The 2027 Toyota Highlander Goes All-Electric: What Changed and Why It Matters
Toyota's Favorite Family SUV Trades Gas for a Plug
Toyota's Highlander has hauled soccer teams, grocery runs, and road trip snacks for over 25 years. Now it's swapping the gas pump for a charging cable. The next generation goes fully electric, and it's Toyota's first three-row battery electric SUV for the U.S. market. That's a big swing for one of the brand's most familiar family haulers.
- ✓The new Highlander comes only as an EV, in XLE and Limited grades with a 77.0-kWh or 95.8-kWh battery.
- ✓AWD models make 338 horsepower, and the 95.8-kWh versions carry a 320-mile manufacturer-estimated range.
- ✓Toyota has delayed the launch for final adjustments, and pricing hasn't been announced yet.
What this article covers
What's New About the 2027 Toyota Highlander
Pretty much everything. The 2027 Toyota Highlander kicks off its fifth generation on a modified TNGA-K platform designed to accommodate a large battery under the floor. Gas and hybrid engines are gone, and every trim runs on battery power alone.
Toyota lowered the roof by 0.8 inch to 67.3 inches and widened the body by 2.3 inches to 78.3 inches. Its wheelbase grew to 120.1 inches, up from 112 inches on the outgoing model. That frees up cabin room and gives it a wide, planted stance. You'll even find a charge indicator in the headlights, so you can check the battery as you walk up.
Two Grades, Two Batteries, Four Setups
Toyota kept the lineup simple. The XLE comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. FWD models use a 77.0-kWh battery, while XLE AWD buyers can pick that pack or a larger 95.8-kWh one. The Limited comes only with AWD and the 95.8-kWh battery.
Power depends on how many wheels have motors. FWD models make 221 horsepower and 198 lb.-ft. of torque. AWD versions add a rear motor for 338 horsepower, with 198 lb.-ft. up front and 125 lb.-ft. in back. AWD models also get Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, handy on a muddy trailhead or a snowy back road.
How Far Can It Go on a Charge?
Range tops out at a manufacturer-estimated 320 miles on the XLE AWD and Limited AWD with the 95.8-kWh battery. The XLE FWD is rated at 287 miles, and the XLE AWD with the smaller pack comes in at 270 miles. Toyota notes these are estimates, and the real range will vary with weather and driving style.
Every Highlander has a NACS port, so it can plug into thousands of DC fast chargers nationwide. Under ideal conditions, fast charging takes the battery from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes. At home, the 11-kW onboard charger works with Level 2 power, and a dual-voltage 120V/240V cable comes in the box.
It also brings vehicle-to-load capability, a first for a Toyota sold in the U.S. With the right bi-directional accessories, it can run appliances at a tailgate or back up your home during an outage.
A Roomier, Techier Cabin
Inside, a 14-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster come standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB-C ports are available in all three rows, and Toyota counts 18 cupholders. Parents of thirsty kids, take note.
Second-row captain's chairs are standard, and XLE AWD models can swap in a bench for seating up to seven. Cargo space measures 15.9 cu. ft. behind the third row and 45.6 cu. ft. with it folded. Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 comes on every trim.
Step up to the Limited, and you add a head-up display, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a Panoramic View Monitor. Want lots of sky? Both grades offer a glass roof that's the largest in Toyota's lineup.
When Can You Actually Get One?
Timing is the fuzzy part. Toyota first said sales would begin in late 2026. In July, a spokesperson confirmed a delay so the company could make further adjustments before launch, adding that on-sale timing will be announced once production start is confirmed. Reports since then point to production beginning at Toyota's Georgetown, Kentucky plant in early 2027, and some outlets say the SUV could reach buyers as a 2028 model. Toyota has not confirmed that, and pricing is still under wraps. Meanwhile, Toyota planned to keep building the gas and hybrid 2026 Highlander through December.
Should You Wait for the Electric Highlander?
That depends on how you drive. If you can charge at home and most trips stay close by, the electric Highlander looks like a great family pick. An XLE AWD with the bigger battery could be the sweet spot, since it matches the Limited's range and power. Tow often? Toyota hasn't released towing figures yet. And if your current SUV won't last until the new one lands, a 2026 gas or hybrid Highlander is still worth a look.
