- Toyota is introducing a new Highlander model for the 2027 model year.
- This is the first electric Highlander and Toyota’s first electric three-row SUV.
- The base Highlander EV has a 77.0 kWh battery with a range of up to 430 kilometers.
- The upgraded 95.8 kWh package delivers a range of 320 miles.
Toyota is upgrading its SUV arsenal with an all-new version of one of its most popular three-row models. The 2027 Toyota Highlander replaces the current fourth-generation model, which has been on sale in the US since 2019 and, honestly, was getting a little long in the tooth.
This new Highlander has a fresh design, a completely new interior and lots of new technology. But perhaps the most important thing is what’s under the hood of the new Highalnder – or what there is not. For the first time, the Toyota Highlander is fully electric. This is Toyota’s first three-row EV and the fourth EV in Toyota’s US lineup.
Here’s what you need to know.
The first Highlander EV
Photo by: Toyota
Toyota offers two versions of the 2027 Highlander EV: the XLE and Limited. The XLE model comes with front- and all-wheel drive, with a choice of two battery packs. The Limited model is AWD only.
The base XLE has a 77.0 kilowatt-hour battery and a single electric motor, good for 221 horsepower, 198 pound-feet of torque and a range of 287 miles. Upgrade to the XLE AWD with the standard 77.0 kWh package and output improves to 338 hp and 328 lb-ft. That extra power brings the range down to 270 miles per charge.
Upgrade to the larger 95.8 kWh package on the most premium XLE AWD or the Limited model (which comes standard with AWD and the larger package), and the total range improves to 520 miles. Even with the larger battery, however, output remains at 338 hp and 328 lb-ft.
Both versions come standard with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. The Highlander EV also introduces vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, which can power external devices or serve as a backup energy source in emergency situations.
| Trimming | Battery | Export | Range |
| Toyota Highlander XLE FWD | 77.0 kWh | 221 HP / 198 LB-FT | 287 miles |
| Toyota Highlander XLE AWD | 77.0 kWh | 338 HP / 328 LB-FT | 270 miles |
| Toyota Highlander XLE AWD | 95.8 kWh | 338 HP / 328 LB-FT | 320 miles |
| Toyota Highlander Limited AWD | 95.8 kWh | 338 HP / 328 LB-FT | 320 miles |
Exciting new look
Photo by: Toyota
The new Highlander EV looks great shocking good for a three-row SUV – pun intended. It features sharp lines, wide fenders, full-length LED daytime running lights and semi-recessed door handles for a sleek, aerodynamic aesthetic. Toyota’s signature ‘Hammerhead’ headlights and grille also make their way to the front of the new Highlander.
The Highlander embraces technology with a 14.0-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a full-screen navigation option. There are devices that can be charged in all three rows, an optional fixed panoramic glass roof – the largest in the Toyota range – and even customizable ambient lighting with 64 color options.
SofTex artificial leather is the standard material for all three rows of seats. Heated front seats are also standard, while ventilated front seats are available as an option. Buyers in the second row also get heating at an additional cost.
Toyota hasn’t yet released full details on the cargo and passenger space, but the automaker did indicate that the third row of seats will fold completely flat. This creates no less than 45.0 cubic meters of cargo space behind the second row of seats.
Safe as always
Photo by: Toyota
Safety remains a cornerstone for Highlander – and all Toyota models – with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) standard. That includes:
- Pre-Collision system with pedestrian detection
- Dynamic radar cruise control at full speed
- Lane departure alert with steering assistance
- Lane Keeping Assistance
- Traffic sign assistant
- Proactive driving assistance
Additionally, the Highlander comes equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, and a host of other technologies like a smart key, a rear seat reminder, and even hill-start assist.
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Source: Toyota
Prices and availability
The 2027 Highlander is assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky, with batteries sourced from Toyota’s recently opened battery plant in North Carolina. Production is expected to start in late 2026, with sales later that year.
One thing we still don’t know is what the 2027 Highlander EV will cost. The current model starts at $47,070 for the standard gas version and $48,820 for the hybrid. The most expensive Highlander of the bunch, the Hybrid Platinum, costs $56,475.
The 2027 Highlander should cost around $48,000 when it goes on sale later this year.
Taking Motor1s: With the Grand Highlander taking over a large majority of Toyota’s three-row sales in recent years, it makes sense that Toyota would take its midsize Highlander in a completely different direction. The new Highlander is stylish and efficient and should be an excellent addition to Toyota’s SUV range.
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