There’s something ironic about the fact that even as competitors like Ford and Stellantis are paring back their own EV programs, Toyota is rapidly ramping up its own.
Two new models – the bZ Woodland and C-HR – are set to roll into showrooms in the coming weeks, and on Tuesday evening, the Japanese automaker rolled out yet another entry, an all-electric version of the familiar Highlander.
Cole Attisha
“This new Highlander is designed to be a stylish, high-tech leader in the midsize SUV segment,” David Christ, group vice president of marketing for the Toyota brand, said in a lead-up to the new EV’s global debut in Ojai, California. “Its sleek new look, spacious interior, and cutting‑edge technology make it a great addition to Toyota’s growing lineup of BEVs.”
Toyota Plugs In
Toyota has long taken a cautious approach to EVs – a bet that is now paying off at a time when EV demand has slowed down in most key markets, notably including the U.S. It has primarily favored hybrids and plug-in hybrids – with those technologies available on all but two of the models the company currently sells in the U.S.
But while sales of battery-electric vehicles have slowed down sharply since the arrival of the second-term Trump administration, Toyota doesn’t want to get left behind. In fact, it could become a leader in the emerging 3-row electric-vehicle segment. With Ford scrubbing plans, only a handful of competitors will be available, notably the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. And by sticking with the familiar Highlander name, Toyota gains an instant level of recognition that the other players have had to develop from scratch.
When asked about the decision to add more EVs to the lineup despite competitors cutting back, Christ said, “We see it as a market opportunity.” Toyota believes it needs to cover more of the market to really develop traction, and with C-HR, bZ, bZ Woodland, and Highlander EV, it really covers the volume segments.
What is It?
Toyota
At first glance, the 2027 Highlander EV is likely to feel familiar to Toyota fans. The basic shape doesn’t stray far from the gas-powered model – currently available with a choice of a turbo-four gas engine or a hybrid. There’s a subtle curve to the EV’s roof line, though the overall shape is a bit more boxy, with less of the existing model’s rounded rear haunches.
The most notable difference: a sealed upper grille – since there’s no need to pump air into an engine compartment. The EV also gets flush door handles. Aerodynamics are, of course, critical to maximizing range and performance with a battery-electric vehicle. A small, lower grille directs cooling airflow to the battery pack and motors. A full-width lightbar is separate from the Highlander EV’s LED headlamps.
The new battery-powered SUV stretches 198.8 inches in total length, with a width of 78.3 inches and a height of 67.3 inches. It makes good use of the 120.1-inch wheelbase, about 8 inches longer than the conventional Highlander, to provide substantial interior space for passengers and cargo – the cabin enhanced by the fact that batteries and key drivetrain components are located underneath the load floor. With the rear bench folded down, the Highlander EV offers up to 45 cubic feet of cargo space.
Interior
The interior features a driver-centric layout, with the 14-inch touchscreen serving as the visual centerpiece of the instrument panel. The 12.3-inch LED gauge cluster is reprogrammable. Unlike so many new EVs, Toyota retains hard buttons for key climate controls. The electric SUV will offer buyers an optional Head-Up Display package. Toyota boasts of easy third-row access using an electrically assisted, one-touch folding mechanism for the second row. And it claims there’s ample room for two adults in the back, taking advantage of the EV’s layout. All versions of Highlander EV feature SofTex trim.
As befitting a family vehicle, there’s plenty of storage space, starting with a center console featuring an under-tray bin. The kids will appreciate the slots to stow phones and tablets on the back of the front seats. All told, there are 18 separate cupholders. The third-row can be folded over with the pull of a single lever.
Cole Attisha
Powertrain
The 2027 Toyota Highlander will be offered in two trims – but will have a number of drivetrain options, starting with the choice of front and all-wheel drive. There will also be two battery pack options.
- XLE FWD with 77.0-kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 287-mile total driving range rating;
- XLE AWD with 77.0-kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 270-mile total driving range rating;
- XLE AWD with 95.8 -kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 320-mile total driving range rating;
- Limited AWD with 95.8 -kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 320-mile total driving range rating.
The XLE FWD single motor package delivers 221 hp and 198 lb-ft of torque. The AWD models all bump that to 338 hp and 323 lb-ft. If the numbers look familiar, the drivetrain choices are shared with the 2026 Toyota bZ. That smaller SUV can hit 60 in a factory-estimated “under 6 seconds,” about a second slower than the updated bZ. While Toyota hasn’t released performance data, launch times should be slower considering the Highlander EV’s greater mass.
Technology
Cole Attisha
As one would expect of a family-oriented vehicle, the new EV has plenty of safety and creature comfort tech onboard, depending upon trim and options. That starts with dual wireless smartphone chargers and plenty of USB-C ports throughout the cabin. There’s Toyota’s smart voice assistant, the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s the latest version of SiriusXM radio and streaming Spotify. Drivers also get the security offered by a built-in dashcam system.
From a safety standpoint, the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 package includes technologies such as pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, full-range active cruise control, lane departure and steering alert, road sign assist, and proactive driving assist. The Highlander is also capable of V2L bidirectional charging.
American-Made
The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV will be the automaker’s first American-made battery-electric vehicle. Production is set to begin during the second half of 2026 at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant currently producing the familiar Camry sedan. Batteries will be sourced from the new $13.9 billion plant Toyota opened late last year in Liberty, North Carolina.
Look for the new EV to begin rolling into U.S. showrooms “by early 2027 (but) might be a little sooner,” said Christ. He didn’t disclose the pricing, saying that it’s “way too early” at this point, but expects “to sell a good volume.” Typically, today’s EVs carry a premium of around $5,000 over comparable gas models – though they typically carry more standard gear, as well. By comparison, the 2026 Kia EV9 ranges in price from $56,495 to around $80,000 for a fully loaded top-trim package.
