2027 Toyota Highlander Goes All-Electric with 515 km Range

Toyota unveiled the 5th-generation Highlander on February 10, 2026, in Ojai, California — and let's just say, the page has turned. No more combustion engine, no more hybrid: this large 7-seat SUV measuring 5.05 meters goes 100% electric for the 2027 model year, with up to 515 km of range and U.S. sales slated for late 2026.

"This isn't a niche product. There will be volume." — Dave Christ, Vice President of Toyota Motor North America, as quoted by Automotive News

A 180-Degree Turn for a Bestseller with 3.6 Million Units Sold

Since 2001, the Highlander has sold over 3.6 million units in the U.S. It's an institution, right up there with the Camry or RAV4. So when Toyota announces it's axing the combustion engine outright — no hybrid option, no parallel gas version — it feels like a kick to the anthill.

The decision is all the more striking since the Grand Highlander, its slightly roomier big brother, continues with gas and hybrid powertrains. Toyota isn't losing its head: it keeps a way out for customers who refuse to plug in. It just bets those customers will simply step sideways to the Grand Highlander.

Two Batteries, Three Configurations, One Still-Mystery Price

Technically, the new Highlander rides on an evolution of the TNGA-K platform — the same as the Camry and RAV4 — not the e-TNGA platform of the bZ4X and C-HR. Two trims: XLE and Limited.

The entry-level battery is 77 kWh. In front-wheel drive, it delivers 221 hp and 198 lb-ft of torque for an estimated range of 287 miles (about 462 km). Switch to the AWD version with the same battery, power climbs to 338 hp and 323 lb-ft, but range drops to 270 miles (435 km).

The real selling point is the big battery: 95.8 kWh, available only in AWD on high-end XLE and across the Limited range. It boasts an estimated range of 320 miles, or about 515 km. DC fast charging is rated at 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in about 30 minutes, according to Toyota. The port is NACS, compatible with Tesla's Supercharger network.

What Price and When in Dealerships?

Starting price?

Toyota hasn't released official pricing yet. Car and Driver anticipates a starting price around $55,000 for the U.S. market. That puts it in the same ballpark as the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the Kia EV9, the only two real rivals in this segment of accessible three-row electric SUVs. Final prices will be confirmed when orders open, expected in late 2026.

XXL Dimensions, Pragmatic Interior

5.05 m long, 2.00 m wide, 1.71 m tall, wheelbase of 3.05 m — the numbers speak for themselves. The wheelbase has gained 20 cm over the old gas Highlander, translating into more space in the second and third rows. For context, a Peugeot e-5008 maxes out at under 2.90 m of wheelbase.

Inside, Toyota doesn't go overboard with futurism. A central 14-inch screen...