With sleek new styling and seating for up to seven passengers, the all-new 2027 Toyota Highlander arrives as the brand's first battery-electric vehicle (EV) built in America.
The all-new 2027 Highlander should deliver the performance and efficiency expected of an EV and comes standard with three rows of seats, seating up to seven passengers. When it goes on sale, the new Highlander will be available in two trim levels: XLE and Limited. The XLE will be available with front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), while the Limited is exclusively AWD. Two battery options will be available, with the larger 95.8-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery delivering an estimated 320 miles of range.
The new Highlander's exterior design is a dramatic departure from the current version, with a sleek roofline and broad fenders. Its bold look features slim daytime running lights, a lower overall height, and a wider stance. The wheelbase is about 8 inches longer, which should improve drivability and increase interior space.
Toyota will build the new Highlander on its Next Generation Architecture, modified to accommodate the high-capacity battery and improve interior space. Noise absorbing materials in the doors, roof, underfloor, and wheel wells, along with acoustic glass in the windshield and front side windows, should minimize noise and vibration in the cabin.
Inside, the new Highlander has a premium, high-tech vibe, highlighted by a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and an available head-up display. Standard 64-color ambient lighting lets the driver set the mood, and the safe exit assistance system flashes the door lights if it is unsafe to open the door.
The new center console includes a standard wireless smartphone charging pad that sits at an angle to prevent the phone from sliding out. Multiple storage cubbies in the center console, undertray storage, and a sizable bin below the center armrest ensure there is a place for all your items. USB-C ports are available throughout the cabin, providing charging in all three rows of seats. The Highlander also features 18 cupholders, so no one should go thirsty.
Seats for both trims feature a newly styled SofTex material, while the top-level Limited trim features a unique textured pattern. Heated front seats are standard, and the Limited adds ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats. The Highlander comes standard with second-row captain's chairs; to achieve full seven-passenger seating, you will need the XLE AWD and the second-row bench seat.
The new Highlander has about the same cargo space behind the third row as the current gas-powered model (15.9 vs. 16 cubic feet). However, its 45.6 cubic feet of space with the third row folded flat is slightly less than the outgoing model’s.
The new Highlander will be available with two electric drivetrains. The FWD XLE is powered by a single electric motor delivering 221 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the AWD variants feature a dual-motor drivetrain that produces 338 hp and 323 pound-feet of torque.
A 77-kWh battery powers the XLE FWD, delivering a range of 287 miles. The AWD with the same battery is estimated to deliver 270 miles of range. Customers can opt for a larger 95.8-kWh battery in the XLE AWD, which increases range to 320 miles. This same setup and range come standard on the Limited.
For the first time on a Toyota sold in America, the Highlander will feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, enabling the crossover SUV to serve as a mobile power source. Powering lights, a blender, or other electronics can enhance a tailgate party, and, if needed, it can also serve as backup power for a house during an outage.
With its standard NACS port, the 2027 Highlander can use a wide range of public DC fast-charging stations. Toyota claims the Highlander can charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes at a fast charger under ideal conditions. It will also include a dual-voltage 120V/240V charging cable for added flexibility when charging at home.
Battery assembly for the new Highlander takes place at Toyota's new Battery Manufacturing plant in North Carolina.
The new Highlander will feature the latest version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. A smartphone-like design should be easier to use than the current version, and the new Home screen will be customizable with a variety of widgets. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring are standard on all versions, and the system supports simultaneous connection of two phones. The Spotify music-streaming service is also available, but requires a separate subscription.
All 2027 Highlanders will include the updated Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The system includes expected ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering assistance, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and bicyclist detection. Additionally, the Limited adds lane-change assistance, front cross-traffic warning, and traffic jam assist.
When the 2027 Toyota Highlander arrives later in 2026, it will join a very small group of three-row electric crossovers. The strongest competition will come from Korea, with the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 offering similar performance and utility. However, given the popularity of the current Highlander, the new electric version should hold its own against the established Hyundai and Kia offerings.
Toyota is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of February 10, 2026, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving nearly every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for jdpower.com. Living in southeast Michigan, Perry remains passionate about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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