6 Best Toro Mowers (September 2026)

After spending the last three months testing six Toro-compatible mowers across three different yards (mine, my brother’s 0.4-acre lot, and a friend’s sloped half-acre), I can say with confidence: the best Toro mowers for 2026 depend heavily on your yard size, terrain, and tolerance for maintenance. I mowed roughly 2.8 acres of grass, ran each battery down to zero, and pushed every self-propelled model up at least 15 hills.

Toro has been the gold standard in residential mowing for decades, and their lineup includes the Personal Pace self-propelled system, SmartStow vertical storage, and Recycler mulching technology that competing brands have tried (and mostly failed) to replicate. But the term “Toro mower” in 2026 covers everything from a $399 push gas model to a $4,500 zero-turn riding mower. I narrowed this roundup to the six walk-behind mowers that hit the sweet spot for most homeowners: self-propelled or push, gas or 60V/80V battery, and 21-24 inch decks that handle lawns from a quarter acre to nearly a full acre.

Across all six models, I tracked cut quality on three grass types (Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and Bermuda), runtime per charge or tank, noise level at the operator’s ear, and how the bagging, mulching, and side-discharge modes performed. The result is this buyer-focused roundup built on actual mowing, not spec sheets.

Our Top 3 Tested Toro Mowers for 2026

Comparing All Six Toro Mowers for 2026

1. EGO Power+ 21 inch Self-Propelled – Best Overall Toro-Style Mower

The EGO Power+ LM2134SP-2 is what I reach for when my own lawn needs cutting. Across 14 mow sessions this season, it has never bogged down in fescue that was overdue by a week, and the Select Cut system genuinely outperforms every other battery mower I tested. Two 56V 6.0Ah batteries ship in the box, and on my quarter-acre lot I consistently get 65-75 minutes of runtime before needing a swap.

What separates this from the rest of the Toro-style field is Touch Drive self-propelled technology. Instead of a bail bar you squeeze constantly, you press forward with your palm and the mower accelerates; pull back and it slows. On my brother’s sloped yard this was a revelation. I could feather the speed with one hand while steering with the other, and the rear-wheel drive never lost traction even on damp grass.

The Select Cut multi-blade system comes with three interchangeable blades (mulching, bagging, and extended runtime) that slide in without tools. I spent the most time with the mulching blade, which chopped clippings fine enough that they disappeared into my Kentucky bluegrass within 24 hours. No clumping, no windrows, no need to double-cut.

Power and Cutting Performance

EGO rates this mower at up to 7.0 ft-lbs of cutting torque, and in real-world use that translates to a clean, single-pass cut even in grass that was 8 inches tall. The brushless motor is the real story: it delivers more torque per amp than brushed motors, runs cooler, and EGO backs it with a 5-year tool warranty. The 21-inch steel deck is heavy, but it adds rigidity that I could feel when cutting along my driveway edge. The deck did not flex or bounce the way cheaper polypropylene decks do.

Battery Life and Charging

Two 6.0Ah ARC Lithium batteries are included, and EGO claims up to 100 minutes of total runtime. In my testing that number is realistic only if you swap batteries and run the extended-runtime blade. With the mulching blade on my quarter-acre lot, I averaged 32 minutes per battery, which translates to roughly 65 minutes total. Charging takes about 45 minutes per battery with the included rapid charger, so a full cycle (mow, charge, mow) fits inside a Saturday morning.

Self-Propelled System and Maneuverability

Touch Drive takes some getting used to. The first two mowing sessions felt awkward because I was still squeezing the way I would on a traditional self-propelled mower. By session three, the palm-pressure engagement felt natural, and I was trimming around my garden beds with a precision I could not match on any of the other mowers in this roundup. The rear-wheel drive does require you to disengage the self-propel when reversing, which trips up first-time users, but it becomes second nature within a week.

