.S. market, with sales expected to begin in late 2026. The March 2026 investment prepares the same plant for a second battery electric model. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (TMMTX) broke ground in 2003 and started operations in 2006 in San Antonio, TX, where it builds the Tundra and Sequoia alongside rear axles. On July 6, 2026, Toyota announced a $3.6 billion expansion that will add a second assembly line for the Tacoma, create roughly 2,000 new jobs, and add 2.5 million square feet of space, effectively doubling the plant's size by 2030. Annual capacity rises from roughly 200,000 units to 350,000. That expansion also means Tacoma production is shifting away from Baja California, Mexico, to San Antonio over roughly four years, with Texas-built Tacomas expected to start rolling off the new line in 2030. Total investment in the San Antonio site now stands at $8.3 billion since groundbreaking in 2003. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI) sits on 1,160 acres in Princeton, IN, with 4.5 million square feet of production space. It's the only U.S. plant building the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, and it also produces the Grand Highlander, Lexus TX, and Sienna Hybrid. Toyota broke ground here in 1996 and started production in 1998. The plant marked 30 years in southern Indiana in May 2026, by which point more than 8 million vehicles had rolled off its final assembly line, making it one of Toyota's most productive North American facilities. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi (TMMMS), located in Blue Springs, MS, opened in October 2011 and is the North American home of the Corolla sedan. Roughly 2,400 team members work there, averaging more than 180,000 units annually. TMMMS also holds the distinction of being the first U.S. plant to assemble electrified Corolla models, part of Toyota's broader hybrid push across its lineup. The Corolla Hatchback remains an import. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama and North Carolina Battery Plant Toyota's Huntsville, AL engine plant supplies engines for the Corolla, Corolla Cross, Highlander, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, and Tundra. Nearby, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA (MTMUS) in Madison, AL builds the Corolla Cross, the only North American facility to do so, alongside the Mazda CX-50, with combined capacity for 300,000 vehicles a year. Meanwhile, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC) in Liberty, NC began production on November 12, 2025, as Toyota's 11th U.S. plant and its first battery plant outside Japan. Backed by roughly $14 billion in investment and up to 5,100 jobs, TBMNC spans 7 million square feet with 14 production lines and 30 GWh of capacity, supplying batteries for the Camry HEV, Corolla Cross HEV, RAV4 HEV, and an upcoming all-electric three-row model. Where Popular Toyota Models Are Actually Built The answer varies by model, and it's worth understanding the difference between "made," "built," and "assembled." A vehicle can be assembled at a U.S. plant like TMMK while still containing an engine sourced from Japan; automakers describe that vehicle as U.S.-built or U.S.-assembled, even though not every component originated domestically. That distinction matters once tariffs on parts enter the picture. Camry, Corolla, and RAV4 Production Sites The Camry is built exclusively at TMMK in Georgetown, KY. The Corolla sedan is built at TMMMS in Blue Springs, MS, while the Corolla Hatchback comes from Japan. The RAV4 is more of a mixed case: the RAV4 Hybrid comes out of Georgetown, the gas RAV4 is largely built in Ontario, Canada, and the plug-in RAV4 is imported from Japan. Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander, and Sequoia: US-Built or Imported TMMTX in San Antonio, TX handles both the Tundra and Sequoia, while TMMI in Princeton, IN is the sole source for the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid. The Tacoma is currently imported from Baja California, Mexico, though that's changing as production shifts to San Antonio over the next several years. If you're weighing a Camry against a RAV4, or curious how your Tacoma stacks up against a Tundra, explore U.S.