Who would have thought that the Toyota Highlander, a staple in family mobility for 25 years, would make a stunning debut as a fully electric vehicle this time? In February 2026, Toyota unveiled the all-new 2027 Highlander in Ojai, California. This isn’t just Toyota’s first three-row battery electric vehicle (BEV) built for the U.S. market, but also the brand’s first BEV assembled locally in America, and the fourth member of its BEV lineup in the country. Breaking free from the constraints of fuel and hybrid power, this all-new Highlander blends premium style, electric performance and family needs into one package, emerging as the ultimate mobility companion for the whole family and ushering in a true electric evolution for the classic midsize large SUV.

Breakthroughs in Design: A Stunning New Look, and Silence Woven into Its DNA

To craft an electric Highlander that retains the rugged aura of an SUV while embodying the technological sophistication of an EV, Toyota’s design and engineering teams gave it a complete top-to-bottom redesign. Built on a revised TNGA-K platform, the Highlander features reworked proportions: the roof is lowered by 0.8 inches, the body widened by 2.3 inches, and the wheelbase stretched by 8.1 inches, with the wheels pushed further out to the corners. Its once solid silhouette now exudes a sleek, grounded agility, delivering a stable and stylish ride.

The thoughtful design details are impossible to miss on the exterior. Toyota’s signature hammerhead front fascia is reimagined with more character, featuring slim full-length LED daytime running lights separated from the main headlamps, paired with a broad blacked-out grille for a look that balances ruggedness and refinement. The wide wheel arches on the sides accentuate its SUV muscle, while the semi-flush electric door handles not only boost its aesthetic appeal but also optimize aerodynamics. A sloping cabin and a rear spoiler seamlessly integrated with the C-pillar create smoother, more flowing body lines. The new Highlander also offers an all-new Spellbound paint finish, plus two-tone options with a black roof. Whether cruising city streets or exploring the great outdoors, it’s a head-turner wherever it goes.

What’s even more thoughtful is that this Highlander has mastered the art of silence. Engineers lined the doors, front pillars, wheel wells, roof and even the undercarriage with sound-absorbing materials, and fitted acoustic glass for the windshield and front side windows. Complemented by underbody shields and aerodynamic trims around the tires, it not only streamlines airflow but also blocks out road and wind noise entirely. Step inside, and it’s like entering your own quiet sanctuary—family conversations and children’s naps remain undisturbed by the outside world.

Flexibility of Interior Space: Ultimate Thoughtfulness for Family Journeys

For a family SUV, space is always a top priority, and the 2027 Highlander takes spatial flexibility and comfort to a whole new level, as if it’s inherently designed to solve every pain point of family travel. It retains its three-row seating configuration, seating up to seven passengers. The second row comes standard with captain’s chairs, and the XLE AWD variant offers an optional bench seat. The third row easily accommodates two adults, and with an electric one-touch fold button on the second row, the young and the elderly can access the third row with ease—no more struggling to move seats around.

Seat comfort is also taken to the max. All trims feature durable, soft-touch SofTex upholstery, with heated front seats as standard. The top-spec Limited trim adds ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats, keeping every family member cozy in winter and cool in summer. The cabin is also equipped with 64-color adjustable ambient lighting, letting you set the mood to match your vibe. Even better, it links up with the safety system: the door ambient lights flash to alert you in case of danger, blending romance with safety perfectly.

The storage space is packed with delightful little surprises, with designers making the most of every inch inside the car. The center console features an angled dual Qi wireless charging pad that keeps phones from sliding off, and USB-C charging ports are distributed across all rows—no more fighting over chargers for kids’ tablets and adults’ phones. The second row has dedicated storage slots for tablets and phones, and there are 18 cup holders throughout the cabin, with a spot for every milk tea, water bottle and sippy cup, always within arm’s reach. The trunk is equally impressive: with the third row folded flat, it offers over 45 cubic feet of cargo space, easily fitting the whole family’s luggage, camping gear and kids’ endless toys. It also comes with a hands-free power liftgate, making it a breeze to open even when your hands are full—every detail is carefully considered.

