18 cupholders and Tesla-style charging
The future is here for the Toyota Highlander, which debuted at the 2000 New York International Auto Show in April of that year. In 2005, the Highlander would debut again, this time as a hybrid for the 2006 model year. And now, 26 years later, the Highlander returns for another grand debut, this time as Toyota’s first three-row battery electric vehicle.
Toyota is certainly going for that futuristic style with the all-electric Highlander, which features the automaker’s “hammerhead” design motif. For some the style might be an instant win, for others an acquired taste that might take some getting used to. Either way, Toyota will likely find plenty of loyal customers and maybe even a few new ones when the 2027 Highlander goes on sale later this year.
2027 Toyota Highlander Highlights
|
Powertrain |
All electric (BEV) |
|
Transmission Options |
front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive |
|
Charging ports |
NACS |
|
Number of seats |
Up to seven |
|
Cargo space |
45.6 cu. ft (3rd row folded) |
|
Release date |
End of 2026 / Beginning of 2027 |
|
Starting MSRP |
Future |
Battery-electric powertrain
Two power outputs available
The 2027 Toyota Highlander and its battery-electric powertrain vary slightly between the two available trim levels, the XLE and Limited. For example, the XLE comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available. Limited models are only available with all-wheel drive. Battery capacities also differ. The distribution can be seen in the table below:
|
Trim level |
Battery |
Toyota’s estimated range |
|---|---|---|
|
XLE TA |
77.0 kWh |
287 miles |
|
XLE TI |
77.0 kWh |
270 miles |
|
XLE TI |
95.8 kWh |
320 miles |
|
Limited all-wheel drive |
95.8 kWh |
320 miles |
Front-wheel-drive Highlanders have a net combined horsepower of 221 and 198 lb-ft of torque. of torque. Meanwhile, all-wheel-drive models have a net combined output of 338 horsepower and 323 lb-ft. of torque. Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control systems are also standard on the all-wheel-drive Highlander.
Looking at the chart above, the AWD Highlanders with 95.8 kWh battery seem to be the better options, as their power and range are better. Although these are Toyota estimates and not EPA ratings, Toyota’s estimates are probably not far off, if at all. It will depend on the MSRP when Toyota announces it, but if the price hike can be justified, opting for an all-wheel-drive Highlander with a larger battery seems like a no-brainer.
Charging time
North American charging system port is standard
Every 2027 Toyota Highlander comes standard with a NACS (Tesla-style) port, allowing owners to access the Tesla Supercharger network. According to Toyota, the 2027 Highlander can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes via DC fast charging. A dual-voltage (120V/240V) charging cable is included for Level 1 and Level 2 charging at home.
Toyota’s Active Drive Connect services are also offered free for three years. One of these features is a battery preconditioning system that shifts the internal temperature of the Highlander’s battery toward a more ideal “Goldilocks” zone. Essentially, the 2027 Highlander can warm or cool the battery before arriving at a charging station to ensure the fastest possible charging speed once plugged in.
Active Drive Connect is the latest in a series of remote services and packages offered by all automakers today. These remote service plans may include additional features, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot or video conferencing. It will ultimately depend on what something like Active Drive Connect would cost after the trial period, but keeping it just for the battery preconditioning system seems like a good idea.
Calm and collected
Toyota engineers went the distance
The 2027 Highlander rides on a recently modified TNGA-K (Toyota Next Generation Architecture-K) platform, designed to accommodate its battery while maximizing interior space. To improve efficiency and reduce interior noise, Toyota designers added specialized underbody covers and “gaiters” to reduce air turbulence around the tires. Additional noise reduction measures include acoustic glass and insulation in the pillars, doors, wheel arches and floor.
Toyota has a unique history with their platforms and vehicle architectures, and they tend to “go all out,” to coin a phrase. In 2016, when the LC was revealed at the Detroit Auto Show, it was the first to use Toyota’s GL-A architecture. At the time, it was the strongest steel monocoque in Toyota and Lexus history, with greater rigidity and torsional strength capabilities than the LFA supercar.
While there is certainly a significant difference between an electrified Highlander and a performance car like the Lexus LC, the idea is still relevant. Toyota’s TNGA-K platform for the 2027 Highlander will likely pay dividends in quiet and comfortable driving.
In terms of passenger and cargo space, the updated platform allowed the 2027 Highlander to extend its wheelbase from 112 inches (2026 model) to just over 120 inches. With the third row folded, cargo space is 45 cubic feet.
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Interior Features and Highlights
There are plenty of cup holders!
Internally at Toyota, designers and engineers worked under the mantra of “the best experience vehicle” for the 2027 Highlander. Delivering this to drivers and passengers meant loading the 2027 Highlander with a wide range of technology and convenience features. Here is a summary:
- New generation cockpit: Features a 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that still incorporates physical buttons. A dual Qi wireless charging tray is located in the center console with USB-C chargers located throughout.
- Toyota Audio Multimedia: The updated smartphone-like infotainment system includes AT&T 5G network connectivity, customizable home screen widgets, and voice assistant functions. The system also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Flexible seats: Standard six-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs; Seven-passenger bench seat available on XLE AWD models. Heated front seats are standard on XLE and Limited models, although the Limited adds ventilated front seats and a heated second row.
- Create the mood: Customizable 64-color ambient lighting also serves as a safety alert for the Safe Exit Assist system. The XLE and Limited are available with a panoramic sunroof.
- Have your coffee: The 2027 Toyota Highlander has 18 cup holders!
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Arriving later in 2026
Optional two-tone paint
The 2027 Toyota Highlander goes on sale in late 2026, and the starting MSRP is expected to be announced closer to that date. Assembly will take place at Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky, plant with batteries coming from Toyota’s $13.9 billion Liberty, North Carolina battery assembly plant.
A number of exterior colors will be available, including an all-new Spellbound color. Two-tone paint schemes are also available, pairing Spellbound, Wind Chill Pearl, Heavy Metal or Everest with a black roof. Interior colors include Black, Portobello and an all-new Misty Grey.
