For Toyota, this is the first three-row electric vehicle for the US market, as well as the first locally produced EV.
The dimensions are close to the gasoline Highlander: 5.05 m in length with a wheelbase of 3.05 m. The trunk volume with the third row unfolded is 450 l, and with it folded is 1,291 l.
The range on a single charge reaches 320 miles (515 km) depending on the version. This figure is comparable to the Hyundai Ioniq 9 with two electric motors, despite the fact that the Korean brand model has a larger capacity battery.
2027 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander EV will be offered in two versions — XLE and Limited. The standard XLE version is equipped with a 77 kWh battery and a single electric motor on the front axle with a power of 221 hp and a torque of 268 Nm. Range — up to 287 miles (462 km). A similar battery is available for the all-wheel-drive XLE version with two motors with a total power of 338 hp and a torque of 438 Nm. In this case, the range is 270 miles (435 km).
A 95.8 kWh battery is also provided, available only for all-wheel-drive XLE and Limited versions. The maximum range is 320 miles (515 km).
The electric Highlander is equipped with a factory-installed NACS connector (Tesla standard). The charging power at DC stations is not disclosed, but it takes about 30 minutes to go from 10% to 80% charge. Standard equipment includes a battery pre-heating function, Plug & Charge support and a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system, which allows external devices to be powered from the traction battery through an adapter.
The model is built on a modified TNGA-K platform used, in particular, for the RAV4 and Sienna. The standard configuration provides six seats with separate second-row seats. A three-seat bench is available as an option for the XLE AWD, turning the car into a seven-seater.
2027 Toyota Highlander
The interior features a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14-inch central screen of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with ATT 5G support, built-in voice assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The built-in Drive Recorder function is also available.
The XLE trim includes acoustic windshield, 19-inch wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and a six-speaker audio system. The Limited version additionally receives a head-up display, front seat ventilation, second-row heating, sun shades, a 360-degree view system, and a lane change assistant.
Options include a panoramic glass roof, JBL audio system with 11 speakers, two-tone body paint, and 22-inch wheels.
Production will begin later this year at the Toyota plant in Kentucky. Sales will start at the end of 2026. Prices have not yet been announced, but it is expected they will be comparable to the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, which cost approximately from $55,000 to $80,000 (from €46,300 to €67,370).
Source: Toyota
