An American-Made, 320-Mile Electric Three-Row SUV

Toyota is making a significant move in the evolving electric vehicle market with the upcoming 2027 Highlander, a three-row electric SUV. This vehicle represents a commitment to EV production within the United States, as it will be assembled in Kentucky using American-sourced batteries.

Toyota’s EV Strategy Amidst Industry Shifts

The introduction of the Highlander EV arrives as many automakers are reassessing their electric vehicle strategies, with some shifting focus towards hybrid technologies. However, Toyota is proceeding with its EV plans, simultaneously investing in both hybrid and fully electric solutions. This dual approach positions the company to address a broader range of consumer preferences and market conditions.

Highlander EV: Specifications and Range

The 2027 Highlander will maintain similar exterior dimensions to its gasoline-powered counterpart. It will be offered with two battery options, providing buyers with choices based on their range and performance needs. The Highlander will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, with a maximum estimated range of 320 miles on a full charge.

Did You Know? The 2027 Toyota Highlander is the company’s first three-row electric vehicle designed for the U.S. Market.

Powertrain and Battery Options

The base Highlander XLE model will feature a 77-kilowatt-hour battery and a front-mounted electric motor producing 221 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, achieving an estimated range of 287 miles. An upgraded dual-motor, all-wheel drive version of the XLE, utilizing the same 77-kWh battery, will deliver 338 horsepower and 323 pound-feet of torque, with a slightly reduced range of 270 miles. A larger 95.8 kWh battery pack will also be available, exclusively with all-wheel drive XLE and Limited trims, offering a maximum range of 320 miles.

While the Highlander’s 320-mile range is comparable to the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Hyundai achieves this range with a larger 110.3 kWh battery pack.

Expert Insight: Toyota’s decision to launch a three-row electric SUV signals a recognition of the growing demand for family-sized EVs. Offering multiple battery and drivetrain options allows Toyota to cater to a wider range of customer needs and budgets in a competitive market.

Charging and Features

The Highlander EV will come standard with a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. Toyota estimates a charging time of approximately 30 minutes to reach 80% state of charge using a DC fast charger, though the specific power handling capabilities haven’t been disclosed. The vehicle will also include battery preconditioning, Plug & Charge functionality, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.

Production and Availability

Production of the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV is scheduled to begin later this year at Toyota’s Kentucky facility, with sales anticipated to commence in late 2026. While pricing has not yet been announced, This proves expected to be competitive with other three-row electric SUVs, such as the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, ranging from approximately $55,000 to $80,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of drivetrain options will be available for the 2027 Highlander EV?

The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

What is the maximum estimated range for the 2027 Highlander EV?

The maximum estimated range for the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV is 320 miles on a full charge.

Where will the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV be manufactured?

The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV will be assembled at Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Kentucky.

As the automotive industry continues to transition towards electric vehicles, how might consumer demand and technological advancements shape the future of three-row electric SUVs like the Toyota Highlander?