Toyota has officially ushered in a new era for one of its most popular family vehicles. The 2027 Toyota Highlander marks a bold transition — the SUV has gone fully electric, becoming Toyota’s first three-row battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and a serious contender in the expanding electric SUV segment.
A New Chapter for a Familiar Nameplate
For years, the Highlander has been one of Toyota’s most reliable and best-selling midsize SUVs, known for practicality, comfort, and family-friendly versatility. For 2027, Toyota has reinvented the Highlander from the ground up with an all-electric powertrain, modern design, and advanced technology features — signaling a major shift in the brand’s EV strategy.
Electric Powertrain and Performance
The new 2027 Highlander EV offers multiple powertrain options to suit different driving needs:
- Battery Options: Available with a 77.0 kWh or larger 95.8 kWh battery pack
- Drive Configurations: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), depending on trim and battery choice
- Output: AWD models produce up to 338 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque for confident acceleration and everyday driving performance
- Estimated Range: With the larger battery, Toyota targets up to about 515 km (roughly 320 miles) on a single charge — enough for long trips and daily use alike
The Highlander EV also features the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, giving drivers access to a broad fast-charging network, including Tesla Superchargers.
Design and Interior: Space Meets Technology
While the Highlander’s name remains familiar, its design is thoroughly modern: flush door handles, clean body lines, and aerodynamic proportions give the SUV a contemporary and purposeful look.
Inside, Toyota has equipped the Highlander with a tech-forward cabin that reflects the EV age:
- Large 14-inch central touchscreen
- 12.3-inch digital driver display
- Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 suite of advanced driver-assist features
- Available panoramic glass roof
- Customizable ambient lighting and wireless charging
The three-row layout comfortably seats up to seven passengers, making it ideal for families, carpooling, and long journeys. When the third row is folded, cargo volume expands to over 45 cubic feet, maintaining the utility the Highlander is known for.
Toyota has also added vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability — a feature that allows the Highlander to power external devices, tools, or appliances, making it useful for camping trips, outdoor events, or emergency situations.
Practicality and Everyday Usability
The 2027 Highlander isn’t just about impressive EV specs — it’s designed to be practical for daily life:
- Multiple seating configurations including optional second-row captain’s chairs or bench seating
- Ample storage and interior cubbies
- Heated and ventilated seating options
- Flexible cargo space with easy folding third row
These features ensure the new Highlander remains a true family SUV while embracing the electric future.
Manufacturing and Availability
The 2027 Highlander EV is also notable as Toyota’s first battery-electric SUV assembled in the United States. Production takes place at Toyota’s Kentucky plant, with battery modules supplied from a new facility in North Carolina.
Toyota plans to begin sales in late 2026, with Highlander EVs arriving in dealerships as 2027 models shortly after. Pricing details are expected closer to launch.
Why It Matters
The all-electric 2027 Toyota Highlander represents a significant milestone for Toyota and the broader SUV market. By electrifying a mainstream, family-oriented model, Toyota is signaling a serious commitment to EVs beyond niche segments and luxury vehicles. It also places the Highlander squarely against key competitors like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 — all while offering Toyota reliability and practicality.
Tradition & Innovation
With its spacious interior, modern technology, impressive range, and electric powertrain, the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV is shaping up to be one of the most compelling three-row electric SUVs on the market. For families and drivers looking to make the shift to electric without sacrificing space or comfort, this new Highlander delivers both tradition and innovation in one sleek package.