Toyota has fundamentally reimagined the Highlander, transitioning its popular three-row SUV to a fully electric powertrain for the 2027 model year. This marks a significant shift for the automaker, representing its first three-row EV for the US market and the first Toyota EV to be assembled domestically, at its Kentucky facility.
The move comes at a pivotal moment for Toyota, which has largely focused on hybrid technology while many competitors aggressively pursued all-electric vehicles. Recent market shifts, including slowing EV sales and financial challenges for some EV manufacturers, appear to have validated Toyota’s more cautious approach. However, the appointment of Kenta Kon as CEO signals a renewed commitment to battery-electric vehicles, balancing financial prudence with the need to compete in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
The 2027 Highlander will be available in two trims: XLE and Limited. The XLE offers both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, with the front-wheel drive version paired exclusively with a 77-kWh battery. All-wheel drive XLE models can be equipped with either the 77-kWh or a larger 96-kWh battery pack. The Limited trim comes standard with all-wheel drive and the 96-kWh battery. This tiered approach to battery size and drivetrain allows for a range of price points and performance characteristics.
Range estimates vary depending on configuration. The XLE with front-wheel drive achieves an estimated 287 miles on a single charge. The XLE all-wheel drive model with the 77-kWh battery is rated for 270 miles, while both the all-wheel drive XLE and Limited trims equipped with the larger 96-kWh battery offer a claimed range of 320 miles. All-wheel drive models with the larger battery also produce 338 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque, while front-wheel drive trims deliver 221 hp and 198 lb-ft of torque.
Inside, the 2027 Highlander features a redesigned infotainment system, mirroring the setup found in the new C-HR and bZ Woodland EVs. A 14-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster dominate the dashboard, complemented by customizable ambient lighting and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Toyota has also prioritized connectivity, with extensive USB-C ports available across all three rows and a fixed panoramic glass roof – the largest ever offered by Toyota – enhancing the passenger experience.
The infotainment system is powered by AT&T 5G connectivity, offering a customizable home screen, enhanced voice recognition with “Hey Toyota” commands and dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. Integrated streaming services like Spotify and SiriusXM are also included.
The Highlander maintains its seven-passenger seating capacity, with the third row accommodating two passengers. Folding the third row flat expands cargo space to over 45 cubic feet. Additional convenience features include wireless charging trays, rear HVAC controls, optional rear window shades, and a hands-free power liftgate.
Charging is facilitated by a standard North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, enabling access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Using a DC fast charger, the Highlander can replenish from 10% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. The vehicle also supports Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging and comes equipped with a dual-voltage 120V/240V charging cable. Battery preconditioning, a feature that optimizes battery temperature for faster charging, is standard and can be activated manually or through a Drive Connect subscription (approximately $15 per month).
Notably, the 2027 Highlander will be Toyota’s first EV with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing it to function as a mobile power source. Toyota plans to provide further details on this feature, including optional bidirectional accessories that would enable the Highlander to serve as a backup power source during outages.
Dimensionally, the new Highlander is comparable to other three-row electric SUVs. It measures 198.8 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 67.3 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 120.1 inches. This places it in the same size class as the Rivian R1S, Kia EV9, and Hyundai Ioniq 9.
Toyota has not yet announced pricing for the 2027 Highlander, but expects to release details closer to the vehicle’s production start later this year. The company’s recent success with the revamped bZ (formerly bZ4x), which ranked fourth in US EV sales in January, suggests a growing consumer acceptance of Toyota’s electric offerings. With the Highlander, the C-HR hatchback, and the bZ Woodland all slated for release this year, Toyota appears poised to significantly expand its presence in the electric vehicle market.
The Highlander’s arrival represents more than just another EV; it’s a strategic response to market dynamics and a signal of Toyota’s evolving commitment to electrification. Whether it can capitalize on this moment and effectively compete with established EV players remains to be seen, but the 2027 Highlander is undoubtedly a crucial step in Toyota’s electric future.