-built models in stock and see the full lineup in person at our El Monte showroom. How to Check Where Your Specific Toyota Was Made You don't need to guess whether your particular vehicle is American-made or imported. Every Toyota carries a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that reveals its country of assembly, and checking it takes just a few minutes. Locate the VIN, visible through the lower driver-side windshield, on the door jamb sticker, or on your title, registration, and insurance card. Check the first character of the VIN: a 1, 4, or 5 means the vehicle was built in the USA; a 2 indicates Canada; a 3 indicates Mexico; and a J indicates Japan. Look at the 11th digit of the VIN, which identifies the specific plant code among Toyota's plant codes. Confirm with the door jamb certification label, which lists the vehicle's final assembly point along with the manufacture date. Bring the full VIN to our service or sales team if you'd like us to pull the build record and confirm sourcing details for your specific vehicle. Tariffs and Toyota: What Buyers Need to Know Tariff policy has moved repeatedly through 2026, so treat any pricing talk as conditional rather than settled. The Supreme Court struck down the reciprocal tariffs in February 2026, a temporary 10% global tariff ran from late February until it expired by law on July 24, 2026, and Section 232 duties on vehicles and parts remain in force with an exemption for qualifying USMCA content. Parts of this framework are still working through the courts. Because rates have changed several times this year, we'd point you to current federal guidance rather than quote a number that may not hold by the time you read this. Which Models and Parts Are Most Affected As of early 2026, about 23% of Toyota's U.S. sales came from vehicles imported from Japan, with roughly another 28% produced in Mexico or Canada. Exposure follows sourcing, so the models most affected are those built outside the United States, including the Prius, plug-in RAV4, Land Cruiser, Crown Signia, and 4Runner. Models largely shielded because they're U.S.-built or qualify under USMCA include the Camry, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Highlander, and Tacoma. Tariffs don't stop at finished vehicles, either. Imported OEM parts have carried duties through much of this period, and repair costs have moved with them. Even U.S.-assembled models aren't entirely immune, since a vehicle built in Kentucky can still contain components sourced abroad. How Tariffs Could Influence Prices and Availability Speaking in early 2026, Toyota indicated it might implement three price adjustments over the year rather than the usual two, citing tariffs and uncertainty around the USMCA review. Executives also described the company's stance as that of a "market follower" on pricing. None of this should be read as locked-in fact, and the picture has continued to shift since. What holds regardless is the underlying logic: imported models carry more tariff exposure than U.S.-built ones, which is one more reason to pay attention to where a vehicle is actually assembled before you buy. Why Toyota's US Manufacturing Matters for Your Next Purchase U.S. manufacturing shows up in real recognition and real value. In the 2026 Cars.com American-Made Index, the Camry jumped from 24th to 11th place, and the Tundra climbed from 51st to 19th. Toyota contributed 14 qualifying vehicles to that index, more than any other automaker, and the Lexus TX 350 landed at No. 7. Beyond rankings, Toyota's domestic build quality has long supported strong resale performance across the lineup, which matters if you plan to trade in or sell down the road. Combined with the $10 billion investment announcement and the follow-on commitments in Kentucky, Indiana, and Texas, it's clear where Toyota is putting its chips for the years ahead. Frequently Asked Questions Are Any Toyotas Still Imported From Japan Yes. While many of Toyota's highest-volume models are built in the U.S., vehicles including the 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and the plug-in RAV4 are still imported. So the notion that all Toyotas are made in Japan is a clear no, but Japan still plays a role for select models. Will Tariffs Affect Used Toyotas Too Tariffs primarily target new vehicles and imported components, but the ripple effects can reach the used market too. As new vehicle pricing shifts, demand for used alternatives can rise, indirectly affecting used Toyota pricing and availability. Explore US-Built Toyotas at Longo Toyota Dominic Longo founded this dealership in 1967, and we've been the world's largest Toyota dealership ever since, based on Toyota Motor Sales, USA sales reports. That kind of consistency comes from knowing our inventory inside and out, including which vehicles roll off American assembly lines. Now that you know where Toyotas are built, it's easier to shop with confidence. Visit Us in Southern California If you're in Southern California and want to see a U.S.-built Camry, Corolla, or Highlander in person, our El Monte, CA showroom is the place to start. Get Personalized Guidance Contact our El Monte team and ask which in-stock vehicles are U.S.-assembled; we're happy to walk you through VIN details, financing, and everything else you need for a confident purchase.

