Toyota has introduced the 2027 Highlander, a 100% battery electric vehicle (BEV) assembled in the United States, featuring a striking design. This SUV has spacious three-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers.
On 10 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Mr. David Christ, Toyota's Vice President of Marketing, stated that the 2027 Toyota Highlander stands out with a versatile design for everyday use and energy-efficient electric power, offering seating for up to seven.
The latest Highlander is Toyota's fully electric vehicle designed to accommodate entire families. It is also Toyota's first three-row electric vehicle for the U.S. market and the first electric vehicle assembled in America.
"The new 2027 Toyota Highlander is designed to lead in style and cutting-edge technology among mid-size SUVs. Its sleek new look, spacious interior, and advanced technology make it a great addition to Toyota's growing electric vehicle lineup," he said.
- The 2027 Highlander is a battery electric vehicle available in two trims: the well-equipped XLE and the top-tier Limited.
- The XLE trim offers both front-wheel drive (FWD) and electronically controlled all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The XLE FWD comes standard with a 77.0 kWh battery.
- The XLE AWD offers a choice between 77.0 kWh and 95.8 kWh batteries, while the Limited trim comes standard with AWD and a 95.8 kWh battery.
- AWD models include additional features such as Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for off-road driving.
- All trims come equipped with the latest safety and entertainment systems, including Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0).
- Toyota Audio Multimedia sound system is standard.
- The spacious interior features three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers when the optional third-row seats are installed.
- The cabin exudes luxury with standard SofTex® upholstery and soft-touch materials on the dashboard and doors.
- Customizable ambient interior lighting enhances the atmosphere.
- Front seats are heated as standard, with optional ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats for added comfort when extra space is needed.
- The third-row seats fold flat to expand rear cargo space to over 45 cubic feet.
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology debuts in a Toyota vehicle sold in the U.S., allowing the Highlander to power electrical devices at outdoor events or serve as a backup power source during home outages.
Additionally, it supports Toyota's Charge Assist and ECO Charge features, designed to enable charging during off-peak electricity rates or when renewable energy is available.
Mr. Yoshinori Futonagane, Highlander's chief engineer, said that a key characteristic of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is driving enjoyment, thanks to a low center of gravity and instant torque from electric motors. Thus, Toyota's engineers focused on designing a Highlander that is both efficient and powerful.
"Our goal in developing the new Highlander was to create an electric vehicle that fits customers' lifestyles and brings smiles with quick acceleration and quiet driving. To achieve this, the new Highlander delivers a total output of 338 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque in AWD models, while FWD models produce 221 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque," he explained.
The 2027 electric Highlander will join Toyota's fourth electric vehicle lineup alongside the Toyota bZ, bZ Woodland, and C-HR, bringing Toyota’s total electric vehicle offerings to 22 models.
Meanwhile, the 2027 Highlander will be assembled in the United States at Toyota's plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, using batteries produced domestically at Toyota's new $13.9 billion battery assembly plant in Liberty, North Carolina, as well as from partner manufacturers. Sales are expected to begin in late 2026 through early 2027, with the suggested retail price to be announced closer to the launch date.