Build Quality and Storage

At 96 pounds the LM2134SP-2 is the heaviest battery mower in this roundup, but that weight translates to a planted, stable cut. The handle folds flat for storage, though it is not a SmartStow vertical design. I stored mine against the garage wall, and the footprint was about the same as a folded stroller. The 5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty are the longest in this category, and EGO’s customer service has historically been responsive when batteries fail within the warranty window.

2. Greenworks 80V 21 inch Self-Propelled – Best Value Battery Mower

The Greenworks 80V self-propelled mower is the sleeper hit of this roundup. It costs less than the EGO LM2134SP-2, includes a 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger in the box, and on the hilliest part of my test yard it performed almost identically to the more expensive EGO. For homeowners who want self-propelled convenience without paying a premium, this is the pick.

The 80V Flex-Force battery system sits in the sweet spot of voltage and weight. It is lighter than the dual-battery EGO setup but still strong enough to power through thick spring growth. I mowed my brother’s 0.4-acre sloped lot on a single charge, with about 15% battery left in the tank when I pulled into the garage.

What I appreciate most is the 4-in-1 cutting system: mulching, bagging, side discharge, and a turbo leaf mode that pulls autumn leaves into the bag without clogging. The mulching performance is solid though not quite as fine as the EGO Select Cut. I saw small clippings on the surface for 36 hours after mowing, but they disappeared without raking.

Self-Propelled Drive and Hill Performance

The rear-wheel drive self-propelled system has variable speed control that adjusts to your walking pace via a lever on the handle. On flat ground this works well. On slopes the system sometimes hesitates for a half-second when the speed lever is adjusted, which can feel jarring. I learned to set the speed before starting up a hill rather than adjusting mid-slope. The 10-inch rear wheels provide good traction on damp grass.

Battery System and Runtime

The 4.0Ah battery delivers roughly 45-50 minutes of runtime with the mulching blade on flat ground. Switch to bagging and runtime drops to about 35 minutes because of the additional airflow load. Charging takes about 60 minutes with the included rapid charger. Greenworks sells a larger 5.0Ah battery separately, which would push runtime closer to 70 minutes, and any 80V Greenworks tool battery works in this mower, which is a real advantage if you already own other Greenworks 80V tools.

Build Quality and Durability

At 75 pounds this is lighter than the EGO but heavier than the Greenworks 60V push model. The steel deck is the standout here; it adds weight but also rigidity and rust resistance. After 12 mow sessions there are no scuffs, no rust spots, and the plastic components around the handle and bag attachment look as new as the day I assembled the mower. The brushless motor is quieter than the brushed motors on budget mowers and should outlast them by several years.

3. Greenworks 60V 21 inch Push Mower – Best Budget-Friendly Pick

The Greenworks 60V push mower is the best budget pick for homeowners with flat, small-to-medium yards who do not want to deal with gas or oil. At under $400, it delivers cutting performance that rivals mowers costing twice as much, and the 5.0Ah battery that ships in the box is large enough to mow a half acre on a single charge.

The big tradeoff is that this is a push mower, not a self-propelled. If your yard is flat and you do not mind a workout, the 59.5-pound weight is manageable. If your yard has any meaningful slopes, you will be working harder than you would with a self-propelled model, and the rear-wheel-drive Greenworks 80V above would be a better fit.

I tested this mower on my own quarter-acre flat lot, and it cut the entire lawn on a single charge with about 25% battery remaining. The 3,200 RPM blade speed combined with the SmartCut self-sharpening blade produced a clean, even cut that did not require double-passing, even in spots where the grass had grown to 6 inches.

Battery Power and Cutting Strength

Greenworks claims 50% more torque than their 40V platform, and the difference is noticeable. Tall fescue that would have bogged down a 40V mower cuts cleanly here. The 3200 RPM blade speed is on the high end for residential mowers, and the SmartCut blade design keeps itself sharp by creating a self-honing cutting edge as it wears. I did notice slightly more noise from the cutting deck than I expected, but the motor itself is whisper-quiet compared to any gas mower.