Upgrades in Tech and Intelligence: A "Smart Brain" for Stress-Free Travel

The technological upgrades on the all-new Highlander are not just about loading up on features, but about making technology truly serve travel. Step inside, and it’s like having a thoughtful smart assistant by your side, with every operation simple and hassle-free. It’s equipped with Toyota’s latest-generation Audio Multimedia system, specially developed by the North American team, with standard AT&T 5G connectivity. The interface is just like a smartphone, with customizable widgets on the home screen—even the young and the elderly can use it with ease.

Most impressively, it’s the first Toyota model sold in the U.S. to feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology. Pair it with bi-directional accessories, and it instantly transforms into a mobile power bank. Power up a grill, projector or mini fridge while camping, use it as a backup power source during a home blackout, or even power a tailgate party—this EV SUV’s practicality is taken to the extreme, no longer just a means of transportation.

Performance and Charging Efficiency: Powerful, Hassle-Free Performance, and All Charging Pain Points Solved

As an electric SUV, the 2027 Highlander’s performance completely shatters the stereotype of family SUVs being "sedate" to drive, with fully optimized charging efficiency making electric travel both thrilling and hassle-free. It’s available in two trims, XLE and Limited, with front-wheel drive (FWD) or electric all-wheel drive (AWD) options, plus two battery packs (77.0 kWh and 95.8 kWh), so families with different needs can find their perfect match: the XLE FWD delivers a 287-mile range, the XLE AWD with the same battery offers 270 miles, while the XLE AWD and Limited AWD with the 95.8 kWh large battery both achieve a 320-mile range. Daily commutes and weekend family getaways are completely free from range anxiety.

The performance is a delightful surprise too. The AWD variant cranks out 338 combined system horsepower with a peak torque of 323 lb.-ft. A light tap on the accelerator delivers the instant torque unique to electric vehicles, making overtaking and acceleration incredibly responsive—this SUV drives nothing like its size suggests. Even the FWD variant doesn’t disappoint, with 221 horsepower and 198 lb.-ft. of torque, delivering a smooth and agile ride for city driving. Toyota’s engineers said their goal was to create a car that’s both energy-efficient and fun to drive, and they’ve undoubtedly nailed it.

When it comes to charging, Toyota has solved all the common pain points for EV owners. The car comes standard with a North American Charging System (NACS) port, providing access to thousands of DC fast charging stations across the U.S. Under ideal conditions, it can charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes—enough time to grab a coffee and top up most of the battery. A dual-voltage 120V/240V AC charging cable is also included as standard, offering flexible charging options whether at home with a slow charger or at a mall with an AC fast charger.

It also features two ultra-practical charging functions: battery preconditioning, which can be activated manually or automatically when the navigation is set to a fast-charging station, bringing the battery to the optimal temperature for fast charging and eliminating slow charging in cold weather. The other is Plug & Charge capability: at partner charging stations, simply plug in the charging cable for automatic identification and authentication—no more opening multiple charging apps, bidding farewell to tedious operations. What’s more, the battery packs are assembled by Toyota’s newly opened battery plant in North Carolina and a U.S. supplier partner, with the vehicle built at Toyota’s Kentucky plant. Local manufacturing ensures better quality control and supply chain stability.

In Conclusion：

From its debut at the New York Auto Show in 2000 to its electric rebirth in 2027, the Highlander has come a long way over 25 years, completing three pivotal transformations: from fuel to hybrid, and now to fully electric power. The first-generation Highlander broke the tradition of body-on-frame SUVs, creating a new choice for family SUVs; the 2006 hybrid variant pioneered Toyota’s hybrid SUV lineup; local production in the U.S. began in 2009; and now, the fifth-generation electric model stands as a key step in Toyota’s electrification strategy. The brand also plans to launch 22 electrified models, fully embracing the electric era.

Over 25 years, the Highlander’s look, powertrain and features have all evolved, but one thing remains unchanged: its unwavering focus on family travel, with comfort, safety and practicality embedded in every detail. The 2027 all-electric Highlander is set to go on sale from late 2026 to early 2027, and while pricing is yet to be announced, it’s sure to become another classic choice for family SUVs in the electric age. After all, an electric SUV that understands families, delivers great performance and is packed with thoughtful details will always have a special place in people’s hearts.