Toyota bz

2026 Toyota bZ Price Guide: Cost by Trim, from XLE to Limited

If you're wondering how much the 2026 Toyota bZ costs, pricing starts at $36,350 and tops out at $46,750 depending on trim and drivetrain. That's a wider spread than you'd expect from an EV lineup, and it comes down to battery size, horsepower, and whether you go FWD or AWD. We've broken down every trim below so you know exactly what you're paying for before you set foot on our lot in El Monte. If you want to get the paperwork moving early, you can also get pre-qualified before your test drive. 2026 Toyota bZ Pricing Overview Toyota folded the $1,450 destination fee directly into the MSRP for 2026, so the numbers below reflect what actually shows up on the window sticker. The 2026 Toyota bZ price shifts quite a bit by trim and drivetrain, and this table lays out the full picture. Trim Drivetrain Range Horsepower Battery Starting Price XLE FWD 236 mi 221 hp 57.7 kWh $36,350 XLE Plus FWD 314 mi 221 hp 74.7 kWh $39,350 XLE AWD 288 mi 338 hp 74.7 kWh $41,350 Limited FWD 299 mi 221 hp 74.7 kWh $44,750 Limited AWD 278 mi 338 hp 74.7 kWh $46,750 The base XLE dropped $2,170 compared to the outgoing model, while the Limited crept up $1,500. Every 2026 Toyota bZ trim carries the same coverage: a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty. That makes side-by-side comparisons easier since coverage never changes by trim. 2026 Toyota bZ XLE: Price and Standard Features The XLE starts at $36,350 and sits at the entry point into the lineup. It runs the smallest battery in the family at 57.7 kWh, delivering 236 miles of EPA-estimated range, plenty for most Southern California commutes without daily charging stops. The XLE still comes loaded with useful gear. Standard equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, dual wireless phone chargers, a 14-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, SofTex seating surfaces, and 18-inch wheels. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard across every trim, so you're not paying extra for core safety tech just because you picked the base model. For El Monte commuters who mostly stick to local highways and surface streets, this trim covers the basics well. 2026 Toyota bZ XLE Plus: Price and Added Value Step up to the XLE Plus and you're looking at roughly $39,350, about $3,000 more than the base XLE. That extra money buys a significantly larger 74.7-kWh battery pack and stretches range to 314 miles, the longest in the entire lineup. The XLE Plus keeps the same 221 hp as the base XLE, since both are FWD-only at this tier, but the range jump alone makes this trim worth a look if you do a lot of freeway driving between Southern California cities. Edmunds calls FWD the smarter pick for range-focused buyers, and real-world testing on a similarly configured model recorded 331 miles, beating the EPA estimate. 2026 Toyota bZ Limited: Price and Premium Features The Limited starts at $44,750 for FWD and jumps to $46,750 with AWD, making the AWD Limited the priciest configuration in the lineup. That premium buys a genuine step up in comfort and tech. The Limited adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a Panoramic View Monitor for parking, a digital rearview mirror, Advanced Park for hands-free parking assistance, and a panoramic glass roof with a power sunshade. Wheels grow to 20 inches, and you can option a 9-speaker JBL Premium Audio system. Digital key functionality, meanwhile, is available across the entire bZ lineup, not just the Limited, and requires an active Remote Connect subscription. This is where the XLE vs. Limited comparison gets interesting, since the Limited trades some range for luxury amenities you'd expect on a vehicle costing several thousand more. FWD vs. AWD: How Drivetrain Affects Price by Trim AWD carries a $2,000 upcharge over the equivalent FWD configuration with the same 74.7 kWh battery. On the Limited, that's the difference between $44,750 (FWD) and $46,750 (AWD). On the XLE, the true AWD-only upcharge is best measured against the XLE Plus FWD at $39,350, which shares AWD's 74.7 kWh battery: stepping up from the base XLE FWD's smaller 57.7 kWh battery to XLE AWD costs $5,000 total, since that jump adds both the larger battery and the AWD hardware. That money buys a jump from 221 hp to 338 combined horsepower, plus quicker acceleration, 0 to 60 mph in about 4.9 seconds on the AWD XLE. The trade-off is that AWD range drops compared to FWD versions with the same battery, since AWD models add a rear motor and X-MODE for low-traction situations, both of which draw more energy. What Impacts Your Final Price The sticker price is just the starting point. A few other factors shape what you'll actually pay, worth understanding before you sit down at the negotiating table. Destination Fees and Optional Packages Toyota has already folded the $1,450 destination fee into the advertised MSRP for 2026, which simplifies things compared to previous years. Optional packages still add on top, though. A Panoramic Roof Package is available on the XLE, while Limited buyers can add the 9-Speaker JBL Premium Audio Package. Other options across the lineup include all-weather floor liners, carpet mats, and a Preferred Accessory Package, all of which push the final price above the base trim figure. Federal EV Tax Credit and Available Incentives The $7,500 federal new-EV tax credit ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, so don't build your budget around it. That means there's currently no point-of-sale federal discount applying to the 2026 Toyota bZ. This is a meaningful shift from how EV shopping worked