Toyota Electrifies Family SUV Icon with All-New 2027 Highlander EV

Toyota Motor Corporation has unveiled the 2027 Highlander as a fully electric vehicle, marking a dramatic shift for the nameplate that has defined family transportation for 25 years. The announcement positions Toyota’s most family-oriented SUV directly against the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 in the emerging three-row electric SUV segment.

Built at Toyota’s Princeton, Indiana facility, the 2027 Highlander abandons all gas and hybrid powertrains. The electric version measures 198.8 inches in length, stretching 2.3 inches wider and four inches longer than its predecessor. Toyota offers two trim levels. The base XLE features front-wheel drive with 221 horsepower and a 77-kilowatt-hour battery delivering 287 miles of range, or 270 miles with all-wheel drive. The Limited trim includes a larger 95.8-kilowatt-hour battery providing 320 miles of range and 338 horsepower with all-wheel drive, achieving sub-six-second acceleration to 60 mph.

Charging capabilities include a NACS port compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network, with DC fast-charging reaching 10 to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes. The Highlander EV introduces vehicle-to-load capability, allowing owners to power external devices or use the SUV as emergency backup power. Inside, the three-row, seven-passenger configuration features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14-inch touchscreen with 5G connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus physical buttons for temperature and audio controls.

Industry observers expect mid-50,000-dollar pricing when sales begin later in 2026, competitive with the EV9 and Ioniq 9 but substantially more than the Grand Highlander’s 41,660-dollar base price. The timing proves challenging, with the EV9 selling just 674 units in January 2026, down from 1,232 a year earlier. However, Toyota reported a 71.8 percent increase in electrified vehicle sales during the first half of 2024, and its revamped bZ became one of America’s best-selling EVs in January 2026.

The Highlander’s journey began at the New York International Auto Show in April 2000. Arriving as one of the first car-based crossovers, the original shared its platform with the Camry sedan, offering families a compelling alternative to minivans and truck-based SUVs. Starting under 25,000 dollars in January 2001, it delivered better fuel economy and easier maneuverability than traditional SUVs.

The 2006 Highlander Hybrid became Toyota’s second hybrid model and one of the industry’s first hybrid SUVs, establishing a pattern of environmental consciousness that appealed to families seeking practical transportation. Sales figures document steady growth, peaking in 2021 with 264,128 units sold in the United States. Monthly sales regularly exceeded 24,000 units during this period, making it one of America’s best-selling three-row SUVs.

Reliability became the Highlander’s defining characteristic. J.D. Power gave it a “great” rating, while Withclutch rated it 86.15 out of 100, substantially above the 57-point average for SUVs. RepairPal ranked it seventh among 26 SUVs with 4 out of 5 stars. Numerous owners reported vehicles exceeding 300,000 miles without major issues. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported one of the lowest driver fatality rates among all vehicles tested.

Customer surveys revealed buyers cited reliability as the primary factor, followed by resale value and safety ratings. Many families purchased multiple Highlanders across decades, upgrading as families grew. The model’s success rested on thoughtful storage solutions, easy-to-clean materials, straightforward controls, and sufficient space for car seats, sports equipment, and groceries. Safety features evolved from basic airbags to comprehensive systems including automatic emergency braking and lane departure assistance.

International success in China and Australia, where it sold as the Kluger, demonstrated universal appeal. Combined Highlander family sales, including the Grand Highlander introduced in 2023, totaled approximately 161,400 units in 2024, demonstrating continued demand despite market segmentation. As the 2027 electric Highlander prepares for production, it inherits a quarter-century legacy of practical innovation and family-focused design, with its reputation for dependability facing the ultimate test in electric form.

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