Toyota News: 2027 Toyota Highlander EV: Specs, Range, Price & Trim

[G. David Felt]

As America seems to be pulling back from EVs, Toyota is moving forward with the 2027 Highlander with all-new style, comfort and electric powertrain delivering on many features that have been already offered by competitors like the BMW iX3. Can they succeed where others have failed?

This all-new SUV will be assembled at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky plant. Here is a quick list of what the 2027 Highlander brings to the competitive table of electric SUVs.

• Toyota's first three-row BEV model
• Two trims, Limited or XLE with FWD or AWD
• XLE and Limited AWD models equipped with a 95.8 kWh battery pack with an estimated 320-mile driving range
• Equipped with NACS charging port
• Vehicle-to-Load technology allowing for the BEV to be used as a backup power source (a feature also found in the Ford F-150 Lightning EREV)
• Latest Toyota Audio Multimedia and Safety sense systems
• 338 combined system HP and 323 lb-ft of torque

Exterior Design

The new Highlander’s modern new look features clean lines, broad fenders, full-length LED daytime running lights, and flush door handles for an aerodynamic appeal. Inside, a tech-forward cabin with a large 14-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch driver’s display, customizable ambient lighting, and ample device charging in every row give it comfort and convenience. It will also have an available fixed glass panoramic roof that will be the largest in the Toyota lineup, adding an open, bright feeling to the cabin.

Powertrain and Trim Levels

The 2027 Highlander will have a Battery Electric powertrain standard and be available in two grades, the well-appointed XLE or the top-of-the-line Limited. The XLE grade will be available in front- or electronic all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD); XLE FWD models will have a 77.0-kWh battery, standard; XLE AWD models will have a choice of 77.0-kWh or 95.8-kWh battery. The Limited grade will have AWD and 95.8-kWh battery, standard. AWD equipped models will also have features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. All grades will have the latest in safety and entertainment, with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) and Toyota Audio Multimedia, standard.

Interior and Seating

Designed to provide a comfortable space for the whole crew, the Highlander has a spacious interior with three-row seating for up to seven when equipped with an available bench seat. This Highlander joins the Toyota bZ, bZ Woodland, and C-HR models as the fourth BEV in Toyota’s lineup.

25 Years of Highlander Heritage

The Highlander has been a key part of the Toyota SUV family since it was introduced at the New York International Auto Show in April 2000. For more than 25 years, the Highlander has been a staple of Americans family hauling needs and has been built on a modified unibody platform from the Toyota Camry. A hybrid version was introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model. 

The second-generation was introduced in 2009, third generation was introduced in 2013 with the fourth generation in 2019. This 2027 Highlander is the kickoff of the fifth generation and is delivered on an all new electric platform that evolves the style, usability, comfort and efficiency that Toyota says customers have come to expect from them.

Chief designer Masayuki Yamada stated the following: “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. 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.”

The all-new 2027 Highlander is built on Toyota's next generation architecture-k (TNGA-K) platform designed to house a high-capacity battery pack with maximized passenger space. This platform was designed to minimize noise and vibration from every part of the vehicle so as to give a serene relaxing experience.

Dimensions and Cargo Space

The highlander delivers the following proportions:

• Overall height of 67.3 inches
• Overall width of 78.3 inches
• Wheelbase of 120.1 inches
• Overall length of 198.8 inches
• Cargo volume of 15.9ft with third row up
• Cargo Volume of 45.6ft with third row folded down

Battery Range by Trim

Range estimated for the highlander based on model trim and powertrain:

• XLE FWD with 77.0-kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 287-mile total driving range rating* 
• XLE AWD with 77.0-kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 270-mile total driving range rating*
• XLE AWD with 95.8 -kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 320-mile total driving range rating*
• Limited AWD with 95.8 -kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 320-mile total driving range rating*

Available Colors

The 2027 Highlander will launch with the following color options:

Single tone colors:

• all-new Spellbound
• Wind Chill Pearl
• Heavy Metal
• Everest
• Reservoir Blue
• Midnight Black Metallic

Two tone paint combinations:

• Spellbound with a black roof
• Wind Chill Pearl with a black roof
• Heavy Metal with a black roof
• Everest with a black roof

Interior colors:

• Black
• Portobello
• all-new Misty Gray

Technology and Connected Services

From available HUD (head up display) to 64 color ambient lighting to USB-C charging ports throughout the three rows of seating, Qi wireless charging and multi-zone HVAC with ample cup holders (18 total) there is comfort from front to back for everyone.

Advanced technology is found from the latest Audio Multimedia system that supports standard wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto to the AT&T 5G network connectivity. This includes even a standard built-in Drive Recorder that uses the vehicles 360 camera system to record both manual and triggered events.