just a year ago, and it's worth factoring into your budget from the start. Toyota has also reported its own promotional programs, such as a lease around $379 per month for 36 months with $3,749 due at signing, or 0% APR for 72 months paired with a cash incentive; these offers change monthly, so confirm current terms before assuming a rate. We'd recommend confirming current offers and eligibility directly with our team before assuming any specific savings apply to your purchase. Financing vs. Leasing: What It Means for Your Monthly Payment Monthly payments don't scale evenly with sticker price, and the gap between two trims on paper often narrows or widens once term length and residual value enter the picture. That's especially true with leasing, which is built around projected resale value rather than purchase price, so the least expensive trim to buy isn't automatically the least expensive to lease. Financing works the other way: you're paying toward ownership, which suits drivers keeping the car long-term, and the 8-year/100,000-mile battery coverage outlasts a typical loan by a comfortable margin. Leasing tends to mean a lower payment and the option to move into a newer model every few years, which appeals to drivers who'd rather stay current as EV tech keeps moving. Rates and residuals reset regularly, so the practical step is running real numbers on the trim and drivetrain you're weighing. Which 2026 bZ Trim Is Right for You Picking the right trim depends on your priorities. If you're a budget-conscious commuter mostly driving around El Monte and nearby communities, the base XLE at $36,350 covers your needs without unnecessary extras. If long-range driving matters most, the XLE Plus FWD's 314-mile range is the longest in the lineup and worth the roughly $3,000 premium over base. Buyers who want luxury touches and the latest tech should look at the Limited, with its ventilated seats, Panoramic View Monitor, and Advanced Park. And if you drive in varied weather or want extra confidence in wet or slick conditions, the AWD XLE at $41,350 hits a strong price-to-content balance, delivering 338 hp and all-wheel traction without stepping all the way up to Limited pricing. KBB pegs this trim as the lineup's sweet spot, and it's easy to see why. Explore 2026 Toyota bZ Pricing at Longo Toyota Why Shop With Us We've been part of the El Monte community since 1967, and today we're recognized as the world's largest and top-volume Toyota dealership. That scale means our bZ inventory spans more trims and configurations than most dealerships can offer, giving you real options rather than a limited selection to choose from. Whether you're comparing the XLE against the Limited or trying to decide if AWD is worth the upcharge, our team can walk you through current availability and financing paths that fit your situation. Get Started Today You can browse our new bZ inventory to see what's currently on our lot, or contact our team for a personalized quote tailored to your budget and driving needs. We're here seven days a week to help you find the right bZ at the right price.

A group of people sitting at a bar watching tv

5 Best Sports Bars Near Pasadena, CA to Catch the Big Game

Photo by Amit Lahav on Unsplash Pasadena has been a sports town for decades, with the Rose Bowl anchoring a neighborhood that takes game day seriously. That history shows up in the bars scattered through Old Town Pasadena, where crowd noise, screen glow, and sizzling kitchens turn a Sunday slate or a random Tuesday NBA game into an event. This guide breaks down the best sports bars near Pasadena, CA, picked for atmosphere, screen setup, food and drink, and the crowd you'll actually be shoulder to shoulder with when the game gets tight. What Makes a Sports Bar Great for Game Day Near Pasadena Bolting a TV to the wall doesn't make a place worth visiting on game day. The good ones set up screens so nobody's craning their neck, run sound loud enough to hear the announcers over the room, and put real thought into the kitchen. Atmosphere counts just as much as the hardware. Watching a game packed in with fans who are actually into it feels nothing like sitting in a quiet room with the game muted in the corner. The bars on this list bring that energy, whether it's a full NFL Sunday or a college basketball game that snuck up on everybody. Practical details matter too. Parking, how close you are to the freeway, seating that works when you've got a group. Pasadena connects easily to El Monte and the rest of Southern California, so drivers from those areas have plenty of nearby options within about a 30-minute drive. The 5 Best Sports Bars Near Pasadena, CA Old Town Pasadena mixes gastropub polish with laid-back neighborhood spots. These five show up consistently when it matters. 1. Kings Row Gastropub – Best Overall Atmosphere for Big Games Kings Row Gastropub is the Official Bar Partner of LAFC, and it's also the home bar for Arsenal FC, which gives it a soccer pedigree few spots nearby can match. The scratch kitchen turns out burgers and wings with real attention to detail, and the British gastropub setting pairs multiple TVs with a large projector for the marquee matchup. The tap list offers a solid variety of craft beers, enough to switch things up as the game goes on. Between the screens, the kitchen, and how the crowd feeds off the room's energy, Kings Row Gastropub takes the top spot. 2. Lucky Baldwin's Pub – Best for Craft Beer and Elevated Bar Food Lucky Baldwin's Pub has anchored Old Pasadena's historic buildings since 1996, and it's built a serious following among people who care about their beer. The rotating