The 2027 Toyota Highlander debuts as the brand’s first 3 row battery-electric vehicle (BEV) assembled in the United States.
Most Malaysians will not be familiar with the Highlander nameplate but in the US and China, it’s a pretty important model. It’s also pretty significant in Australia, where it is sold as the Kluger. Well, the new 5th generation model is moving to a very different philosophy as it’s adopting a full electric powertrain. This makes it the first BEV to be manufactured at the Georgetown, Kentucky Toyota facility.
Striking Exterior and Aerodynamic Design
Moving away from its predecessor’s silhouette, the 2027 model adopts a modern look characterized by clean lines, broad fenders, and a signature hammerhead front-end design. To maximize efficiency, the vehicle features flush door handles and specialized underfloor covers to optimize airflow. The updated dimensions—including a lower roofline and a wheelbase extended to 3050mm—give the SUV a planted, agile stance while maximizing interior volume.
Elevated Interior and Tech-Forward Cabin
Inside, the 2027 Toyota Highlander offers a spacious three-row cabin with seating for up to seven. The interior experience is defined by:
- Advanced Displays: A standard 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch driver’s digital gauge cluster.
- Premium Materials: Standard SofTex®-trimmed seating and customizable 64-color ambient lighting.
- Luxury Comfort: Available ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and the largest fixed glass panoramic roof in the Toyota lineup.
- Connectivity: Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, alongside 5G network connectivity.
Battery Performance and Driving Range
The 2027 Highlander will be available in two grades: the XLE and the top-tier Limited. Customers can choose from multiple powertrain and battery configurations:
- XLE FWD: Equipped with a 77.0-kWh battery, delivering 221 hp and an estimated 287-mile range.
- XLE AWD: Available with either a 77.0-kWh or a larger 95.8-kWh battery.
- Limited AWD: Features the 95.8-kWh battery as standard, producing a combined 338 net system horsepower and 438Nm of torque.
Using a North American Charging System (NACS) port, the Highlander can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes under ideal DC fast-charging conditions.
Innovation in Safety and Power
Marking a first for Toyota in the U.S., the Highlander introduces Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, allowing the vehicle to act as a mobile power source for appliances or home backup. Safety is managed by the latest Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0), which includes enhanced pedestrian detection and proactive driving assist. Sales for the new Highlander are expected to begin in late 2026, continuing into early 2027, as Toyota expands its American-made electric lineup.
