The 2027 Toyota Highlander is more than just the latest generation of Toyota’s best-selling three-row SUV; it’s a complete reinvention. From a fully electric powertrain to a tech-laden interior and a bold new exterior, the 2027 Highlander marks the beginning of the model's fifth generation, replacing its previous gas- and hybrid-powered models with a dedicated battery-electric platform. This article delves into the 2027 Toyota Highlander's performance improvements, innovative technologies, safety upgrades, and family-friendly amenities. Whether you're comparing SUVs or researching EVs, here's a complete look at what sets the 2027 Highlander apart.
2027 Toyota Highlander Powertrain: Fully Electric and Efficient
The 2027 Toyota Highlander's headline feature is its all-electric drivetrain, which represents a significant departure from prior versions' gasoline- and hybrid-powered alternatives. Toyota offers a variety of battery options to meet varied driving needs:
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Standard Battery: 77 kWh for everyday commuting and moderate range
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Extended Battery: 95.8 kWh for up to 320 miles of estimated range
The front-wheel drive model produces around 220 horsepower, while the all-wheel drive variant can generate up to 338 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful Highlanders ever.
2027 Toyota Highlander Performance Enhancements: AWD, Handling, and Comfort
Beyond raw power, the 2027 Toyota Highlander offers enhanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability and advanced suspension tuning, delivering:
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Better traction in rain, snow, or rough terrain
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Multi-terrain select and crawl control for off-road confidence in AWD models
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A lower center of gravity for smoother cornering
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Refined suspension for improved ride quality on highways and city streets
These updates make the Highlander both adventurous and comfortable, ideal for long family journeys.
2027 Toyota Highlander Design: A Completely Redesigned Exterior
The 2027 Toyota Highlander has a radical new exterior design that expresses its electrified character while retaining SUV durability. Key style modifications include:
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Sleek, full-width LED light bar connecting the front headlights
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Flush-mounted electronic door handles to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics
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Sculpted fenders and wider stance for a more aggressive, planted look
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Lower roofline with panoramic glass for a sleek, sporty profile
These changes improve efficiency and help the Highlander achieve a more refined ride, signaling that Toyota is serious about blending style and EV performance.
2027 Toyota Highlander Interior and Tech
The 2027 Toyota Highlander is a comfortable and connected family SUV when you get inside. With three rows of seats that can accommodate up to seven people, the cabin is still functional despite its electronic makeover. Notable interior improvements consist of:
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SofTex-trimmed seating surfaces with heating and optional ventilation
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Heated second-row seats for passenger comfort
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Panoramic glass roof that enhances natural lighting and cabin openness
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Flexible cargo space: over 45 cubic feet with the third row folded flat
The interior is also tech-centric, designed for today’s connected families and tech enthusiasts. Key features include:
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14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with responsive controls
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12.3-inch digital driver display for real-time vehicle data
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Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Multiple USB-C ports and charging options across all three rows
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Over-the-air software updates to keep the vehicle modern without visiting a dealer
The combination of large displays and intuitive software ensures that drivers and passengers remain entertained, informed, and connected at all times.
2027 Toyota Highlander Charging: Fast, Convenient, and Efficient
Charging improvements make the 2027 Toyota Highlander practical for daily driving and long trips:
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DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in ~30 minutes
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Level 2 home charging for overnight convenience
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North American Charging Standard (NACS) compatibility for access to Tesla’s Supercharger network
Efficient charging ensures the 2027 Toyota Highlander is a viable option for families considering a transition to electric vehicles.
2027 Toyota Highlander Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)
The 2027 Toyota Highlander's main feature is its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities, which allow the SUV's battery to power external gadgets. This feature turns the Highlander into a portable power station, capable of supporting the following:
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Camping equipment and outdoor electronics
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Power tools and construction gear
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Household electronics during emergency outages
This capability enhances the SUV’s utility and positions the 2027 Toyota Highlander as a versatile EV for both adventure and practical use.
2027 Toyota Highlander Safety Features
The 2027 Toyota Highlander continues to prioritize safety. This generation has cutting-edge driver-assistance systems that provide families peace of mind, including the most recent Toyota Safety Sense 4.0:
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Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
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Lane departure alert with steering assist
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Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
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Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
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360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility
These upgrades make the 2027 Highlander one of the safest midsize SUVs in its category.
2027 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
The 2027 Toyota Highlander lineup is intentionally simplified to focus on two core trims:
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2027 Toyota Highlander XLE: the well-equipped base model
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2027 Toyota Highlander Limited: the premium top trim
How much is the 2027 Toyota Highlander?
Toyota has not officially announced the price of the 2027 Toyota Highlander yet. However, automotive analysts expect the 2027 Toyota Highlander to start somewhere close to the $60,000 range, since it will compete with other electric three-row SUVs like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. Because the new Highlander is a fully electric SUV with advanced technology and large battery options, pricing will likely vary depending on the trim level and battery configuration.
When will the 2027 Toyota Highlander be available?
The 2027 Toyota Highlander is expected to arrive in dealerships in late 2026, with broader availability continuing into early 2027. Production will take place in the United States at Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky, manufacturing plant, while the batteries will be assembled at Toyota’s battery facility in North Carolina.
The Biggest Transformation in Highlander History
The 2027 Toyota Highlander represents the most dramatic evolution the model has ever seen. Instead of the traditional gasoline or hybrid engines that defined earlier generations, the new Highlander becomes Toyota’s first fully electric three-row SUV for the U.S. market. This change includes a fully revamped exterior, a tech-focused interior with massive digital displays, and an electric engine capable of providing up to 320 miles of estimated driving range, depending on configuration.
The Highlander has been a reliable family SUV for nearly 20 years. Toyota has totally revamped it for the electric age with the 2027 model. It’s got plenty of space, cool tech, and zero emissions, which could make it a big player in the midsize electric SUV scene.
Images: Toyota
