2027 Toyota Highlander EV First Look
Table of Contents
Toyota introduced the original Highlander in 2001. Back then, it felt very different from most SUVs because it used a car based unibody platform instead of a truck style setup. Over the years, the Highlander became more powerful, more comfortable, and more premium.
Now, for 2027, the Highlander changes direction again. This time, Toyota turns its popular three row SUV into a fully electric vehicle.
The all new fifth generation 2027 Toyota Highlander EV brings up to 320 miles of range and nearly 340 horsepower. That makes it the most powerful regular production Highlander ever built.
Fully Electric Powertrain and Range
Toyota positions this new model as its first battery powered three row SUV under the Highlander nameplate. It follows the company’s earlier hybrid push, since the Highlander was also one of Toyota’s first electrified SUVs in North America.
Here is how the powertrain is structured:
Standard battery pack: 77 kWh
Larger battery pack: 95.8 kWh
Maximum range: up to 320 miles
Lower range estimate: around 270 miles on some AWD versions with the smaller battery
Power output: 338 horsepower
Torque: 323 lb ft
Transmission: single speed reduction gear
Front wheel drive tow rating: 2,700 lb
All wheel drive tow rating: 3,500 lb
The dual motor setup comes standard on the Limited trim. Toyota has not released official acceleration figures yet, but the output suggests a mid five second run to 60 mph.
No Frunk, But Familiar EV Layout
Like other EVs on the same architecture, the new Highlander does not offer a front trunk. The space under the hood is used for the electric motors and related hardware.
Charging details:
Charging standard: NACS (Tesla style plug)
Maximum DC fast charging: up to 150 kW
Estimated fast charging time: around 30 minutes
Bigger Body, Boxier Design
Toyota gives the 2027 Highlander a more upright and squared off look. The company also increased the size compared hookup with the outgoing model.
Key exterior dimensions:
Overall length: 198.8 inches
Wheelbase: 120.1 inches
Around 4 inches longer than the previous Highlander
Wheelbase stretched by about 8 inches
About 2.3 inches wider than before
The longer wheelbase also helps accommodate the larger battery pack.
Exterior Highlights
New hammerhead front design
Full LED headlights
Full width LED light bar at the front and rear
Two tone roof on Limited trim
Standard 19 inch wheels
Optional 22 inch alloy wheels
The optional 22 inch wheels improve the look, although they may slightly reduce the maximum range.
Charging Port and Roof Design
The charging port sits on the side and uses a smaller, cleaner door than before. The Limited trim adds several premium touches:
Panoramic glass roof
Black mirrors with two tone roof
Aerodynamic roof rails
Hands free power liftgate
Cargo Space
Toyota has not released full cargo numbers yet, but early figures are close to the previous model.
Around 16 cubic feet with the third row up
Over 45 cubic feet with the third row folded
Estimated total cargo space: around 80 cubic feet
There is also a large underfloor storage compartment in the rear.
Interior: Bigger Screens, Better Materials
Inside, the 2027 Highlander gets a major technology upgrade. Even the base models come with large screens.
Standard and Available Tech
14 inch touchscreen standard on all trims
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
12.3 inch digital instrument cluster
Toyota Safety Sense 4.0
Dual wireless charging pads
64 color ambient lighting
Digital key functionality
The Limited trim adds:
Head up display
JBL premium sound system
Heated and ventilated front seats
Two position memory seats
Toyota also keeps physical buttons for drive modes and climate functions, which improves usability.
Seating and Cabin Layout
The Limited trim shown here uses second row captain’s chairs. A bench seat is available on other trims.
Front Row
Heated and ventilated seats
Ten way power adjustment
Two tone interior called Misty Gray
SoftTex upholstery with contrast stitching
Second Row
Captain’s chairs standard on Limited
Heated seats
Sliding and reclining functions
USB charging ports
Sunshades for rear windows
Third Row
Two seat layout
Estimated legroom around 32 inches
USB C charging port
Air vents and LED lighting
The third row is still more compact than some rivals, but it should work for short trips.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Every 2027 Highlander EV comes with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0.
Key features include:
Adaptive cruise control
Lane keep assist
Automatic lane change
Collision avoidance systems
360 degree camera on higher trims
Expected Pricing and Launch Timeline
Toyota plans to launch the 2027 Highlander EV between late 2026 and early 2027. Final pricing has not been announced.
Based on current rivals and the outgoing model:
Estimated base price: just under $50,000
Higher trims: mid $60,000 range
This would place it directly against the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.
Positioning: Highlander EV vs Grand Highlander
Toyota now splits its three row lineup:
Grand Highlander: gas and hybrid, more space
Highlander EV: fully electric, more tech focused
This strategy gives buyers a clear choice depending on their priorities.
Early Verdict
The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV looks like a major step forward for Toyota’s electric lineup. It offers:
Up to 320 miles of range
Nearly 340 horsepower
Modern design
Larger screens and more tech
Three row practicality
If Toyota prices it right, this could become one of the most popular electric family SUVs on the market.
Sources and references
2027 Toyota Highlander EV FAQs
Is the 2027 Toyota Highlander fully electric?
Yes. The 2027 Highlander is now a fully electric SUV. This is the fifth generation model, and it becomes Toyota’s first battery powered three row SUV under the Highlander nameplate.
What is the range of the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV?
The maximum estimated range is up to 320 miles with the larger 95.8 kWh battery. Models with the smaller 77 kWh battery may deliver around 270 miles, depending on the drivetrain.
How much power does the new Highlander EV produce?
The all wheel drive version produces about 338 horsepower and 323 lb ft of torque. That makes it the most powerful regular production Highlander so far.
Does the 2027 Highlander EV have a front trunk?
No. The front area is used for the electric motors and related components, so there is no frunk storage in this model.
What are the battery options available?
Toyota offers two battery sizes. The standard pack is 77 kWh. A larger 95.8 kWh battery is available for longer driving range.
What is the towing capacity of the 2027 Highlander EV?
Front wheel drive models can tow up to 2,700 pounds. All wheel drive versions increase towing capacity to about 3,500 pounds.
How fast can the Highlander EV charge?
The SUV supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging and uses the NACS charging standard. Under ideal conditions, charging from low to about 80 percent may take around 30 minutes.
How many people can the 2027 Highlander EV seat?
The Highlander EV is a three row SUV that can seat up to seven passengers, depending on the second row configuration.
What technology features are standard?
Every model includes a 14 inch touchscreen, a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless charging pads, and Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 driver assistance features.
When will the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV go on sale?
Toyota plans to launch the new Highlander EV between late 2026 and early 2027. Final pricing details will be announced closer to the release date.