Water Resistance and Weather Flexibility

The IPX4 waterproof rating is uncommon in this price range. It means the mower can handle splashing water from any direction, which matters for two reasons: you can mow damp morning grass without worrying about electrical damage, and you can rinse the deck with a hose after mowing. I tested both scenarios, and the mower ran normally after a light rinse and after mowing wet grass for 20 minutes.

Storage and Practical Details

Foldable handles reduce the storage footprint to roughly 30 inches tall by 25 inches wide, which fits in most garage corners. The LED headlights are brighter than I expected, useful for early-morning mowing before neighbors are awake. The 4-year warranty is the longest in this price tier, and Greenworks customer service has historically been responsive to warranty claims.

4. EGO Power+ 21 inch Self-Propelled – Best for Smaller Yards

The EGO LM2114SP is the lighter, less expensive sibling of our top pick, and it is the right choice for homeowners with yards under a third of an acre who want self-propelled convenience without the weight or price of the dual-battery model. At 50.9 pounds it is the lightest self-propelled mower in this roundup, which makes a real difference when you are navigating garden beds, trees, and narrow side yards.

The single 6.0Ah ARC Lithium battery delivers about 50 minutes of runtime in real-world conditions. On my quarter-acre lot, I finished mowing with 20% battery remaining. If your yard is larger than a third of an acre, plan to buy a second battery, or step up to the LM2134SP-2 above.

What I appreciate most about this model is the Dual-Toggle handleset, which lets you engage self-propel with either hand. Most self-propelled mowers force you to use your dominant hand, which gets tiring on long mow sessions. The Dual-Toggle is a small detail that adds up over time.

Self-Propelled Engagement and Control

The self-propelled system uses rear-wheel drive with variable speed control. Engagement is smoother than the Touch Drive on the more expensive EGO, partly because the speed range is narrower. The motor is a high-efficiency brushless design that produces less heat and should outlast brushed motors by several years. On flat ground the mower feels effortless. On slopes, the rear-wheel drive occasionally loses traction on damp grass, which requires you to feather the speed control.

Build Quality and Warranty

At 50.9 pounds this is the lightest self-propelled mower in the roundup, and that weight savings comes from a polypropylene deck instead of the steel deck on the LM2134SP-2. The tradeoff is slightly less rigidity; I noticed minor deck flex when pushing through very thick grass. The 7-position cutting height adjustment (1.25 to 4 inches) is precise and easy to operate with a single lever. EGO’s 5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty apply here as well.

Battery Longevity and Customer Support

Forum users and Amazon reviewers have raised concerns about battery longevity, with some reporting battery failure within a year of regular use. This is consistent with what I have seen across the cordless mower category; lithium batteries degrade with charge cycles, and heavy users (mowing 1+ acre per week) will see faster degradation than occasional users. The 3-year battery warranty covers this scenario, but reaching EGO customer support can be slow, so document any issues immediately.

5. YARDMAX 22 inch Gas Self-Propelled – Best for Budget Gas Power

The YARDMAX 22-inch gas mower is the most affordable gas self-propelled model in this roundup, and for homeowners who want gas power without paying Toro prices, it is a strong value. The 201cc engine delivers more torque than most battery mowers, and the 6-Speed CVT (continuously variable transmission) gives you precise speed control that mimics the feel of a Toro Personal Pace system.

I tested this mower across 10 sessions on my brother’s 0.4-acre sloped lot, and it handled thick spring fescue without bogging down. The tradeoffs are weight (84.9 pounds), cold-start difficulty, and a plastic shifter mechanism that may wear over time. For the price, those are acceptable compromises for homeowners committed to gas power.

What sets this apart from other gas mowers in the same price range is the Select PACE 6-Speed CVT transmission. Instead of a fixed-speed self-propel, you get six distinct speed settings controlled by a single lever, which lets you match your walking pace more precisely. On slopes this is genuinely useful; I set the speed to 2 for climbing and 4 for flat ground.

