2027 Toyota Highlander EV Revealed As Toyota’s First Electric Three Row SUV

The all new 2027 Toyota Highlander marks one of the biggest shifts this nameplate has ever made. After years of steady evolution, Toyota is pressing the reset button with a fully electric three row SUV that feels intentionally designed for where the market is heading, not where it has been. The outgoing fourth generation Highlander did its job well, but by today’s standards it was starting to feel dated. This new generation arrives with sharper styling, a far more digital interior, and a powertrain strategy that sends a clear message about Toyota’s future in the United States.

For the first time, the Highlander drops gasoline entirely and becomes electric only. That move instantly turns it into Toyota’s first fully electric three row vehicle sold in the American market. It also expands Toyota’s growing electric lineup, showing that the brand is now comfortable pushing electric technology beyond compact crossovers and into family focused vehicles where range, space, and usability matter most.

Toyota is keeping the lineup simple at launch, offering the 2027 Highlander EV in XLE and Limited trims. The XLE serves as the entry point and can be configured with either front wheel drive or all wheel drive. Buyers can also choose between 2 battery sizes depending on their needs. The Limited model sits at the top and comes standard with all wheel drive and the larger battery pack.

In its most basic form, the XLE uses a 77.0 kilowatt hour battery paired with a single electric motor. Output is rated at 221 horsepower and 198 pound feet of torque, delivering an estimated driving range of 287 miles. Opting for the all wheel drive setup adds a second motor and boosts total output to 338 horsepower and 328 pound feet of torque. That extra performance does trim the range slightly to about 270 miles per charge.

Drivers looking for maximum range can step up to the larger 95.8 kilowatt hour battery, which is available on the upper XLE all wheel drive and comes standard on the Limited. With this pack, total driving range increases to an estimated 320 miles, while power remains unchanged at 338 horsepower and 328 pound feet of torque. It is a smart balance between performance and efficiency, especially for families planning longer trips.

Charging capability is clearly a priority here. Every version of the Highlander EV comes standard with the North American Charging Standard port, allowing access to a broader charging network without adapters. Toyota also adds vehicle to load functionality, giving owners the ability to power external devices, camping gear, or even provide backup electricity during an outage.

Design wise, the 2027 Highlander EV looks more confident and more modern than before. The body features cleaner surfaces, pronounced fenders, and a wide stance that helps disguise its size. Full width LED daytime running lights stretch across the front, while semi flush door handles improve both aerodynamics and visual flow. Toyota’s Hammerhead inspired front lighting design gives the Highlander a recognizable face that aligns it with newer electric models in the lineup.

Inside, the transformation is even more dramatic. The dashboard is dominated by a 14.0 inch central touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver and can display full screen navigation, making it easier to keep eyes up while driving. Charging ports are available in all 3 rows, and Toyota offers what it calls the largest fixed glass panoramic roof it has ever installed in a production vehicle.

Seating materials are consistent throughout the cabin, with SofTex faux leather covering all 3 rows. Heated front seats come standard, while ventilated front seats and heated second row seats are optional. Ambient lighting with 64 selectable colors adds a customizable touch that helps the interior feel more premium and less utilitarian.

Toyota has not released full interior dimension figures yet, but it has confirmed that the third row folds completely flat. With the third row down, cargo capacity reaches up to 45.0 cubic feet behind the second row, which should be more than enough for everyday hauling and family travel.

Safety remains a core strength for the Highlander. Every 2027 model comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, which builds on Toyota’s already strong driver assistance reputation. The vehicle also includes Toyota’s Star Safety System, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, hill start assist, and a rear seat reminder.

Production of the 2027 Highlander EV will take place in Georgetown, Kentucky, while battery packs will be sourced from Toyota’s new battery manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Manufacturing is expected to begin in late 2026, with vehicles reaching dealerships later that same year.

Pricing has not been officially announced yet, but expectations point to a starting price around $48,000. That would position the electric Highlander competitively against both hybrid rivals and emerging electric three row SUVs, while offering the familiarity and reliability buyers already associate with the Highlander name.