The 2027 Toyota Highlander debuts as a three-row battery electric vehicle

Toyota has announced the 2027 Highlander, marking the fifth generation of the midsize SUV and its transition to a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) powertrain. This model represents the first three-row BEV for Toyota in the United States market and the first Toyota BEV to be assembled in the United States. Production will take place at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky facility in Georgetown, Kentucky. The battery modules for the vehicle will be sourced from the Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina plant in Liberty, North Carolina, as well as an additional domestic supplier. Sales are scheduled to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, with pricing to be released at a later date.

The 2027 Highlander is constructed on a modified version of the Toyota New Generation Architecture-K (TNGA-K) platform. This platform was redesigned specifically to accommodate high-capacity battery packs while maintaining interior space for passengers. To improve aerodynamic performance, the vehicle utilizes front and rear underfloor covers and spats to manage airflow around the tires. Engineers also prioritized noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction by incorporating noise-absorbing materials into the door trim, front pillars, wheel wells, roof, and underfloor. Acoustic glass is used for the front windshield and side windows, and a dynamic damper is integrated into the rear door panel to mitigate noise intrusion from the back of the vehicle.

In terms of physical dimensions, the 2027 Highlander is lower, wider, and longer in wheelbase than the previous generation. The overall height is 67.3 inches, which is a reduction of 0.8 inches. The width has increased by 2.3 inches to a total of 78.3 inches. The wheelbase has been extended to 120.1 inches, up from the 112 inches found on the outgoing model. The overall length of the vehicle is 198.8 inches. These changes in proportions were intended to create a more stable stance and maximize internal volume for the three rows of seating.

The powertrain options for the 2027 Highlander consist of two battery capacities and two drivetrain configurations across the XLE and Limited grades. The XLE grade is available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or electronic all-wheel drive (AWD). The XLE FWD comes standard with a 77.0-kWh battery pack, producing 221 net combined horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque. The XLE AWD can be equipped with either the 77.0-kWh battery or a larger 95.8-kWh battery. The Limited grade is offered exclusively with AWD and the 95.8-kWh battery. AWD-equipped models produce a net system output of 338 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque.

Range estimates vary based on the battery and drivetrain selected. The XLE FWD with the 77.0-kWh battery has a manufacturer-estimated range of 287 miles. The XLE AWD with the 77.0-kWh battery is estimated at 270 miles. Both the XLE AWD and Limited AWD models equipped with the 95.8-kWh battery carry a manufacturer-estimated range of 320 miles. Charging is handled through a standard North American Charging System (NACS) port, providing access to DC fast charging stations. Under optimal conditions, the vehicle can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes. A dual-voltage 120V/240V charging cable is included for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging.

The 2027 Highlander introduces vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology to Toyota’s U.S. lineup. This system allows the vehicle to export power to external appliances or serve as a backup power source during electrical outages. Utilizing this feature requires the purchase of specific bi-directional accessories. Additionally, the vehicle includes battery preconditioning, which can be activated manually or automatically via the navigation system when a DC fast-charging station is set as the destination. This feature is intended to bring the battery to an optimal temperature to facilitate faster charging rates.

Interior features include a standard 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. The cabin utilizes SofTex-trimmed seating across all grades. The XLE grade includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, while the Limited grade adds ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats. Seating configurations allow for up to seven passengers. The second row typically features captain’s chairs, though a bench seat is an available option for the XLE AWD grade. The third row is accessible via an electronically assisted one-touch fold button on the second-row seats. Cargo capacity is measured at 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row and increases to 45.6 cubic feet when the third row is folded flat.

The technological suite is powered by the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It includes AT&T 5G connectivity and a voice assistant. Navigation data can be displayed full-screen on the digital gauge cluster. A built-in drive recorder is standard, using the vehicle’s external cameras to record 20-second clips during manual or triggered events. The vehicle also supports Plug & Charge, which automates the authentication and payment process at compatible charging stations.

Safety systems are updated to Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0). This suite includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, capable of providing automatic emergency braking. Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control functions at speeds above 20 mph, maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead. Lane departure alert with steering assist provides warnings and corrective steering at speeds above 30 mph. Other features include lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and proactive driving assist. The Limited grade includes additional safety technologies such as a panoramic view monitor, lane change assist, and front cross-traffic alert.

The Highlander has a 25-year history in the North American market, beginning with its debut at the New York International Auto Show in 2000. The original 2001 model was one of the first midsize SUVs to utilize a unibody platform, derived from the Toyota Camry, rather than the body-on-frame construction typical of SUVs at the time. In 2005, Toyota introduced the Highlander Hybrid for the 2006 model year, which was the brand’s first hybrid SUV. The second generation arrived for the 2008 model year and was the first to be assembled in the United States, with production starting in Indiana in 2009. Subsequent generations in 2013 and 2019 continued the development of the unibody platform and hybrid powertrains, leading to the fifth-generation battery-electric model.

The 2027 Highlander includes a 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty and a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The battery and related electric vehicle components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. ToyotaCare is also included, covering factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles and providing 24/7 roadside assistance for 2 years with unlimited mileage.

Toyota Motor North America currently operates 11 manufacturing plants in the United States. The company has stated that the 2027 Highlander is part of a broader strategy to offer 22 different electrified models. The transition of the Highlander to a BEV platform represents a shift in the company’s approach to its high-volume midsize SUV segment. Specific details regarding the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and official EPA fuel economy equivalents will be provided closer to the vehicle’s release date in late 2026.