tap list runs past 60 beers, leaning Belgian and craft, so pickier drinkers have plenty to work through. Traditional English food backs up the beer program, flat-screen TVs cover the room, and morning soccer matches draw a crowd that knows the sport. It's a smaller, tighter room than a typical sports bar, but that closeness pulls you into the game. 3. Rocco's Tavern – Best for NBA and College Basketball Fans Rocco's Tavern sits in Old Town Pasadena and is a favorite gathering spot for game day. The atmosphere stays lively without tipping into chaos, and the strong beer and food lineup keeps groups settled in for a full slate of games. It's a central gathering point for pre- and post-game crowds, and during NBA or NCAA basketball season, that central location and steady energy make it the easiest pick on this list for hoops fans. 4. T. Boyle's Tavern – Best Neighborhood Hangout Vibe T. Boyle's Tavern has the kind of relaxed, memorabilia-covered feel that turns into a regular game day spot without much effort. Tucked into a historic alley, it runs 13 flat-screen TVs and a pub food menu built around burgers, wings, and a solid fish and chips. The bar pours 21 beers on tap plus 20 bottled and craft options, alongside ciders and wines, and the staff and crowd both lean family-friendly. You show up, watch the game, eat something worth ordering again, and relax. 5. 35er Bar – Best for Groups and Private Watch Parties 35er Bar has been family-owned since 1963 on Route 66 along Colorado Blvd, and the two-story layout was practically built for bigger gatherings. Fifteen TVs are placed around the space so sightlines stay clean from most seats, the walls carry a deep collection of NFL and NCAA memorabilia, and a downstairs dance floor gives everyone room to spread out once the game wraps. When the Super Bowl or a playoff weekend rolls around, that capacity becomes the venue's biggest selling point for groups and private watch parties. Quick Comparison: Screens, Specials, and Team Loyalties Bar Screens Beer Selection Team Loyalty Vibe Kings Row Gastropub Multiple TVs plus a large projector Craft beers on tap Official Bar Partner of LAFC; Arsenal FC home bar British gastropub energy Lucky Baldwin's Pub Flat-screen TVs throughout 60+ rotating beers, Belgian/craft Morning soccer crowd Historic English pub charm Rocco's Tavern Multiple screens Strong beer and food lineup Central for mixed pre/post-game crowds Lively Old Town energy T. Boyle's Tavern 13 flat-screen TVs 21 beers on tap, 20 bottled/craft, plus ciders and wines Neighborhood regulars Family-friendly, memorabilia-lined 35er Bar Multiple strategically placed TVs Full bar NFL/NCAA memorabilia collection Group-friendly, downstairs dance floor Most of these bars run drink specials tied to NFL and NBA game days. Check each bar's social media before heading out, since promotions usually get posted just a few days ahead and shift depending on the matchup. How to Score the Best Seat Before Kickoff Getting there early beats every other strategy, especially for primetime NFL games, playoff weekends, and marquee college matchups. Bars near Pasadena fill up fast once kickoff approaches, and seats near the center screens disappear first. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes before kickoff on big game days gives you a real cushion. For larger groups, call ahead. Some bars, like 35er Bar with its spacious two-story layout, can accommodate reserved sections for bigger parties, while others run strictly first-come, first-served. Following each bar's social media pays off too, since many post reservation windows and game day details in advance. Coming from El Monte or elsewhere in Southern California, factor parking into your plan before picking a bar. Old Town Pasadena gets crowded fast on busy sports nights. Frequently Asked Questions About Pasadena Sports Bars Which Bar Near Pasadena Is Best for Soccer Fans? Kings Row Gastropub is the clear pick, given its status as the Official Bar Partner of LAFC and its role as an Arsenal FC home bar. Lucky Baldwin's Pub is also a strong option, particularly for morning soccer matches. Where Can I Watch NBA and College Basketball Near Pasadena? Rocco's Tavern is the strongest pick for basketball, with a lively Old Town Pasadena setting that stays busy during NBA and NCAA season. Kings Row Gastropub's screen setup also handles a packed slate well. Do Any of These Sports Bars Take Reservations for Game Day? Policies vary by venue, so it's worth checking with each bar directly for current details. 35er Bar's larger, two-story layout tends to handle groups and private watch parties best, while smaller spots like T. Boyle's Tavern mostly rely on walk-in seating. That's exactly why arriving early matters on high-traffic days. Final Pick: Where to Watch the Big Game Near Pasadena Kings Row Gastropub gives the most dependable all-around experience among the best sports bars near Pasadena, CA, if you're only picking one spot. Multiple TVs and a large projector, a scratch kitchen menu, a strong craft beer tap list, and verified team loyalties to LAFC and Arsenal FC cover the criteria that matter most: atmosphere, screens, food, and a crowd that's genuinely invested. Basketball fans should still make room for Rocco's Tavern, and anyone organizing a bigger group will have an easier time at 35er Bar thanks to its layout and capacity. Plan Your Night Out The right bar comes down to what's on and who's sitting next to you. Get there early, check the venue's reservation setup ahead of time, and look for game day specials before you head out. 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