The automotive world is buzzing with excitement as Toyota prepares to launch an all-electric version of one of its most beloved SUVs, the Toyota Highlander EV. Known for its reliability, family-friendly design, and versatility, the Highlander has been a staple in the midsize SUV market for over two decades. Now, Toyota is electrifying this iconic nameplate, signaling a bold step into the future of sustainable driving. With production slated to begin in 2026 and the Toyota Highlander EV expected to hit showrooms as a 2027 model, here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated electric vehicle (EV).
Why the Toyota Highlander EV Matters
Toyota has long been a leader in hybrid technology, with models like the Prius and the current Toyota Highlander Hybrid setting benchmarks for fuel efficiency. However, the company has faced criticism for its slower adoption of fully electric vehicles compared to competitors like Tesla, Rivian, and Kia. The Toyota Highlander EV marks a significant shift, showing Toyota’s commitment to expanding its EV lineup while leveraging the Highlander’s trusted reputation. With over 169,000 Highlanders sold in the U.S. in 2023, this EV could reshape the three-row SUV market.
The move to electrify the Toyota Highlander comes at a time when consumer demand for eco-friendly vehicles is surging. Families seeking spacious, practical SUVs are increasingly looking for electric options that don’t compromise on range, comfort, or reliability. By transforming the Highlander into an EV, Toyota aims to compete directly with models like the Kia EV9, the only mainstream three-row electric SUV currently available.
A New Era for the Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander EV is set to be a cornerstone of Toyota’s ambitious plan to launch seven new electric vehicles in the U.S. by mid-2027. Unlike the bZ4X, Toyota’s first attempt at a mass-market EV, the Highlander EV will ditch the alphanumeric “bZ” naming convention. This decision reflects Toyota’s strategy to capitalize on familiar, trusted nameplates to make EVs more appealing to its loyal customer base.
Production of the Toyota Highlander EV will take place at Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky, plant, consolidating EV manufacturing to streamline efficiency. This move also allows Toyota to boost output of the gas-powered and hybrid Grand Highlander at its Indiana facility, where demand has skyrocketed. The Highlander EV will likely share its architecture with a future Lexus model, possibly called the TZ, hinting at a premium sibling with similar underpinnings.
What to Expect from the Toyota Highlander EV
While Toyota has kept specific details under wraps, several reports provide clues about what the Toyota Highlander EV will offer. Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far:
Design and Size
The Toyota Highlander EV is expected to maintain the midsize dimensions of its gas-powered counterpart, offering seating for seven or eight passengers across three rows. Unlike the larger Grand Highlander, which will retain internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid powertrains, the Highlander EV will be exclusively electric. This differentiation ensures Toyota caters to both EV enthusiasts and traditional SUV buyers.
Expect a sleek, modern design with aerodynamic lines to maximize efficiency. Toyota may incorporate signature EV styling cues, such as a closed-off front grille and futuristic LED lighting, similar to the bZ4X. The interior will likely feature premium materials, spacious seating, and ample cargo space, staying true to the Highlander’s family-oriented roots.
Performance and Range
While exact specifications are pending, the Toyota Highlander EV is rumored to be built on a new EV-dedicated platform, moving away from the chassis-based design initially planned. This could improve weight distribution and handling, making it a more dynamic drive than the bZ4X, which has been criticized for its modest 252-mile range.
Industry experts speculate the Highlander EV will target a range of at least 300 miles per charge, aligning with competitors like the Kia EV9. Toyota is also investing in next-generation batteries, potentially including solid-state technology, which could offer faster charging and longer lifespans. The inclusion of a North American Charging System (NACS) port will allow access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, a major win for convenience.
Technology and Features
The Toyota Highlander EV is expected to come loaded with advanced tech. Based on recent Toyota models, anticipate a large central touchscreen (possibly 12.3 or 14 inches), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. A fully digital driver display and over-the-air updates are also likely, ensuring the Highlander EV stays cutting-edge.
For families, the Highlander EV will likely retain practical features like a hands-free power liftgate, ample storage, and configurable seating options. Rumors suggest Toyota may introduce a range-extender electric vehicle (EREV) variant in some markets, combining a small gas engine as a generator for extended range, though it’s unclear if this will be offered in the U.S.
Why Toyota Is Betting Big on the Highlander EV
Toyota’s decision to electrify the Toyota Highlander is strategic. The Highlander is a household name, commanding significant brand loyalty. By transitioning it to an EV, Toyota aims to attract its existing customer base while drawing in new buyers seeking sustainable options. The move also aligns with tightening emissions regulations in the U.S., Europe, and China, which are pushing automakers toward electrification.
