Overview
Toyota is converting the long-running Highlander into a U.S.-built, all-electric three-row SUV for the 2027 model year. The model will be assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky with batteries sourced from a new North Carolina facility, marking Toyota’s first U.S.-built EV. It targets an estimated range of up to 320 miles and adopts the NACS fast-charging interface. Sales are slated to begin in late 2026 and continue into early 2027.
Trims, Platform, and Drivetrains
- Trims: XLE and Limited.
- Platform: Modified TNGA-K architecture.
- XLE: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- FWD pairs with a 77-kWh battery.
- AWD offers 77-kWh or 96-kWh batteries.
- Limited: AWD standard with the 96-kWh battery.
Performance
- FWD single-motor: 221 hp and 198 lb-ft.
- AWD dual-motor: 338 hp and 323 lb-ft.
- AWD adds terrain-specific drive modes and Crawl Control; expected to beat the current gas Highlander’s 0–60 mph time of 7.2 seconds.
Range and Charging
- Estimated ranges:
- XLE FWD (77 kWh): 287 miles.
- XLE AWD (77 kWh): 270 miles.
- XLE AWD and Limited (96 kWh): 320 miles.
- DC fast charging: 10%–80% in about 30 minutes.
- AC charging: 11-kW onboard charger; 120/240-volt cable included.
- Vehicle-to-load capability—Toyota’s first in the U.S.—can power external devices.
- Standard North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.
Design and Dimensions
- More angular, blocky styling with full-width DRLs and chunkier fenders.
- Nearly 1 inch lower roofline; about 2.3 inches wider and nearly 4 inches longer overall.
- Wheelbase stretched by roughly 8 inches.
- Geometric headlight housings, sharp body creases, and rectangular taillights.
- Limited options: two-tone black roof and available 22-inch wheels.
Interior and Tech
- 14.0-inch central touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
- 5G connectivity, voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and dual-phone Bluetooth.
- Built-in “Drive Recorder” dashcam using exterior cameras.
- Physical controls retained for climate, drive modes, and volume.
- Limited adds a head-up display.
- Dual wireless charging pads; USB-C ports for second and third rows.
- 64-color ambient lighting linked to Safe Exit Assist (flashes when traffic approaches an opening door).
Seating, Comfort, and Cargo
- Up to seven seats; second-row bench limited to XLE AWD.
- SofTex upholstery standard; heated front seats and heated steering wheel included.
- Limited adds ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats.
- Flat-folding third row; cargo expands to more than 45 cubic feet.
Convenience, Audio, and Refinement
- 18 cupholders, extra second-row cubbies, and device slots; hands-free power liftgate.
- Standard 6-speaker audio; available 11-speaker JBL on XLE AWD and Limited.
- Optional fixed-glass panoramic roof (largest in Toyota’s lineup).
- Enhanced cabin quietness via added sound-deadening, acoustic glass (windshield/front side), and a rear-door dynamic damper.
Connected Services and Safety
- App-based services for battery preconditioning and charge scheduling/monitoring; free trial followed by subscription.
- Standard driver assists: pre-collision with pedestrian detection and AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams.
Manufacturing, Timing, and Pricing
- Assembly: Georgetown, Kentucky—Toyota’s first EV built in the U.S.
- Batteries: Liberty, North Carolina, following a $13.9 billion investment.
- Sales timing: late 2026 into early 2027 as production ramps.
- Pricing: not yet announced; expectations point to a mid-$50,000 starting price.
What’s Still TBD
- EPA range ratings, final specifications, detailed charging speeds, and regional availability will be clarified closer to launch.
