Toyota is updating its already extensive SUV range with an all-new version of one of its most popular models with three rows of seats.
The 2027 Highlander EV will replace the current fourth generation, which has been on the American market since 2019 and, to be honest, was already running out of steam. Although the newcomer brings a fresh design and a radical interior renovation, Slovenian buyers are left empty-handed - this model will not be available on the old continent. Perhaps justified, since the current generation of Highlander on our roads did not experience the boom that Toyota might have hoped for.
The biggest revolution is hidden under the hood, or rather in what is no longer there. For the first time in history, the Highlander has become a fully electric vehicle. The basic XLE version with front-wheel drive offers a battery with a capacity of 77,0 kWh, power of 165 kW (221 hp) and torque of 268 Nm, which is enough for approximately 462 kilometers of range. For more demanding models, all-wheel drive and a larger battery pack with a capacity of 95,8 kWh are available, which increases power to 252 kW (338 hp) and extends the range to a solid 515 kilometers.
Visually, the Highlander EV impresses with sharp lines, wide fenders and Toyota's signature "Hammerhead" front end, which emphasizes the aerodynamic aesthetic. The cabin is dominated by a 35,6 cm (14-inch) central touchscreen, accompanied by a digital instrument cluster. Passengers are offered the luxury of a huge panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting in 64 colors. Despite its electric drive, it remains practical - by folding the third row of seats, up to 1274 liters of luggage space is gained.
Production will begin in Kentucky, USA, in late 2026, with batteries coming from a new domestic plant in North Carolina. While exact prices for the electric version have yet to be confirmed, they are expected to start at around €44.300 ($48.000). For comparison, the current Highlander Platinum, which represents the top of the Highlander range, costs around €52.100 across the pond. It’s an impressive package of technology and space, but one that you won’t find on European roads.