2027 Highlander Specs by Trim
| Spec / Feature | XLE FWD | XLE AWD (77.0 kWh) | XLE AWD (95.8 kWh) | Limited AWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Battery | 77.0 kWh | 77.0 kWh | 95.8 kWh | 95.8 kWh |
| Est. Total Driving Range* | 287 miles | 270 miles | 320 miles | 320 miles |
| Horsepower (net combined) | 221 hp | 338 hp | 338 hp | 338 hp |
| Torque | 198 lb.-ft. | 198/125 lb.-ft. front/rear | 198/125 lb.-ft. front/rear | 198/125 lb.-ft. front/rear |
| Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control | Not offered | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Charging Port / Onboard AC Charger | NACS / 11 kW | NACS / 11 kW | NACS / 11 kW | NACS / 11 kW |
| DC Fast Charge, 10% to 80% | About 30 min (ideal conditions) | About 30 min (ideal conditions) | About 30 min (ideal conditions) | About 30 min (ideal conditions) |
| Wheels | 19-in. with full aero cap | 19-in. with full aero cap | 19-in. with full aero cap | 22-in. available |
| Second-Row Seating | Captain's chairs | Captain's chairs std., bench available | Captain's chairs std., bench available | Captain's chairs |
| Heated Front Seats and Steering Wheel | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Ventilated Front Seats | Not standard | Not standard | Not standard | Standard |
| Heated Second-Row Seats | Not standard | Not standard | Not standard | Standard |
| Touchscreen / Gauge Cluster | 14-in. / 12.3-in. | 14-in. / 12.3-in. | 14-in. / 12.3-in. | 14-in. / 12.3-in. |
| Audio | 6-speaker | 6-speaker std., JBL 11-speaker available | 6-speaker std., JBL 11-speaker available | JBL 11-speaker available |
| Head-Up Display | Not standard | Not standard | Not standard | Standard |
| Panoramic View Monitor | Not standard | Not standard | Not standard | Standard |
| Traffic Jam Assist** | Not standard | Not standard | Not standard | Standard |
| Rear Sunshades | Not standard | Not standard | Not standard | Standard |
| Fixed Glass Panoramic Roof | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Two-Tone Paint | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered | Available |
| Toyota Safety Sense | TSS 4.0 | TSS 4.0 | TSS 4.0 | TSS 4.0 |
| Cargo, 3rd Row Up / Folded | 15.9 / 45.6 cu. ft. | 15.9 / 45.6 cu. ft. | 15.9 / 45.6 cu. ft. | 15.9 / 45.6 cu. ft. |
| Starting MSRP | Not yet announced | Not yet announced | Not yet announced | Not yet announced |
*Manufacturer-estimated total driving range rating. Actual range will vary depending on weather, driving style, and other conditions. **Requires an active Drive Connect trial or subscription. Specs from Toyota Newsroom, updated March 30, 2026.
Get Ready for the Electric Highlander at Toyota of Wallingford
We can't wait to see the new Highlander in Wallingford, and we'll share updates as soon as Toyota confirms timing and pricing. Until then, our team can walk you through Toyota's current battery-electric models so you know what EV life feels like before you commit. Curious about home charging or how range holds up in a Connecticut winter? Stop by and ask, and you'll get honest answers with no pressure. Need a family SUV sooner? We'll help you compare Highlander options that fit your budget. You can even shop from your couch through our online Express Store. Come see us and say hi!
2027 Toyota Highlander FAQs
Is the 2027 Toyota Highlander fully electric?
Yes. Every 2027 Highlander uses a battery electric powertrain. Toyota dropped the gas and hybrid versions for this new generation.
How much range does the 2027 Toyota Highlander have?
Toyota estimates 287 miles for the XLE FWD, 270 miles for the XLE AWD with the 77.0-kWh battery, and 320 miles for XLE AWD and Limited AWD models with the 95.8-kWh battery.
How fast does the electric Highlander charge?
Under ideal conditions, DC fast charging can take the battery from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes. It has a NACS port and an 11-kW onboard charger for Level 2 charging at home.
How much horsepower does the new Highlander have?
FWD models make 221 horsepower and 198 lb.-ft. of torque. AWD models make 338 horsepower, with 198 lb.-ft. of front motor torque and 125 lb.-ft. of rear motor torque.
When will the 2027 Toyota Highlander go on sale?
Toyota first planned sales for late 2026, then delayed the launch to make additional adjustments. Reports now point to production starting at the Kentucky plant in early 2027, and Toyota says it will share on-sale timing and pricing closer to launch.