Toyota’s popular Highlander was the first electrified three-row SUV in its segment. Now, it returns as a dedicated battery-electric vehicle. The 2027 Toyota Highlander joins the bZ, bZ Woodland, and C-HR as the fourth EV in the automaker’s lineup. Most importantly, it remains family-friendly with seating for up to seven and a generous driving range.
2027 Toyota Highlander: Designed To Turn Heads
Built on a modified TNGA-K platform, the 2027 Highlander arrives as the largest Toyota EV to date. However, its styling follows Toyota’s latest corporate look, which isn’t a bad thing. That means it features clean lines and the same hammerhead-inspired front fascia as the latest Toyota models. Like its smaller EV brethren, the Highlander has a full-width light bar up front and in the rear. A tapered roofline and rear spoiler give the SUV a sleek look, all while maintaining its upright profile and large windows. Toyota designers achieved this appearance by lowering the Highlander’s height by nearly an inch and increasing its width by 2.3 inches. Additionally, designers also lengthened the wheelbase by 8 inches. That gives the Highlander a planted look without sacrificing interior space.
Toyota also leveraged the TNGA-K platform to maximize passenger space. It also features front and rear underfloor covers to improve air flow, and front and rear spats to minimize turbulence around the tires. Meanwhile, acoustic front and front side glass and noise-absorbing materials mounted throughout the vehicle minimize noise, vibration, and harshness. Furthermore, a dynamic damper on the back door panel reduces noise intrusion in the rear.
Elevating the Cabin Experience
The 2027 Highlander’s cabin emphasizes refinement and comfort via an airy and tech-forward design. It features a similar layout to the latest RAV4. That includes a 12.3-inch customizable digital gauge cluster, physical controls, and a massive 14-inch touchscreen. You can also add an optional head-up display and rear window shades. On the other hand, 64-color ambient lighting and a hands-free power liftgate come standard.
Additionally, the newly designed SofTex leatherette seats have standard heating for the front. Meanwhile, the Limited trim adds a unique pattern, front seat ventilation, and heating for the second row. Toyota says that the 2027 Highlander’s third row comfortably fits two adults and can be easily accessed via a one-touch fold function from the second row. Designers also maximized function with its dual wireless chargers, cleverly placed USB ports, 18 cup holders, and extensive storage solutions throughout the cabin. The second row even comes standard with a center console, which Toyota says can hold tablets and smartphones. When it’s time to carry bulky items, the third row folds easily by pulling a lever.
On the tech front, every 2027 Highlander comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can also pair two devices to the vehicle simultaneously through Bluetooth. The main touchscreen also houses the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia interface backed by Arene software. Additionally, Spotify and a built-in drive recorder have been added. Meanwhile, the digital gauge cluster now shows turn-by-turn directions from the native navigation system. Every 2027 Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, and a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
Efficiently Powered
When it comes to the powertrain, the 2027 Highlander brings in some familiar components as well as some new ones. Let’s start with the batteries. The XLE trim features a 77-kWh pack, likely the same unit found in the Lexus RZ 550e F Sport. On the other hand, the XLE AWD Long Range and Limited trims have a new 95.8-kWh battery.
As a result, Toyota expects models with the 95.8-kWh battery to have an estimated driving range rating of 320 miles. The XLE models with the 77-kWh pack are rated at 287 miles for front-drive models or 270 miles with AWD models. These figures make it competitive with its key rivals: the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and Kia EV9. They also handily surpass the Volkswagen ID Buzz, which only has an EPA rating of 234 miles in RWD models or 231 miles with AWD. In terms of power output, the front-drive models have 221 hp and 198 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD examples have significantly more at 338 hp and 323 lb-ft.
Every 2027 Highlander comes standard with an NACS charging port and battery preconditioning. The latter can bring the battery pack to its ideal temperature for DC charging, which is especially beneficial in colder climates. Best of all, you can activate battery preconditioning manually or by setting a DC charging station like a Tesla Supercharger as your destination on the built-in navigation system. To help you drive more efficiently, the 2027 Highlander also has paddles to increase or decrease the amount of regenerative braking. That allows the car to capture more energy while braking and has five levels to choose from.
2027 Toyota Highlander: Generously Equipped
When it arrives later this year, the 2027 Highlander will feature two well-equipped trims: XLE and Limited. The base XLE includes goodies like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 64-color ambient lighting, and the drive recorder. On the other hand, the Limited includes adds a surround-view monitor, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist. In terms of options, you can add a panoramic glass roof (all trims) and second-row bench seats (XLE AWD only). The Limited trim has optional two-tone exterior colors, 22-inch wheels, and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system.
The 2027 Highlander is the first Toyota EV assembled in the U.S., specifically at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky. Meanwhile, its battery modules will come from Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina. That’s right, this EV and its many major components are built locally, including the batteries, which will also be made by LG. Pricing will be announced closer to the Highlander’s on-sale date in the fourth quarter.
Source: Toyota
