The seven-seat, more than five-meter-long family SUV is the Japanese brand's largest electric car.
The all-new, fifth-generation Highlander is Toyota's first three-row electric vehicle and its first American-made electric vehicle. The 2027 model year SUV is built on the revised TNGA-K platform, newly developed to accommodate a large-capacity battery and maximize cabin space.
Toyota designers also changed the body proportions: the 171 cm height made the roofline 2 cm lower than the old model; the width increased to 199 cm, an increase of 5,8 cm; and the wheelbase became 305 cm, an increase of 20,5 cm. The wheels were moved closer to the corners, maximizing interior space.
From the front, the new Highlander features Toyota’s signature hammerhead design with sleek daytime running lights that are now positioned separately from the main headlights. The SUV features flared front and rear fenders that exude confidence and driveability. Semi-flush door handles – which operate a newly introduced electronic locking system –, a rear wing integrated into the rear roof pillars and black window frames give the car a simple yet sophisticated style.
Sophisticated and spacious interior
The driver-focused dashboard is built around a customizable 12,3-inch digital display, climate control with physical buttons and a 14-inch, thin-bezel touchscreen, but you can also order a Head-up Display (HUD) that projects information onto the windshield. Standard equipment includes mood lighting with 64 different colors, and the Safe Exit Assist system flashes mood lighting panels on the doors to indicate that it is not safe to exit. Separate “captain’s seats” are standard in the second row, but a three-person bench seat is also available on the XLE AWD trim level. The third-row seats provide ample space for two adults and are easily accessible with the push of a button, thanks to the electrically folding middle seats.
The center console features a synthetic suede-covered dual wireless phone charging tray as standard, and USB-C ports are not just up front: they are also located behind the front seats for the second row and on the rear window sills for the third row. Retractable blinds are also available for the rear windows, and a fixed glass panoramic roof is also available, the largest in Toyota's range. Cupholders are almost everywhere, in 18 places in total. A hands-free, electrically operated tailgate is standard.
If extra storage space is needed, the third row of seats can be folded down simply by pulling a lever, increasing the boot capacity from 450 to 1285 litres.
Drive chains
Powertrain options for the 2027 Highlander include:
• XLE FWD: 224 hp, 268 Nm, 77,0 kWh battery, 450 km range (EPA)
• XLE AWD 343 hp, 438 Nm, 77,0 kWh battery, 430 km range (EPA)
• XLE AWD 343 hp, 438 Nm 95,8 kWh battery, 510 km range (EPA)
• Limited AWD 343 hp, 438 Nm 95,8 kWh battery, 510 km range (EPA).
Under ideal conditions, using DC fast charging, it takes approximately 30 minutes to charge the battery from 10% to 80%. All-wheel drive versions also have features such as Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control.
The Pre-Conditioning feature brings the battery to the optimum temperature for DC charging, allowing for faster charging. This feature can be activated manually through system settings or automatically when the navigation system directs the driver to a fast-charging station. The Plug & Charge feature allows for automatic identification, authentication and authorization on selected charging networks, reducing the need to install charging apps on the phone. The new Highlander can also serve as a mobile power source thanks to V2L technology, a first for Toyota models sold in the United States.
Advanced technology
The 2027 Highlander also features Toyota’s latest-generation multimedia system. Developed in North America, the infotainment system features AT&T 5G connectivity and an intuitive, smartphone-like design that offers customizable widgets on the home screen. Its enhanced, embedded voice assistant feature enables faster responses to “Hey Toyota.” The Toyota Audio Multimedia system offers customers a choice of connectivity options, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. The Drive Recorder feature is also standard, using the vehicle’s exterior cameras to record 20-second clips of the surroundings.
In North America, the 2027 Highlander will be Toyota’s fourth all-electric vehicle, joining the Toyota bZ, bZ Woodland and C-HR, and the automaker will offer a total of 22 different BEV models in the market within a few years. The 2027 Highlander will be assembled in the United States at Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky, manufacturing facility, with batteries sourced from Toyota’s newly opened $13,9 billion battery assembly plant in Liberty, North Carolina, and a supply partner. The new Highlander will go on sale in North America in late 2026, with a European launch expected shortly thereafter.
Photos: Toyota
Published by Smarter Media Communications Agency (http://news.smartermedia.hu)
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