Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
Toyota has always been a staple auto brand for the urban market, especially the Camry and Land Cruiser. But now the Japanese brand is preparing for the future. Thus, today marks a new chapter for its bread-and-butter Highlander family SUV which is going all-electric. That’s right, there will be no gas-powered 2027 Toyota Highlander, so disciples of this particular model need to begin making the mental adjustment if they haven’t already.
What’s interesting is that Toyota is pushing full steam ahead with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) while many industry counterparts are pushing back due to lower sales, the dissolution of the $7,500 federal tax credit, higher EV prices driven by battery costs, and general disinterest for numerous reasons. Currently, the Japanese brand is best known for its bevy of hybrid vehicles, including the RAV4 and Tundra hybrids. The 2027 Highlander, with its all-electric powertrain, will be the 4th Toyota BEV and the largest in the company’s portfolio.
The 338-horsepower, three-row midsize SUV is impressive from a design perspective and feels premium upon entering the savvy cabin. However, the 3rd row is spacious enough for only small children. Toyota offers the Highlander in two trims (XLE and Limited) in FWD or AWD, and with two battery capacities: 77.0 kWh and 95.8 kWh. The latter achieves a 320-mile range as the XLE AWD or Limited AWD. The XLE FWD featuring the 77.0-kWh battery offers 287 miles of range, while the XLE AWD utilizing the 77.0-kWh battery drops to 270 miles of range. In situational conditions, such as a power outage, the Highlander can act as an external power source when paired with additional bi-directional equipment.
Data shows that EV owners will conduct 80% of their vehicle charging at home. Thus, if you are considering joining the electric revolution, then contemplate a home charging station as well. I installed a ChargePoint Home Flex outside my garage to power Automotive Rhythms’ EV media test fleet. Public charging is fine at times, but it is highly inconvenient, especially when it’s cold out!
Beginning with Toyota’s front-hammerhead styling (found on all of its BEVs), the innovative Highlander is clean and sharp, showcasing full-width, slim LED daytime running lights. You can run standard 19” rims and chunky Toyo Open Country tires, or upgrade to 22” rims that match the Limited. Two-tone paint is also available for the Limited model. The Wind Chill Pearl hue and its black roof, for example, are quite exquisite. Moreover, the Highlander is lower, wider, and longer (wheelbase) than the prior gas model.
“Our design mission was to create a new Highlander that pursued the robust proportions of an SUV while also capturing the sophisticated, high-tech aspects of all-electric performance,” said Chief Designer Masayuki Yamada. “To accomplish that goal, we designed a model that balanced aerodynamics, interior space, and capability so it is equally suited for elegant urban or outdoor enthusiast lifestyles.”
Inside the cabin, an array of amenities includes a 14” Toyota Audio Multimedia system that operates everything from navigation to vehicle settings, an 11-speaker JBL uplevel audio system, SofTEX-trimmed seating, a 12.3” digital gauge cluster, 64-color ambient lighting to reflect your driving mood, a Panoramic View Monitor, Head-up Display, heated seats, and much more. Of course, Toyota Safety Sense will be equipped on the e-SUV as it is on all Toyota cars and utility vehicles. Other technologies include a drive recorder, semi-flush electronic door handles, regenerative braking via the paddle shifters, and a NACS port for Level 3 DC fast charging outside the home.
Toyota will assemble the 2027 Highlander at its Toyota Manufacturing Kentucky Plant and source the batteries from the Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina Plant. This means customers should be able to avoid unnecessary tariffs. Expect sales of the 2027 Highlander to begin in late 2026, with momentum into early 2027. Pricing is yet to be announced.
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