As some other automakers scale back their electric vehicle plans, Toyota said, “Hold my beer” on Feb. 10, unveiling the first electric version of one of its core vehicles: the family hauling Highlander SUV.
The 2027 Highlander EV should go on sale late in 2026. Slated for production in Georgetown, Kentucky, the six- or seven-seat, three-row SUV will offer front- or all-wheel drive and up to 338 horsepower and 320 miles of range on a charge.
The Highlander EV will give Toyota a fleet of four EVs for sale in the United States, up from one today.
Toyota will reveal prices closer to when sales begin.
2027 Toyota Highlander EV trim levels
Source: Toyota
Long, low and elegant
The Highlander EV is a big vehicle: 3.9 inches longer than the current Highlander; just 2.6 inches shorter than the Grand Highlander. It doesn’t look bulky, though, thanks to a lower roof, big windows and low beltline that emphasize its lean profile. The nose uses LED lights in Toyota’s signature “hammerhead” design low-mounted headlights.
The EV is 2.3 inches wider than the internal combustion/hybrid Highlander, furthering the impression of a securely planted vehicle.
The interior is equally appealing, with plentiful leg room in all three rows and elegant materials throughout — even a suede-like surface covering twin wireless chargers in the center console.
the mid row will offer a bench or twin captain’s seats with a floor-level console for drinks and such. The third row seats two with generous legroom.
A new shifter with a toggle for drive/neutral/reverse and a park button appears to offer intuitive use.
There’s a volume dial and Toyota promises “hard buttons” for temperature controls, though they weren’t evident in the Highlander EV I sat in.
Power to drive or run a house
Toyota makes the Highlander’s batteries in a new factory in North Carolina.
Base models will come with a 77 kWh unit paired with either front- or all-wheel drive. Toyota estimates range at 287 miles with FWD, 270 with AWD.
A larger 95.8 kWh battery available only with AWD should allow 320 miles cruising on a charge. FWD Highlander EVs have a single motor generating 221 hp and 198 pound-feet of torque. AWD adds a second motor on the rear axle for 338 hp and 323 pound feet of torque, 73 hp and 13 pound-feet more than the most powerful gasoline Highlander.
Toyota says the EV can power anything from a picnic to a house, though it offered no details on that feature. The battery can be preconditioned for faster charging on long drives or to reduce cold weather’s impact on range.
The Highlander has a NACS charging port for access to Tesla-style chargers. A Toyota-approved adapter is available for other chargers.
Toyota hasn’t revealed its top charging speed, but says the battery can go from 10%-80% in 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
The Level 2 (240v) most EV owners use regularly should give a full charge overnight. The Highlander can be set to charge automatically during low-rate periods, or when electricity from renewable sources is available.
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2027 Toyota Highlander EV key features
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Front- or all-wheel drive
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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster
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Available panoramic sunroof
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Blind spot and cross traffic alerts
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Automatic front braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection
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Lane change alert and assist
Why buy a 2027 Toyota Highlander EV?
Hyundai, Kia and Volvo beat Toyota to market with three-row electric SUVs, but there’s no denying the Highlander’s towering stature in the family-vehicle market. The Highlander EV’s graceful styling, roomy and attractive interior and many features build on that strength.
All that remains is for Toyota to give the Highlander EV a competitive price and deliver on its expected quality and reliability.
Anybody want to bet against that?
2027 Toyota Highlander EV at a glance
Front- or all-wheel-wheel drive electric three-row SUV
Seats 6 or 7
On sale late 2026
Base price: TBA
Power: One or two electric motors for FWD or AWD, respectively
Output: FWD: 221 hp, 198 pound-feet of torque; AWD 338 hp, 323 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: Single-speed direct drive automatic
Battery capacity: 77 or 95.8 kWh
EPA estimated range: FWD – 287 miles with 77 kWh battery; AWD – 270 miles w/77 kWh battery; 320 with 95.8 kWh battery
Estimated charging time: DC fast charging — 10%-80% in 30 minutes; Level 2 (240v) charging TBA.
Wheelbase: 120.1 inches
Length: 198.8 inches
Width: 78.3 inches
Height: 67.3 inches
Ground clearance: TBA
Curb weight: TBA
Towing capacity: TBA
Cargo volume: 15.9 cubic feet third row up; 45.6 cubic feet third row folded.
Assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Toyota electrifies family-hauling SUVs with its 2027 Highlander EV
