For over a quarter-century, the Toyota Highlander has been the default choice for school runs, road trips, and suburban life. But for the 2027 model year, Toyota is flipping the script. The fifth generation isn’t just a redesign; it is a total reinvention. Meet the 2027 Toyota Highlander, the brand’s first dedicated three-row Toyota Highlander BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) for the U.S. market.
This isn’t a compliance car or a half-step. Built in Georgetown, Kentucky, with batteries sourced from North Carolina, this is an American-assembled electric flagship designed to carry the whole crew without burning a drop of gas.
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A Radical New Look: “Hammerhead” Design
The first thing you’ll notice is the stance. Toyota designers wanted to move away from the boxy utility look and towards something they call a “Best Experience Vehicle”.
The result is a “hammerhead” front face – a signature Toyota EV look: featuring slim daytime running lights separated from the main geometric headlamps. The profile is smoother and more aerodynamic, featuring flush door handles that pop out electronically.
But the changes aren’t just cosmetic; the dimensions have shifted to improve driving dynamics. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2027 Toyota Highlander is:
- Wider: Increased by 2.3 inches (78.3 inches total) for a planted look.
- Lower: Roofline dropped by 0.8 inches (67.3 inches total) for better aerodynamics.
- Longer Wheelbase: Stretched to 120.1 inches (up from 112) to maximize interior room.
It rides on 19-inch wheels on the XLE, while the top-tier Limited grade struts on massive 22-inch wheels.
Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
Gone are the gas engines. In their place is a quiet, torque-heavy electric powertrain. The driving character is described as “fun-to-drive” thanks to the low center of gravity inherent to EVs.
Toyota is offering this Toyota Highlander EV in two distinct powertrain configurations based on your traction needs.
Quick Specs Breakdown
| Feature | XLE FWD | XLE AWD | Limited AWD |
| Horsepower | 221 hp | 338 hp | 338 hp |
| Torque | 198 lb.-ft. | 323 lb.-ft. | 323 lb.-ft. |
| Battery Capacity | 77.0 kWh | 77.0 or 95.8 kWh | 95.8 kWh |
| Est. Range | ~287 miles | ~270 / 320 miles | ~320 miles |
If you want the maximum “push,” the AWD models deliver a combined 338 horsepower and 323 lb.-ft. of torque. For those prioritizing efficiency over raw power, the Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) model offers a respectable 221 horsepower.
Range, Battery, and NACS Charging
Range anxiety is the enemy of the family road trip, and Toyota has addressed this with competitive battery options. The Toyota Highlander BEV offers two battery packs:
- 77.0 kWh Pack: Standard on XLE FWD and available on XLE AWD.
- 95.8 kWh Pack: Standard on Limited and optional on XLE AWD.
The max range is manufacturer-estimated at 320 miles for models equipped with the larger battery, while the base FWD model gets you around 287 miles.
The NACS Advantage
In a major move for convenience, the 2027 Highlander comes standard with a North American Charging System (NACS) port. This means native access to thousands of Tesla-style DC fast chargers across the country without needing an adapter.
- Fast Charging: Go from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
- Home Backup: It features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, meaning your car can power your tailgate party or even keep your home appliances running during a blackout.
Interior: An Elevated “Lounge”
Inside, the cabin feels less like a bus and more like a modern lounge. Toyota has utilized the flat floor of the EV platform to create an open, airy space.
- Screens Everywhere: A massive 14-inch touchscreen is standard across all grades, paired with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.
- Mood Lighting: Customizable ambient lighting with 64 colors lets you set the vibe.
- The View: An available fixed glass panoramic roof is the largest in Toyota’s entire lineup.
Seating and Cargo
The 2027 Toyota Highlander seats up to seven. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard, though you can opt for a bench seat on the XLE AWD if you need to maximize passenger count.
- Comfort: Heated front seats are standard. The Limited trim adds ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats.
- Cargo: Need to haul furniture? Fold the third row flat to unlock over 45 cubic feet of storage.
Technology and Safety (TSS 4.0)
This SUV is packed with Toyota’s latest software. The infotainment system, developed in North America, includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with “Hey Toyota” voice controls.
On the safety front, it debuts Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0). This updated suite includes:
- Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection.
- Proactive Driving Assist, which gently brakes or steers to maintain distance even when cruise control isn’t on.
- Traffic Jam Assist: Available on the Limited grade, helping you manage the stop-and-go grind of rush hour.
A standard “Drive Recorder” acts as a built-in dashcam, capturing 20-second clips of events automatically—a great feature for peace of mind.
Trims and Availability
The lineup is simple but well-equipped.
XLE Grade: The entry point is surprisingly luxurious. You get SofTex seats, the big 14-inch screen, 19-inch wheels, and the full safety suite.
Limited Grade: Stepping up to Limited gets you the larger 95.8 kWh battery and AWD as standard. It adds the “wow” factor with 22-inch wheels, a Head-Up Display (HUD), Advanced Park, and the premium JBL audio system.
When Can You Buy It?
Production starts at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant, marking a new era for American EV manufacturing. Sales are expected to begin in late 2026, rolling into early 2027.
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but expect it to be competitive with other midsize electric SUVs.