The 2027 Highlander comes with a long list of connected services that begin on the date of purchase or lease except for the WiFi trial that begins upon activation.

Connected Services:

• Drive Connect with Intelligent Assistant
• Cloud Navigation with 3D Maps
• Destination Assist
• Safety Connect
• Service Connect
• Toyota mobile application Remote Connect
  • enables remote charging capabilities
  • check charging status
  • start/stop charging
  • edit charging schedules

The Toyota app also provides an easy-to-use map to find charging station locations near you or along your route, making it easier than ever for customers to managing their charging needs.

Toyota Safety Sense 4.0

The 2027 Highlander will come with their TSS 4.0 or Toyota Safety Sense system. This features the following:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) is designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist and provide an audio/visual forward-collision warning under certain circumstances. If you don’t react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking.
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is an adaptive cruise control system that is designed to be set at speeds above 20 mph. DRCC uses vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) detects lane markings or the road’s edge at speeds above 30 mph. LDA w/SA is designed to provide an audible/visual warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If no corrective action is taken, Steering Assist is designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.
• Automatic High Beams (AHB) are designed to detect headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles. AHB automatically toggles between high and low beams as appropriate.
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) is designed to help keep the vehicle in the center of a lane. LTA assists the driver with steering control while DRCC is in use.
• Road Sign Assist (RSA) uses the forward-facing camera to recognize specific road signs such as speed limits and stop signs. RSA provides road sign information to the driver via the Multi-Information Display.
• Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) uses the vehicle’s camera and radar, when system operating conditions are met, to provide gentle braking and/or steering to support driving tasks such as distance control between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle

In addition to TSS 4.0, the 2027 Highlander is equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PKSB) is also standard.  Other available convenience technologies include Panoramic View Monitor and Advanced Park.

The 2027 Highlander also has great standard convenience features like a rear seat reminder system, backup camera with dynamic gridlines, smart key with push button start, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure read-out and individual tire location alert, and Hill Start Assist Control.

For many the electric Toyota Highlander not only appears to deliver on the family SUV needs but clearly is taking families into a very modern 21st century driving experience.

 

View full article

[G. David Felt]

Interesting observation is that before the 2027 EV launch of this Highlander, Toyota used to have the 2 row Highlander and then you paid more for the 3 row Grand Highlander. 

One Highlander to replace two and yet dealerships here in the PNW have raised prices on the few remaining Grand Highlanders for those that want a Gas-powered Hybrid over EV.

I have some family friends who were planning to get a Grand Highlander later this year and are now moving up their timeline as they are not comfortable to go EV yet even with the rang that the 2027 Highlander has.

One benefit is that Toyota has NOT really changed the Grand Highlander for the last 3 years, so buying a certified used with low miles does save over taking the depreciation hit.

Interesting observation is that in the PNW, I find plenty of 2026 and 2025 already certified used with miles of 1,000 to 13,000 miles as about a $20,000 discount which is very interesting to me and makes me wonder what the real story is on these used certified models.

[Drew Dowdell]

8 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

Interesting observation is that before the 2027 EV launch of this Highlander, Toyota used to have the 2 row Highlander and then you paid more for the 3 row Grand Highlander. 

One Highlander to replace two and yet dealerships here in the PNW have raised prices on the few remaining Grand Highlanders for those that want a Gas-powered Hybrid over EV.

I have some family friends who were planning to get a Grand Highlander later this year and are now moving up their timeline as they are not comfortable to go EV yet even with the rang that the 2027 Highlander has.

One benefit is that Toyota has NOT really changed the Grand Highlander for the last 3 years, so buying a certified used with low miles does save over taking the depreciation hit.

Interesting observation is that in the PNW, I find plenty of 2026 and 2025 already certified used with miles of 1,000 to 13,000 miles as about a $20,000 discount which is very interesting to me and makes me wonder what the real story is on these used certified models.

My understanding is the Grand will continue for a while as the gas powered option.

 

That said, I kinda like this based on pics, but it depends on the interior quality which has been lacking in Toyotas lately. It's got the range required. 

[G. David Felt]

11 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

My understanding is the Grand will continue for a while as the gas powered option.

 

That said, I kinda like this based on pics, but it depends on the interior quality which has been lacking in Toyotas lately. It's got the range required. 

That is interesting to know, I have not found any online info from Toyota about the future of the Grand Highlander and the dealerships here have said it is going away, so will be interesting to see how Toyota address this.

They also could be vague as they might want to see how many will flip to this as the 3 row SUV that folks are buying now.

I will agree with you that this is nice looking and way better than past Toyota SUVs. I have been impressed with the specifications, but like you would like to see the inside, comfort and drive it to see how it responds compared to my EV9.