Last week, Toyota kicked off the year with a thrilling new announcement: the 2027 EV Highlander. This vehicle represents several firsts for the company, such as its first EV assembled here in the US, its first EV with three rows, and the first Toyota to offer the vehicle-to-load feature, which allows users to use the SUV’s battery to power electronic devices and appliances and act as a home power backup.
At first glance, you’ll notice a larger, boxier design language. The new Highlander measures 2.3 inches wider and nearly 4 inches longer, with an almost 8-inch-longer wheelbase than its predecessor. Thanks to its three rows, it seats a total of 7 passengers and, with the third row flat, provides over 45 cubic ft of storage.
This EV SUV will come in two trim options: XLE, which has a 77-kWh battery (287-mile range) with front-wheel drive; an all-wheel drive XLE trim capable of a 270-mile range; and Limited, which has a 96-kWh cell (320-mile range) with all-wheel drive. And speaking of its batteries, the new Highlander can charge from 10% to 80% with a 30-minute charge using a DC fast charger.
The interior of the new Highlander touts a 12.3-inch screen to showcase its digital gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen to control your infotainment, which includes a voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 5G connectivity. However, there are still physical controls for music, drive modes, and HVAC. It also supports up to two phones via Bluetooth at once and utilizes a new feature called Drive Recorder, which is a built-in dash cam that uses its exterior cameras.
The new Highlander touts synthetic leather with ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, acoustic glass in the windshield and front-side windows, and sound-absorbing material within the door panels, front pillars, wheel wells, roof, and undercarriage.
It offers a total of 18 cupholders (not a typo) within the SUV, the option of a 6-speaker setup or an 11-speaker system powered by JBL audio. Also, Toyota equipped it with dual wireless chargers in the center console, interior ambient lighting with up to 64 color options, and USB-C ports for the 2nd and 3rd rows.
Toyota finally has a worthy competitor to the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, as they’re the only three-row electric SUV options on the market at the moment. The 2027 Toyota Highlander will be available in late 2026 with pricing not yet revealed. Early reports suggest a $50,000 starting point.
