Toyota Just Introduced Its First Electric Three-Row SUV

Jeff Perez

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THE BREAKDOWN

• Toyota is introducing a new Highlander model for the 2027 model year.
• This is the first electric Highlander and Toyota's first electric three-row SUV.
• The base Highlander EV has a 77.0-kWh battery with up to 270 miles of range.
• The upgraded 95.8-kWh pack yields 320 miles of range.

Toyota is upgrading its SUV arsenal with an all-new version of one of its most popular three-rows. The 2027 Toyota Highlander replaces the current fourth-generation model, which has been on sale in the US since 2019, and, frankly, was getting a bit long in the tooth.

This new Highlander boasts a fresh design, a fully revamped interior, and loads of new technology. But arguably most important is what’s under the hood of the new Highalnder—or, what’s not. For the first time ever, the Toyota Highlander is completely electric. This marks Toyota’s first three-row EV, and the fourth EV in Toyota’s US lineup.

Here’s what you need to know.

2027 Toyota Highlander EV

Toyota offers two versions of the 2027 Highlander EV: the XLE and Limited. The XLE model comes in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, with two battery packs to choose from. The Limited model is AWD only.

The base XLE packs a 77.0-kilowatt-hour battery and a single electric motor good for 221 horsepower, 198 pound-feet of torque, and 287 miles of range. Upgrade to the XLE AWD with the standard 77.0-kWh pack, and power improves to 338 hp and 328 lb-ft. That extra oomph does bring the range down to 270 miles per charge.

Upgrade to the larger 95.8-kWh pack on the most premium XLE AWD or the Limited model (which comes standard with AWD and the larger pack), and the total range figure improves to 320 miles. Even with the bigger battery, though, power stays put at 338 hp and 328 lb-ft.

Both versions come standard with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. The Highlander EV also introduces vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, which can power external devices or serve as a backup energy source in emergency situations.

The new Highlander EV looks shockingly good for a three-row SUV—pun intended. It has sharp lines, broad fenders, full-length LED daytime running lights, and semi-flush door handles for that sleek, aerodynamic aesthetic. Toyota’s signature "Hammerhead" headlights and grille also find their way to the front end of the new Highlander.

The Highlander embraces technology with a 14.0-inch central touchscreen running wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a full-screen navigation option. There’s device charging in all three rows, an optional fixed glass panoramic roof—the largest in Toyota’s lineup—and even customizable ambient lighting with 64 color options.

SofTex faux leather is the standard material across all three rows of seats. Heated front seats also come standard, while ventilated front seats are available as an option. Buyers in the second row also get heating for an added price.

Toyota didn't release full details on cargo and passenger space yet, but the automaker did specify that the third row folds completely flat. Doing so yields up to 45.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.

Safety remains a cornerstone for Highlander—and all Toyota models—with standard Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0). That includes:

On top of that, the Highlander features Toyota’s Star Safety System, a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, and a host of other technologies like a smart key, a rear seat reminder, and even hill start assist.

Pricing & Availability

The 2027 Highlander is assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky, with batteries sourced from Toyota’s newly opened Battery Manufacturing plant in North Carolina. Production is expected to kick off late in 2026, with sales later in the same year.

One thing we still don’t know is what the 2027 Highlander EV costs. The current model starts at $47,070 for the standard gas version and $48,820 for the hybrid. The priciest Highlander of the bunch, the Hybrid Platinum, costs $56,475.

The 2027 Highlander should start at around $48,000 when it goes on sale later this year.

Motor1's Take: With the Grand Highlander taking over a large majority of Toyota's three-row sales in recent years, it makes sense that Toyota would take its mid-size Highlander in a completely different direction. The new Highlander is stylish and efficient, and it should be an excellent addition to Toyota's SUV range.

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