Made in the USA: Toyota Unveils New Fully Electric Highlander

Toyota has unveiled the next-generation fully electric Highlander. The 2027 model is a three-row SUV that will be manufactured in the USA using American-made batteries.

What is known

For Toyota, this is the first three-row electric vehicle for the US market and the first EV assembled at one of the company's plants in the country.

The dimensions of the new model are similar to the gasoline Highlander: 5.05 m long with a wheelbase of 3.05 m. The trunk volume is 450 liters with the third row unfolded and 1,291 liters with it folded.

The range on a single charge reaches 320 miles (515 km) depending on the version. This is comparable to the Hyundai Ioniq 9 with two electric motors, although the Korean brand's model has a larger capacity battery to achieve a similar figure.

The Highlander EV will be offered in two trims — XLE and Limited. The base XLE version is equipped with a 77 kWh battery and a front-axle electric motor producing 221 hp and 268 Nm of torque. The range is up to 287 miles (462 km). The same battery is available for the all-wheel drive XLE version with two motors totaling 338 hp and 438 Nm of torque. In this case, the range is 270 miles (435 km).

A 95.8 kWh battery is also available, which is only for the all-wheel drive versions of XLE and Limited. The maximum range is 320 miles (515 km).

The electric Highlander comes with a NACS connector (Tesla standard) from the factory. Charging power at DC stations is not disclosed, but going from 10% to 80% charge takes about 30 minutes. Standard equipment includes a battery pre-heating function, Plug Charge support, and a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system that allows external devices to be powered from the traction battery via an adapter.

The model is built on a modified TNGA-K platform, which is used, among others, for the RAV4 and Sienna. Standard configuration provides six seats with second-row captain's chairs. A three-seat bench turning the car into a seven-seater is available as an option for the XLE AWD.

Inside the cabin is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch central screen of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with ATT's 5G support, an integrated voice assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A built-in Dashcam feature, Drive Recorder, is also available.

The XLE package includes acoustic windshield, 19-inch wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and a six-speaker audio system. The Limited version additionally receives a head-up display, front seat ventilation, second-row heating, sunshades, a surround-view system, and a lane change assist.

Options include a panoramic glass roof, a JBL audio system with 11 speakers, dual-tone body paint, and 22-inch wheels.

Production will start later this year at Toyota's plant in Kentucky. Sales will begin at the end of 2026. Prices have not yet been announced, but they are expected to be comparable to the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, which are priced from around $55,000 to $80,000 (approximately €46,300 to €67,370).

Source: Toyota