Here’s an up-to-date look at the newly revealed 2027 Toyota Highlander — and why it’s generating buzz as a major EV launch.
⚡ Toyota’s First All-Electric Three-Row SUV
The 2027 Toyota Highlander marks a major shift for the SUV — it’s now a fully battery-electric vehicle (BEV) with seating for up to seven passengers across three rows, replacing traditional petrol and hybrid versions in the lineup.
It will also be assembled in the U.S., with final production at Toyota’s Kentucky plant and battery modules sourced from a new facility in North Carolina.
🔋 Powertrain Options & Driving Range
Toyota will offer multiple battery and drivetrain configurations:
Battery & Range Breakdown
| Configuration | Battery (kWh) | Estimated Range |
|---|---|---|
| XLE FWD | 77.0 kWh | ~462 km (287 mi) |
| XLE AWD | 77.0 kWh | ~435 km (270 mi) |
| AWD (95.8 kWh) | 95.8 kWh | ~515 km (320 mi) |
These range figures are manufacturer estimates and likely represent optimal conditions such as highway driving.
💡 The top range — around 515 km — is achieved with the larger battery pack paired with all-wheel drive.
🚀 Power & Performance
- Front-wheel drive versions produce around 221–224 hp with torque near 268 Nm.
- All-wheel drive models with the larger battery deliver up to 338 hp and ~438 Nm of torque.
This makes the new Highlander both a family-friendly AWD SUV and a capable long-distance cruiser.
🛋️ Interior & Features
The 2027 Highlander’s cabin focuses on comfort, space, and technology:
- Three-row seating for up to seven
- 14-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Panoramic roof and ambient lighting
- Wide cargo space — over 1,274 L with third row folded
- DC fast charging (10–80 %) in ~30 min via North American Charging System (NACS) port
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability (power external devices)
This blend of tech and space makes it suitable for families and long trips.
📌 Why This Matters
- The 2027 Highlander represents Toyota’s first three-row all-electric SUV — a notable departure in a brand long known for hybrids.
- It brings family-sized EV capability to a segment still dominated by models like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.
- Being built in the U.S. highlights Toyota’s commitment to local EV production and supply chain investment.
