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From Hybrid Roots to Full‑Electric Power
When Toyota launched the Highlander in 2001, it broke new ground as a car‑based unibody SUV that outshone many of its competitors. Over the years the model grew in size, power and luxury, but it was always a hybrid. The 2027 Highlander marks a decisive shift: the brand’s first battery‑powered three‑row SUV, built on the same platform that has served the line for two decades.
Powertrain and Performance
The new Highlander uses a dual‑motor setup that mirrors the powertrain found in the updated BZ‑4X. Two battery options are available: a standard 77 kWh pack and a larger 95.8 kWh pack that delivers up to 320 miles of all‑electric range. The larger battery also powers a 338‑horsepower, 323‑lb‑ft torque system, making it the most powerful Highlander ever produced. Toyota claims front‑wheel‑drive models can tow 2,700 lb, while all‑wheel‑drive versions lift that figure to 3,500 lb.
Charging and Battery Details
The Highlander’s 95.8 kWh battery is the largest in Toyota’s EV lineup, enabling the 320‑mile range. The smaller 77 kWh pack offers a range of roughly 270 miles. Both batteries use a single‑speed reduction gear transmission, and the vehicle can accept up to 150 kW DC fast charging. A 30‑minute charge on a 150 kW charger would bring the battery from 10 % to 80 %, comparable to other midsize EVs.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The 2027 Highlander adopts Toyota’s “hammerhead” front fascia, giving the SUV a more upright, masculine stance. The body is roughly 2.3 inches wider and about four inches longer than the previous generation, with an 8‑inch longer wheelbase to accommodate the larger battery. The Limited trim is offered in a new “spellbound” silver that shifts hue under different lighting. LED daytime running lights, a full LED light bar, and a distinctive rear LED signature complete the look. A smaller, more streamlined charge port uses the North American NACS plug and can accept up to 150 kW, allowing a 30‑minute charge on a Tesla Supercharger.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the Limited trim features a Misty Gray two‑tone interior with soft‑text leather‑ret, heated and ventilated seats, and a 10‑position memory system. A 14‑inch touchscreen runs Toyota’s latest software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital 12.3‑inch instrument cluster, and a 360‑degree camera. Safety Sense 4.0 is standard, providing adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping, and automatic lane‑changing assistance. Ambient lighting can be set to 64 colors, and the panoramic glass roof—though fixed—provides an expansive view that extends over the second row.
Interior Tech Highlights
Beyond the 14‑inch display, the Highlander includes dual wireless phone chargers, a 360‑degree camera, and a JBL sound system. The digital instrument cluster is fully customizable, and the steering wheel features paddle shifters for regenerative braking control. The vehicle’s head‑up display projects key information onto the windshield, while the rear‑view mirror is a frameless, auto‑dimming camera that replaces a traditional mirror.
Space, Versatility, and Market Position
The Highlander remains a seven‑seat vehicle, with captain’s chairs standard on the Limited trim. When the third row is folded, the cargo area expands to over 45 cubic feet, comparable to the previous generation. Toyota has not yet released exact leg‑room figures, but early impressions suggest a slight increase over the older model. The vehicle’s size and battery capacity place it in direct competition with the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9, both of which start around $55,000. Toyota’s pricing is expected to begin near $50,000 for the base XLE and climb into the mid‑$60,000s for the Limited.
What the Shift Means for Toyota
By splitting the Highlander line into a traditional gasoline model and a full‑electric version, Toyota preserves the brand’s core customer base while also courting buyers who want a larger, more technologically advanced EV. The 2027 Highlander’s 320‑mile range, 338‑horsepower output, and modern interior make it a compelling choice for families who need three rows of seating but also want the benefits of electrification.
Availability and Final Thoughts
The 2027 Highlander will arrive in the U.S. market toward the end of 2026 or early 2027, as it is a 2027 model year vehicle. While final pricing and detailed performance figures are still pending, the early look suggests Toyota has delivered a vehicle that balances legacy, innovation, and practicality. For those who have followed the Highlander’s evolution, the new EV offers a familiar yet refreshed experience that could shape the future of Toyota’s midsize crossover segment.