However, Toyota isn’t abandoning its hybrid roots. The Grand Highlander will continue to offer gas and hybrid powertrains, catering to buyers hesitant about fully electric vehicles. This multi-pronged approach—offering hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), EVs, and even fuel-cell vehicles—reflects Toyota’s belief in a diverse electrified future.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Toyota Highlander EV enters a competitive market. The Kia EV9 has set a high bar with its 304-mile range and premium features, while Rivian’s R1S appeals to luxury buyers. Toyota must deliver a compelling package to stand out, especially after the lukewarm reception to the bZ4X, which struggled with limited range and slow charging speeds.
Charging infrastructure remains a hurdle. While the NACS port is a step forward, concerns about charging station availability and cold-weather performance persist, particularly in regions like Canada, where battery range can drop significantly in winter. Toyota will need to address these concerns to win over skeptics.
On the flip side, Toyota’s reputation for reliability and quality gives the Toyota Highlander EV a strong foundation. If Toyota can deliver a competitive range, fast charging, and a price point that undercuts luxury rivals, the Highlander EV could become a top contender in the three-row SUV segment.
When Will the Toyota Highlander EV Arrive?
Production of the Toyota Highlander EV is slated to begin in late 2026 at Toyota’s Kentucky plant, with the vehicle expected to debut as a 2027 model. Some reports suggest a possible unveiling by late 2025, giving Toyota time to build anticipation. The delay from earlier plans (initially set for early 2026) reflects Toyota’s focus on meeting demand for the Grand Highlander while fine-tuning its EV strategy.
Pricing remains speculative, but expect the Toyota Highlander EV to start around $50,000–$55,000, aligning with the current Highlander Hybrid’s price range and competing with the Kia EV9. Federal tax credits, if still available, could make it even more appealing.
The Bigger Picture: Toyota’s EV Strategy
The Toyota Highlander EV is part of a broader push to electrify Toyota’s lineup. Alongside it, Toyota plans to launch the bZ Woodland, a compact C-HR EV, and other models by 2027. Investments in battery production, including a new plant in North Carolina, signal Toyota’s commitment to cutting costs and improving EV efficiency.
Toyota’s cautious approach to EVs has drawn criticism, but the company’s focus on hybrids has paid off, with electrified vehicles accounting for nearly 50% of its U.S. sales in 2025. The Toyota Highlander EV could bridge the gap between Toyota’s hybrid dominance and a fully electric future, appealing to families ready to make the switch.
Read Also – Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice First Look: A Fresh Take on Jane Austen’s Timeless Classic
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will the Toyota Highlander EV be available?
The Toyota Highlander EV is expected to debut as a 2027 model, with production starting in late 2026. A potential unveiling could occur by late 2025.
What is the expected range of the Toyota Highlander EV?
While exact figures are unconfirmed, the Toyota Highlander EV is likely to target at least 300 miles of range to compete with rivals like the Kia EV9.
Will the Toyota Highlander EV have three rows of seating?
Yes, the Toyota Highlander EV will offer three rows, with seating for seven or eight passengers, maintaining its family-friendly design.
How much will the Toyota Highlander EV cost?
Pricing is speculative, but the Toyota Highlander EV is expected to start around $50,000–$55,000, comparable to the current Highlander Hybrid.
Will the Toyota Highlander EV use Tesla’s charging network?
Yes, the Toyota Highlander EV will feature a North American Charging System (NACS) port, allowing access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Is the Grand Highlander also getting an EV version?
No, the Grand Highlander will retain gas and hybrid powertrains, while the Toyota Highlander will transition to an EV-only model.
What technology will the Toyota Highlander EV include?
Expect a large touchscreen, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and possibly over-the-air updates, aligning with Toyota’s latest models.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for the Toyota Highlander EV
The Toyota Highlander EV represents a pivotal moment for Toyota as it embraces electrification while staying true to its legacy of reliability and family-focused design. With its expected debut in 2027, this electric SUV promises to blend the Highlander’s practicality with cutting-edge EV technology, making it a strong contender in the growing three-row EV market. Whether you’re a longtime Toyota fan or an EV enthusiast, the Toyota Highlander EV is shaping up to be a vehicle worth watching.
As Toyota refines its EV strategy, the Highlander EV could set a new standard for what families expect from an electric SUV. Stay tuned for more updates as Toyota reveals additional details in the coming months.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on current reports, industry insights, and trends as of August 1, 2025. Specifications, pricing, and release dates for the Toyota Highlander EV are subject to change as Toyota releases official details. Always consult official Toyota sources or authorized dealers for the most accurate and up-to-date information before making purchasing decisions.
