Kentucky will soon be home to Toyota’s first all-electric three-row SUV for the U.S. Market, the 2027 Highlander EV, as the automaker moves to expand its electric vehicle offerings despite a broader industry trend toward scaling back EV ambitions. Production is slated to begin later this year, with sales expected to commence in late 2026.
The Highlander EV will be available in two trim levels – XLE and Limited – and with both front- and all-wheel drive configurations. Toyota is offering two battery options, with a 77-kilowatt-hour pack serving as the base and a larger 95.8-kilowatt-hour pack available on all-wheel drive models. The larger battery delivers a maximum estimated range of 320 miles, matching the Hyundai Ioniq 9, though the Hyundai achieves that range with a larger 110.3-kilowatt-hour battery.
The base XLE trim, equipped with the 77-kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor, produces 221 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, offering an estimated range of 287 miles. Upgrading to the all-wheel drive powertrain with the same 77-kWh battery increases output to 338 horsepower and 323 pound-feet of torque, but reduces the range to 270 miles. The 95.8-kWh battery, paired with all-wheel drive, also delivers a 320-mile range.
Toyota is equipping the Highlander EV with a North American Charging System (NACS) charging port, and estimates a 10-80% charge can be achieved in approximately 30 minutes under ideal conditions. The vehicle also features standard battery preconditioning, plug-and-charge capability, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.
The exterior dimensions of the electric Highlander are similar to its gasoline-powered counterpart, measuring 198.8 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 67.3 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 120.1 inches. The interior offers seating for six or seven passengers, depending on whether the second row is configured with captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Cargo space measures 15.9 cubic feet with all three rows in use, expanding to 45.6 cubic feet with the third row folded.
Inside, the Highlander EV features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch central touchscreen running Toyota’s “Toyota Audio Multimedia” infotainment system, which includes 5G connectivity, an embedded voice assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A built-in dashcam, dubbed “Drive Recorder,” is also included. The XLE trim comes standard with features like front acoustic glass, 19-inch wheels, and heated front seats, while the Limited trim adds a head-up display, ventilated front seats, and a 360-degree camera system.
Optional features include a fixed panoramic glass roof, a JBL premium sound system with 11 speakers, two-tone paint options, and 22-inch wheels. The Highlander EV is built on a modified version of Toyota’s TNGA-K architecture, also used in the RAV4 and Sienna.
Toyota has not yet announced pricing for the 2027 Highlander EV, but it is expected to be competitive with other three-row electric SUVs like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, which range in price from approximately $55,000 to $80,000.