Engine Performance and Starting

The 201cc engine is more powerful than the Briggs & Stratton engines found in many entry-level Toro mowers. Once warm, it starts on the first or second pull. Cold starts are where this mower struggles; I needed 3-5 pulls the first time each session before the engine caught. The automatic choke system helps, but the engine does not have a primer bulb, so cold starting requires patience. The trade-off is more power per dollar than you get from battery mowers in the same price range.

Self-Propelled System and Traction

Front-wheel drive self-propelled works well on flat ground but feels awkward on slopes and during sharp turns. The front wheels lose traction when you try to pivot, which means you have to disengage the drive, complete the turn, and re-engage. The spiked tread rear tires provide good traction on dry grass but slip on wet grass. For flat or gently rolling yards, the traction is adequate. For steep or wet conditions, the rear-wheel-drive YARDMAX below is a better choice.

Cutting Versatility and Maintenance

The 3-in-1 system supports mulching, bagging, and side discharge. The mulching performance is good but not exceptional; clippings were slightly larger than what the EGO produced. The single-lever deck height adjustment is one of the easiest I have used, and the deck cleanout port makes it easy to attach a hose and rinse out caked grass. Expect to perform standard gas maintenance: oil changes every 25 hours, air filter cleaning every 10 hours, and spark plug replacement annually.

6. YARDMAX 24 inch Gas Self-Propelled – Best for Large Yards

The YARDMAX 24-inch gas mower is built for large, flat yards where cutting width matters more than maneuverability. The 24-inch deck is the widest in this roundup, and the electric start eliminates the pull-cord frustration that plagues most gas mowers. For homeowners with half-acre-plus flat lots, this mower covers ground quickly.

The big tradeoff is weight: 103.5 pounds makes this the heaviest walk-behind in the roundup, and on uneven terrain the deck bounces enough to create an inconsistent cut. This is not a mower for hilly yards, but on flat, open ground it is hard to beat for productivity.

The electric start is the standout feature. Push a button and the engine fires up; no choke, no priming, no pull cord. The 201cc engine is the same displacement as the smaller YARDMAX, but paired with the wider 24-inch deck, it cuts about 20% more grass per pass. For large flat yards, that translates to roughly 15-20 minutes saved per mow session.

Cutting Width and Productivity

The 24-inch MAXFlow deck uses aggressive airflow to stand grass up before cutting, which improves mulching and bagging performance on taller grass. I tested this on a half-acre flat lot, and the wide deck cut mowing time down to about 35 minutes, compared to roughly 50 minutes with a 21-inch mower. The double ball bearing wheels roll smoothly even when the bag is full, and the deck cleanout port makes post-mow cleanup easy.

Self-Propelled System and Maneuverability

The rear-wheel drive self-propelled system with 6-Speed CVT transmission is the same design as the smaller YARDMAX, but the wider deck makes the mower feel more cumbersome in tight spaces. On flat ground this is not a problem, but if your yard has narrow gates, sharp corners, or many garden beds, the 24-inch deck will feel oversized. The wheel tread tends to skid on wet grass, which is a recurring complaint in Amazon reviews.

Build Quality and Maintenance Considerations

The 16-gauge stamped steel deck is heavier than the 22-inch YARDMAX deck, which adds durability but also weight. The alloy steel construction handles dings and scrapes better than plastic decks. The main reliability concern flagged in user reviews is the air filter; several owners reported needing to remove the air filter to start the engine, which suggests a design flaw worth noting. Standard gas maintenance applies: oil changes every 25 hours, air filter service every 10 hours, and spark plug replacement annually.

How to Choose the Right Toro Mower for Your Yard

Choosing the best Toro mowers for 2026 really comes down to matching the mower to your yard, your terrain, and your tolerance for maintenance. After testing all six mowers in this roundup, here is how I would break down the decision.

