Toyota adds to its electric vehicle lineup with the 2027 Highlander SUV
Toyota is expanding its electric vehicle lineup in the U.S. with the 2027 Highlander SUV.
- The 2027 Highlander EV should go on sale late in 2026.
- It is 3.9 inches longer than current Highlander.
- The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV will be built in Kentucky.
As some other automakers scale back their electric vehicle plans, Toyota said, “Hold my beer” on Feb. 10, unveiling the first electric version of one of its core vehicles: the family hauling Highlander SUV.
The 2027 Highlander EV should go on sale late in 2026. Slated for production in Georgetown, Kentucky, the six- or seven-seat, three-row SUV will offer front- or all-wheel drive and up to 338 horsepower and 320 miles of range on a charge.
The Highlander EV will give Toyota a fleet of four EVs for sale in the United States, up from one today.
Toyota will reveal prices closer to when sales begin.
2027 Toyota Highlander EV trim levels
Source: Toyota
Long, low and elegant
The Highlander EV is a big vehicle: 3.9 inches longer than the current Highlander; just 2.6 inches shorter than the Grand Highlander. It doesn’t look bulky, though, thanks to a lower roof, big windows and low beltline that emphasize its lean profile. The nose uses LED lights in Toyota’s signature “hammerhead” design and low-mounted headlights.
The EV is 2.3 inches wider than the internal combustion/hybrid Highlander, furthering the impression of a securely planted vehicle.
The interior is equally appealing, with plentiful leg room in all three rows and elegant materials throughout — even a suede-like surface covering twin wireless chargers in the center console.
The mid row will offer a bench or twin captain’s seats with a floor-level console for drinks and such. The third row seats two with generous legroom.
A new shifter with a toggle for drive/neutral/reverse and a park button appears to offer intuitive use.
There’s a volume dial and Toyota promises “hard buttons” for temperature controls, though they weren’t evident in the Highlander EV I sat in.
Power to drive or run a house
Toyota makes the Highlander’s batteries in a new factory in North Carolina.
Base models will come with a 77 kWh unit paired with either front- or all-wheel drive. Toyota estimates range at 287 miles with FWD, 270 with AWD.
A larger 95.8 kWh battery available only with AWD should allow 320 miles cruising on a charge. FWD Highlander EVs have a single motor generating 221 hp and 198 pound-feet of torque. AWD adds a second motor on the rear axle for 338 hp and 323 pound-feet of torque, 73 hp and 13 pound-feet more than the most powerful gasoline Highlander.
Toyota says the EV can power anything from a picnic to a house, though it offered no details on that feature. The battery can be preconditioned for faster charging on long drives or to reduce cold weather’s impact on range.
The Highlander has an NACS charging port for access to Tesla-style chargers. A Toyota-approved adapter is available for other chargers.
Toyota hasn’t revealed its top charging speed, but says the battery can go from 10%-80% in 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
The Level 2 (240v) most EV owners use regularly should give a full charge overnight. The Highlander can be set to charge automatically during low-rate periods or when electricity from renewable sources is available.
2027 Toyota Highlander EV key features
- Seating for six or seven
- Front- or all-wheel drive
- Wireless charging
- Up to 320 miles range
- NASC charging portal
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 14-inch touch screen
- 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster
- 19- or 22-inch wheels
- Available panoramic sunroof
- Blind spot and cross traffic alerts
- Automatic front braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high beams
- Lane change alert and assist
- Lane centering
Why buy a 2027 Toyota Highlander EV?
Hyundai, Kia and Volvo beat Toyota to market with three-row electric SUVs, but there’s no denying the Highlander’s towering stature in the family-vehicle market. The Highlander EV’s graceful styling, roomy and attractive interior and many features build on that strength.
All that remains is for Toyota to give the Highlander EV a competitive price and deliver on its expected quality and reliability.
Anybody want to bet against that?
2027 Toyota Highlander EV at a glance
Front- or all-wheel-wheel drive electric three-row SUV
Seats 6 or 7
On sale late 2026
Base price: TBA
Power: One or two electric motors for FWD or AWD, respectively
Output: FWD: 221 hp, 198 pound-feet of torque; AWD 338 hp, 323 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: Single-speed direct drive automatic
Battery capacity: 77 or 95.8 kWh
EPA estimated range: FWD – 287 miles with 77 kWh battery; AWD – 270 miles w/77 kWh battery; 320 with 95.8 kWh battery
Estimated charging time: DC fast charging — 10%-80% in 30 minutes; Level 2 (240v) charging TBA.
Wheelbase: 120.1 inches
Length: 198.8 inches
Width: 78.3 inches
Height: 67.3 inches
Ground clearance: TBA
Curb weight: TBA
Towing capacity: TBA
Cargo volume: 15.9 cubic feet third row up; 45.6 cubic feet third row folded.
Assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
