New Toyota Highlander becomes a seven-seater electric SUV with 511 km of autonomy

New generation Toyota Highlander abandons combustion engines, gains larger size and even system that supplies energy to homes

New Highlander is Toyota's bet on the seven-seat electric SUV segment (Photo: Toyota | Disclosure)
By Tom Schuenk
Published on 2026-02-12 at 02:00 PM

Toyota has unveiled the fifth-generation Toyota Highlander, marking the seven-seater SUV’s transition to full electrification. Manufactured at the Princeton plant in Indiana (USA), the 2027 model is the brand’s first three-row electric vehicle assembled in North America. The launch puts an end to 25 years of combustion and hybrid powertrains to focus exclusively on battery propulsion.

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Autonomy and Tesla charging pattern

Toyota Highlander BEV AWD Limited

Built on a dedicated electric platform, the new Highlander offers combined power of up to 338 hp in all-wheel drive configurations. The largest capacity battery, with 95.8 kWh, allows an estimated range of 511 km in the EPA cycle.

One of the technical highlights is the adoption of the NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging port, the standard used by Tesla. The system supports DC fast charging, capable of raising the charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. The SUV also has bidirectional energy management, which can power external equipment or serve as a residential backup .

Visually, the model adopts a functional aesthetic focused on aerodynamics, with built-in door handles and an elongated profile. The increase in wheelbase resulted in greater interior space for up to seven occupants. For acoustic insulation, the automaker applied laminated glass and noise-absorbing materials at critical points on the body.

Technology and Security

The cabin follows the segment’s digitalization trend, equipped with a 12.3″ instrument panel and a 14″ multimedia center. The panoramic sunroof is the largest ever installed on a vehicle of the brand.

In the driving assistance package, the Highlander debuts Toyota Safety Sense 4.0. The system update enhances automatic emergency braking and pedestrian and motorcyclist detection, as well as including proactive driving assistance.

The 2027 Toyota Highlander arrives at North American dealerships in late 2026. Check out the expected specifications below:

Version Traction Battery Autonomy Est.
XLE FWD Front 77.0 kWh 458 km
XLE AWD Integral 77.0 or 95.8 kWh Up to 511 km
XLE Premium AWD Integral 95.8 kWh 473 km
Limited AWD Integral 95.8 kWh 473 km
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