The First All-Electric Highlander Gets Three Rows
Toyota came out strong and big today with the reveal of the all-new, all-electric three-row 2027 Highlander. The fourth EV in the Toyota line-up, the Highlander EV joins the BZ, BZ Woodland and CH-R, with the latter two also all-new models. In a world where automotive brands are pulling back their commitments to EVs, Toyota is charging ahead with models designed to appeal to a wide range of consumers. Clean Fleet Report says Bravo!
The 2027 Highlander EV Dissected
Toyota invited the international media to Ojai, California to show-off its latest offering, which as of now, we were unable to drive. That will come later in the year, so stay tuned for our driving review.
What we did see was a completely redesigned midsize SUV that will come in two grades (Toyota-speak for trims) of XLE and Limited, available with either front- or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD.)
The base XLE grade is highly equipped with 19-inch wheels, heated front seats with SofTex-trimmed (synthetic leather) seating that is a durable, stain-resistant, easy-to-clean, lightweight and eco-friendly, heated steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 14-inch infotainment screen, 6-speaker Toyota multimedia audio system, paddle shifters for regenerative driving and a NACS (North American Charging Standard) charge port for DC fast charging on the Tesla Super Charger Network.
Stepping-up to the Limited grade adds a head-up display (HUD), memory and reverse tilt on the exterior side view mirrors, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, rear side sunshades and a panoramic view monitor.
Safety Too
All 2027 Highlander EVs will have the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 that, based on the grade, include features such as pre-collision system, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, lane departure alert and emergency driving stop.
Options, depending on which grade is ordered, include bench seating, panoramic roof, JBL premium audio system with 11 speakers, subwoofer and amplifier, two-toned paint and 22-inch wheels.
Standard on both grades is a multi-function center console with storage, under-tray storage slots for storing tablets and phones and a whopping 18 cup holders throughout the cabin. The hands-free power lift gate is standard as is one pull folding third-row seats for added cargo space.
A nice standard feature on XLE and Limited is vehicle-to-load (V2L) capacity. This convenient feature, the first time on a Toyota model sold in the United States, can power items such as e-bikes, computers, appliances (think, that blender for making margaritas at a tailgate party) or a complete campsite. Even more vital might be the V2L powering a home in the case of a power outage.
Batteries, Power, Charging and All-Electric Driving Range (AER)
These battery options, with a preconditioning system, power the 2027 Highlander EV.
XLE FWD
- Battery: 77.0-kWh (standard)
- AER: 287 miles
- Horsepower (hp): 221
- Torque (pound-feet): 198
XLE AWD
- Battery: 77.0-kWh (standard)
- AER: 270 miles
- HP: 338
- Torque: 323
XLE AWD
- Battery: 95.8-kWh (optional)
- AER: 320 miles
- HP: 338
- Torque: 323
Limited
- Battery: 95.8-kWh (standard)
- AER: 320 miles
- HP: 338
- Torque: 323
Charging on a DC fast charger can deliver 10-to-80% battery capacity in about 30 minutes. Level 1 and 2 charging is also available using the provided 120V/240V charging cable.
Pricing and Availability
Toyota didn’t release pricing, but said the 2027 Highlander EV is expected to begin sales in late 2026 and early 2027.
The Highlander EV is being manufactured in Georgetown, Kentucky, with the batteries assembled at the Toyota plant in Liberty, North Carolina. These locations are key to the pricing and availability as the Highlander EV will not be affected by tariff whims.
Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all news stories and vehicle reviews.
Story by John Faulkner. Photos by Toyota.
