The all-new 2027 Toyota Highlander EV gets a redesign with a fresh look and a more modern interior. The Japanese automaker has equipped it with numerous connectivity features and new safety features. The latest version of the Highlander is equipped with a new battery-electric powertrain while maintaining its role as Toyota’s three-row family SUV. This three-row SUV is offered in several different configurations, including a front-wheel-drive model with a single motor delivering 221 horsepower, as well as an all-wheel drive model with a dual motor delivering 338 horsepower, complete with two battery options.
Depending on the configuration options, Toyota estimates the 2027 Highlander EV will offer a driving range of between 270 and 320 miles. This puts it in competition with the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9 in the three-row EV segment. The Japanese automaker hasn’t revealed whether it will offer the 2027 Highlander EV in gasoline and hybrid variants. However, currently available trim levels are XLE and Limited. Most versions of the new model are equipped with six-seat seating, with captain’s chairs in the second row. The XLE trim can accommodate up to seven passengers with an optional second-row bench seat.
The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV brings a significant shift in powertrain under the hood. It represents more than just a new generation for this three-row SUV. It’s Toyota’s first all-electric SUV with three rows of seating. It sits at the top of Toyota’s electric vehicle lineup, above the C-HR, bZ, and bZ Woodland. Furthermore, the redesigned Highlander EV is slightly larger than its predecessor, the gasoline-powered version.
Speaking of pricing, the 2027 Toyota Highlander is expected to hit US dealerships in the $54,000 range. Depending on the trim level, the price for the new Highlander could rise to $60,000. The AWD variant of the 2027 Highlander XLE is capable of offering extra driving range due to its larger battery pack. While the XLE variant comes with many standard features, customers will have to upgrade to the Highlander Limited if they want additional features such as a head-up display, heated second-row seats, and front seats.
New Battery-Electric Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV is powered by 221-hp single-motor with a front-wheel drive setup as standard. Toyota also offers an optional package with an all-wheel drive model with a dual-motor drivetrain delivering 338 horsepower. This version is claimed to be more powerful than the gasoline and hybrid Highlander. The front-wheel-drive variant is expected to offer comparable speeds to the previous gasoline variant, while the all-wheel-drive version of the new Highlander EV is expected to be quicker in terms of acceleration. Considering that the AWD version is equipped with a dual-motor 338 hp, which is claimed to be significantly more powerful than both the gasoline and hybrid variants.
The FWD variant of the Highlander is equipped with a 77.0-kWh battery pack, while the all-wheel drive model is offered with a 95.8-kWh battery pack. According to the Japanese automaker, the 2027 Highlander EV XLE AWD is claimed to offer a range of up to 270 miles and this is the least range thanks to the 95.8-kWh battery pack. Meanwhile, the front-wheel drive XLE variant is claimed to be slightly more efficient with an estimated range of up to 287 miles.
The redesigned Highlander EV XLE AWD is estimated to provide a range of up to 320 miles thanks to the support of a larger battery pack. This makes the new model able to compete with three-row electric SUV from other automakers like Kia and Hyundai. The latest generation 2027 Highlander features NACS charging, which is claimed to be compatible with Tesla Supercharger stations. This makes it capable of fast DC charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 30 minutes, complete with a charging cable for low-level AC charging.
Interior, Multimedia and Safety Features
Speaking of the interior, the 2027 Highlander’s dashboard has been modernized while retaining some physical buttons and controls. The three-row SUV features a large multimedia display and instrument cluster, with push-button climate control. To enhance the interior, Toyota offers faux-leather upholstery as standard, complete with ambient lighting in a variety of colors options. Captain’s seats (bench seats) are available in the second row, while an optional package includes seat heaters in the second row. To facilitate passenger access to the third row, the second-row seats can now be folded forward with the push of a button.
On the other hand, the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV features a third-row seat offering space for two passengers. Meanwhile, cargo capacity is 45 cubic feet with the third-row seats folding flat. To expand this space further, the second row seats can also be folded. However, unlike some other electric vehicles, the new Highlander does not come with a front trunk (frunk) that could offer additional storage.
There are a number of infotainment and connectivity features offered by Toyota on this new electric SUV, including a 14.0-inch touchscreen as a standard feature with wireless smartphone mirroring capabilities and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel that makes up most of the Highlander’s dashboard. While the audio system is equipped with a standard 6-speaker stereo audio, and an 11-speaker JBL stereo sound system is available as optional equipment. The XLE and Limited trim levels offer an upgraded JBL audio system. Connectivity features come with Android Auto, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay. In addition, there is also a 5G connectivity feature with built-in navigation and integrated audio streaming apps.
The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV comes equipped with several safety and driver-assist features, including lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Limited trim level is available with more safety features, such as lane-change assist and a 360-degree camera, which is a traffic jam assistance system that allows drivers to be hands-free in certain situations. This three-row electric SUV comes standard with safety features including a blind-spot monitoring system, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Park assist, lane change assist, and cross-traffic alert are only available as optional safety features.
Pricing and Release Date
Speaking of the release date, the completely redesigned 2027 Toyota Highlander EV is scheduled to go on sale at U.S. dealerships in late 2026, with some potential units expected to arrive in early 2027. This has been confirmed by Toyota on their official website. This three-row electric SUV will roll off the production line at Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky, United States plant, which is Toyota’s first electric vehicle assembly plant in the U.S.
The price or MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) for the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV has not been officially announced, although it’s estimated to be in the range of $54,000 – $60,000.