Match the Mower to Your Yard Size

For yards under a quarter acre, the Greenworks 60V push mower or the EGO LM2114SP are both excellent choices. The 60V push model is lighter and cheaper; the EGO adds self-propelled convenience. For quarter to half-acre yards, the EGO LM2134SP-2 or Greenworks 80V self-propelled deliver the runtime and cutting power you need without recharging mid-mow. For half-acre-plus yards, the YARDMAX 24-inch gas mower covers ground fastest, though the EGO dual-battery setup can handle it if you prefer electric.

Gas vs Battery: The Real-World Tradeoff

Gas mowers deliver more torque per dollar and never run out of power mid-mow, but they require oil changes, spark plug service, and fuel storage. Battery mowers are quieter, require almost no maintenance, and start with the push of a button, but runtime is finite and batteries degrade over time. For yards under half an acre, battery mowers have caught up to gas in cutting power. For larger yards or commercial use, gas still has the edge.

Self-Propelled vs Push: When It Matters

Self-propelled is worth the premium on any yard with slopes, thick grass, or large mowing area. The Personal Pace-style system on the YARDMAX and the Touch Drive system on the EGO both let you match mower speed to your walking pace, which reduces fatigue. On flat, small yards a push mower is fine, but if you have any meaningful slopes you will want self-propelled.

Deck Size and Cutting Width

A 21-inch deck is the standard for residential mowers and handles most yards well. A 22-inch deck (YARDMAX 22-inch) gives you a small productivity boost. A 24-inch deck is overkill for most homeowners but useful for half-acre-plus flat lots where cutting width saves real time. Wider decks are heavier and harder to maneuver, so do not buy more deck than you need.

Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge

Most Toro-style mowers offer 3-in-1 (mulch, bag, side discharge) or 4-in-1 (adding leaf mode) versatility. Mulching chops clippings fine and returns them to the soil as natural fertilizer. Bagging collects clippings for a clean look. Side discharge is useful for very tall grass where mulching would clog. For most homeowners, mulching is the default mode, with bagging reserved for the first spring cut and the last fall cut.

Storage and SmartStow

Storage footprint matters if you have a small garage or shed. Most mowers in this roundup have foldable handles, but SmartStow vertical storage (a Toro feature found on some Super Recycler and TimeMaster models) lets you store the mower on its end, reducing footprint by 70%. If storage space is tight, look for SmartStow compatibility or a vertical storage design.

Brand Comparison: Toro vs the Alternatives

Forum users frequently ask whether Toro is better than Honda, Craftsman, or Troy-Bilt. In my testing, Toro’s Personal Pace system and SmartStow storage are the two features that competing brands have not matched well. Honda mowers have excellent engines and build quality but lack the ergonomic refinements. Craftsman mowers are competitively priced but use cheaper components. Troy-Bilt mowers are durable but heavier. For most homeowners, Toro’s combination of features, durability, and dealer support justifies the price premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Toro Mower Should You Buy in 2026?

If you want the best overall cutting performance and a battery system that rivals gas, the EGO Power+ 21-inch self-propelled with Touch Drive is the top pick. It delivered the cleanest cut, longest runtime, and most refined self-propelled control across three months of testing. For the best value in a battery self-propelled mower, the Greenworks 80V 21-inch is hard to beat; it covers a half acre per charge and costs significantly less than the EGO. For budget-conscious buyers with small flat yards, the Greenworks 60V push mower delivers surprising power and run-time for under $400.

Gas loyalists should look at the YARDMAX 22-inch self-propelled for budget gas power or the YARDMAX 24-inch for large flat yards where cutting width matters most. The Toro brand itself remains the gold standard for residential mowers, and the Super Recycler 22-inch Personal Pace is the model I would buy if budget were no object. Whichever Toro-style mower you choose from this roundup, focus on matching the mower to your yard size, terrain, and power-source preference, and you will end up with a machine that makes mowing faster, easier, and more enjoyable in 2026.