This is the all-new Toyota Highlander, now entering its fifth generation exclusively as a battery-electric SUV for the North American market. It replaces the outgoing petrol and hybrid Highlander and Grand Highlander models, marking Toyota’s first three-row BEV for the United States. The new Highlander is also Toyota’s first battery-electric vehicle to be assembled in
This is the all-new Toyota Highlander, now entering its fifth generation exclusively as a battery-electric SUV for the North American market. It replaces the outgoing petrol and hybrid Highlander and Grand Highlander models, marking Toyota’s first three-row BEV for the United States.
The new Highlander is also Toyota’s first battery-electric vehicle to be assembled in the US, produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Kentucky, with battery packs supplied by the brand’s battery facility in Liberty, North Carolina.
Built on a modified version of Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, the Highlander has been engineered to accommodate its drive battery while preserving interior space. Toyota says additional sound insulation has been added to the doors, pillars, wheel wells, roof and underfloor, along with acoustic glass for the windscreen and front side windows to improve refinement.
In terms of dimensions, the 2027 Highlander measures 5,050 mm long, 1,989 mm wide and 1,709 mm tall, riding on a 3,050 mm wheelbase. Luggage capacity stands at 450 litres with all three rows in place, expanding to 1,291 litres with the third row folded.
The Highlander BEV will be offered in single-motor front-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations, paired with either a 76.96 kWh or 95.82 kWh battery. The single-motor FWD variant produces 221 hp and 268 Nm of torque. The dual-motor AWD version increases output to 338 hp and 438 Nm.
For range, Toyota estimates:
- Up to 459 km (287 miles) for the XLE FWD with the 76.96 kWh battery
- Around 432 km (270 miles) for certain AWD configurations
- Up to 512 km (320 miles) for AWD variants equipped with the 95.82 kWh battery
Charging is via the North American Charging System (NACS) port. DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes, while AC charging is supported at up to 11 kW. The Highlander BEV also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality for powering external electrical devices.
Inside, the Highlander features a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with dual Bluetooth connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument display is standard. Audio starts with a six-speaker system, while higher trims receive an 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio setup.
Seats are upholstered in Softex, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The steering wheel also features paddle controls to adjust regenerative braking levels. A 64-colour ambient lighting system is standard, while a head-up display is available on selected variants.
On the safety front, the SUV comes equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) suite. This includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beam, road sign assist and proactive driving assist.
The 2027 Toyota Highlander BEV is expected to go on sale in the United States later this year.
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