The 2027 highlander ev has arrived as Toyota’s bold leap into battery-electric family SUVs, completely reinventing the iconic Highlander nameplate with a fully electric powertrain and modern three-row design that promises to redefine what American families expect from an EV-ready SUV in the U.S. market. Sales are set to begin in late 2026 ahead of the 2027 model year, bringing a new era of electrified family hauling to showrooms.
Experience a New Generation of Electric Family Hauling
Toyota’s next-generation Highlander embraces an all-electric future, moving away from combustion and hybrid engines and delivering a head-turning SUV built for families who want zero-emission driving without sacrificing practicality or comfort. Featuring seating for up to seven and cutting-edge tech, this electric Highlander ushers the midsize SUV into the EV age.
Surging Into the EV Era With Purpose
Toyota has officially redesigned the 2027 Highlander as an all-electric vehicle, marking a strategic shift for one of its most popular SUVs. The change reflects Toyota’s broader electrification strategy in the U.S., where demand for larger electric family vehicles continues to grow and competition from rivals like Hyundai and Kia intensifies.
Traditionally known for hybrid versions, the 2027 Highlander now stands as Toyota’s first three-row battery electric SUV assembled in the United States. Production takes place at Toyota’s Kentucky plant with battery modules assembled in North Carolina, reinforcing Toyota’s commitment to local EV manufacturing.
Striking Design With Family-First Utility
The exterior design of the 2027 Highlander EV moves away from the curves of its gas-powered predecessor toward a more modern, aerodynamic silhouette with clean lines, flush door handles, and broad fenders that give it a commanding road presence. Full-width LED running lights and a sleek front fascia blend aesthetics with function, contributing to improved efficiency.
Inside, the cabin is spacious and tech-rich. A large 14-inch infotainment touchscreen sits front and center, paired with a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. Ambient lighting and soft-touch materials elevate the premium feel, while widespread device charging ports and wireless connectivity keep passengers connected on longer journeys.
Available seating for up to seven passengers ensures that families don’t have to compromise on room, and the Highlander’s cargo space remains competitive with up to 45 cubic feet behind the third row when seats are folded flat — ideal for road trips, school runs, and everyday errands.
Electric Performance for Everyday Life
Underneath, the 2027 Highlander EV features a robust electric drivetrain available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The SUV offers two battery options: a standard 77.0-kWh pack on base models and a larger 95.8-kWh battery on upper trims, delivering a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 320 miles on select AWD versions.
Performance reflects Toyota’s focus on smooth, responsive driving suited to family use, with the AWD dual-motor setup producing up to 338 horsepower and strong torque for confident acceleration from city streets to highway cruising. The EV’s low center of gravity also contributes to composed handling and a quieter cabin compared with traditional combustion SUVs.
Rapid charging support through the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port means drivers can recharge from 10% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes at compatible DC fast chargers, adding practical convenience to long travels and daily use.
Trim Levels Tailored to You
Toyota offers the Highlander EV in XLE and Limited grades, each designed to provide a mix of comfort, features, and capability. XLE models will be available in both FWD and AWD versions with either battery size, while the Limited trim comes standard with AWD and the larger battery. Available features are thoughtfully chosen for families and tech enthusiasts alike, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium audio system, heated seating options, and customizable interior lighting.
The integration of bi-directional vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability allows the Highlander EV to power external devices like camping gear or help during a power outage, adding a level of versatility many families will appreciate.
Advanced Safety and Connectivity
Safety remains a priority in the 2027 Highlander EV with Toyota’s suite of driver-assist systems designed to support confident driving in a range of conditions. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking are standard, ensuring peace of mind for everyday driving and road travel alike.
Connectivity extends beyond just convenience features — built-in 5G connectivity enables real-time updates, enhanced navigation, and remote services, adding a modern dimension to the Highlander’s usability.
Competitively Positioned in the EV SUV Market
The shift to an all-electric Highlander represents Toyota’s response to a rapidly evolving SUV market where electric options are increasing in popularity. With its combination of range, technology, comfort, and space, the Highlander EV is poised to compete with other three-row electric SUVs such as the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9, offering a blend of everyday practicality and Toyota reliability.
Importantly for U.S. buyers, the Highlander EV is built and engineered with domestic needs in mind, from its assembly in Kentucky to its robust network of compatible charging infrastructure nationwide.
What This Means for the Future of Toyota SUVs
The introduction of the 2027 Highlander EV signals Toyota’s deeper commitment to electrification without losing sight of the needs of American families who value room, comfort, and capability. As Toyota expands its EV lineup, the Highlander EV stands out as a pivotal model that bridges traditional SUV appeal with next-generation electric mobility.
Whether it’s the daily school commute or an extended family road trip, Toyota’s approach ensures that moving into a fully electric SUV doesn’t mean compromising on space, features, or performance.
Let us know what you think about the all-new electric Highlander in the comments below — would you consider it for your next family SUV?