First look: 2027 Toyota Highlander EV

Toyota is making one of its biggest moves yet, and it’s happening to one of its most important vehicles. The Highlander — one of America’s most popular three-row SUVs — is going fully electric for 2027.

And if you’re wondering what happens to gas or hybrid Highlander buyers, Toyota’s answer is simple: the Grand Highlander now fills that role. The Highlander itself is stepping into the EV future.

This is our first look, and I’ll have a full driving review coming soon, but here’s what you need to know right now.

First, the styling. The 2027 Highlander EV adopts Toyota’s newest hammerhead front design, giving the SUV a cleaner, sharper, more upscale look. The hood is longer and flatter, helping create a more planted and modern stance, and around back there’s a full-width LED light bar that makes the vehicle instantly recognizable at night.

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Wheel options range from 19 inches up to 22-inch wheels on higher trims, and the Highlander now looks wider and lower, giving it a more athletic stance.

Toyota also worked to modernize the details. The rear spoiler flows smoothly into the rear pillars, the window trim gets a sleek black finish, and buyers can choose single or two-tone paint options. A panoramic fixed glass roof is available, and every model gets a hands-free power liftgate.

Dimensionally, Toyota stretched things in the right ways. The roofline drops slightly for better aerodynamics, width increases for improved stability and interior room, and the wheelbase grows significantly. The wheels are pushed closer to the corners, which not only improves handling but also maximizes passenger and cargo space.

And yes, space matters in a three-row SUV.

Inside, the cabin gets a major technology and comfort upgrade. A 12.3-inch digital driver display comes standard, and there’s an available Head-Up Display so drivers can keep their eyes on the road. Ambient lighting with 64 color options helps give the cabin a premium feel at night.

Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system is onboard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. There’s also an available JBL premium sound system with 11 speakers, plus integrated streaming options and a built-in Drive Recorder using the vehicle’s exterior cameras — essentially a factory-installed dashcam.

Comfort continues across all three rows. Heated front seats come standard, while ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats are available. Rear sunshades are standard as well, which families will appreciate.

Storage is thoughtfully designed too. The center console offers layered storage, cupholders, under-tray space, and Toyota somehow fits up to 18 cupholders throughout the cabin. Fold the third row flat and you get more than 45 cubic feet of cargo space, making this practical for road trips, sports gear, or everyday family hauling.

Now let’s talk electric performance.

The Highlander EV will offer both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations across two trims, XLE and Limited. Battery choices range from a 77-kWh pack up to a larger 95.8-kWh battery. Driving range spans from around 287 miles up to approximately 320 miles depending on configuration, with the Limited AWD getting the longest range.

Charging is also future-proofed. Toyota adopts the North American Charging Standard, meaning Highlander owners gain access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes roughly 30 minutes under ideal conditions.

Toyota also adds practical EV features, including Vehicle-to-Load capability, allowing owners to power external devices or even provide backup power in emergencies. AWD models add Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for light off-road or challenging weather conditions.

Families looking for seating flexibility can choose configurations accommodating up to seven passengers with captain’s chairs, or up to eight passengers with a bench seat option. Either way, the Highlander continues to focus on usability first.

Toyota includes scheduled maintenance for one year or 10,000 miles, and electric drive components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.

And the Highlander EV will be assembled in the United States at Toyota’s Kentucky plant.

Bottom line? Toyota is taking a nameplate people already trust and moving it fully into the EV space, while keeping the practicality families expect.

The all-electric Highlander aims to deliver both efficiency and power without sacrificing usability, and based on what we’re seeing so far, Toyota is making some big changes.

I’ll be bringing you a full driving review soon, so make sure you’re subscribed to Car Coach Reports and Car Smarts channels.

I’m Lauren Fix, and that’s your first look at the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV.

Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, and consumer advocate. You’ve seen her on television, radio, and across digital platforms, breaking down the latest in automotive news and reviews. For more updates and expert insight, follow Lauren at The Car Coach Reports.

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