Toyota Highlander EV: Range, Design & US Launch Details
- The automotive industry took a significant step toward electrification today with Toyota’s unveiling of the 2027 Highlander EV.
- The launch of the Highlander EV signals a major shift for the popular SUV, which has been in production for 25 years across four generations.
- The new Highlander boasts a sharper, more angular design both externally and internally, accompanied by a completely revamped infotainment system.
The automotive industry took a significant step toward electrification today with Toyota’s unveiling of the 2027 Highlander EV. The all-electric, three-row SUV, revealed on , marks Toyota’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) designed for the U.S. Market with seating for up to seven passengers.
The launch of the Highlander EV signals a major shift for the popular SUV, which has been in production for 25 years across four generations. This fifth generation represents a complete departure from gasoline and hybrid powertrains, positioning Toyota to compete directly with rivals like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, currently the only other mainstream three-row electric SUVs available.
The new Highlander boasts a sharper, more angular design both externally and internally, accompanied by a completely revamped infotainment system. Built on a modified version of Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, the vehicle will be offered in two trim levels: XLE and Limited. The XLE trim will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, while the Limited trim will come standard with all-wheel drive.
Range estimates vary depending on the configuration. The XLE FWD model is projected to achieve a range of 287 miles on a single charge. All-wheel drive XLE models equipped with the standard 77-kWh battery are estimated to deliver 270 miles of range. Upgrading to the larger 96-kWh battery pack extends the range to 320 miles for both all-wheel drive XLE and Limited models.
Charging infrastructure is addressed through the inclusion of a standard North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. Toyota estimates a charging time of approximately 30 minutes to reach 80% capacity when utilizing a DC fast-charger. The vehicle also features an 11-kW onboard charger for AC charging and includes both 120- and 240-volt charging cables. Notably, the Highlander EV will also incorporate vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, a first for Toyota vehicles sold in the United States, allowing the vehicle to power external devices.
While a specific starting price has not been officially announced, industry analysts anticipate the 2027 Highlander EV will begin in the mid-$50,000 range. Sales are slated to begin later this year.
The introduction of the Highlander EV is part of a broader industry trend toward electrification, driven by increasingly stringent emissions regulations and growing consumer demand for sustainable transportation options. Toyota’s entry into the three-row electric SUV segment is particularly noteworthy given the Highlander’s established popularity and brand recognition. The success of the EV version will likely hinge on its ability to deliver competitive range, charging speeds, and pricing compared to existing and forthcoming rivals.
The move to an all-electric powertrain for the Highlander also reflects Toyota’s commitment to expanding its EV portfolio. The company has faced criticism in the past for its relatively slow adoption of fully electric vehicles, focusing instead on hybrid technology. The Highlander EV represents a significant step forward in addressing those concerns and positioning Toyota as a key player in the evolving automotive landscape.
The vehicle’s battery capacity options – 77 kWh and 96 kWh – place it within the competitive range of other electric SUVs currently on the market. The 320-mile range estimate for the larger battery pack is competitive, though not class-leading, and will likely be a key factor for consumers considering the vehicle for longer journeys. The inclusion of V2L capability adds a practical feature that could appeal to buyers who frequently use their vehicles for outdoor activities or emergency power backup.
The timing of the Highlander EV’s launch is strategic, coinciding with increasing government incentives for electric vehicle purchases and a growing network of public charging stations. However, the availability of charging infrastructure remains a significant barrier to wider EV adoption, and Toyota will need to work with charging network providers to ensure convenient and reliable charging options for Highlander EV owners.
The Highlander EV’s reliance on a modified version of the TNGA-K platform suggests Toyota is leveraging existing manufacturing infrastructure to streamline production and reduce costs. This approach could help the company maintain competitive pricing and accelerate the rollout of its electric vehicle lineup. The platform’s adaptability will be crucial as Toyota continues to develop and introduce new EV models in the coming years.