2027 Toyota Highlander Debuts: A Bigger bZ To Dominate Three-Row EVs

If you need to haul a lot of people or stuff without using gasoline, the options are still quite slim, especially among mainstream options. In fact, while the VW ID. Buzz takes a break, the options are basically the Kia EV9 and the Hyundai Ioniq 9. Toyota aims to change that with the new Highlander, which has a laser sight on the Korean SUVs.

It's A Big Box With bZ Looks

There's no mistaking the Highlander for a Toyota (especially since there isn't a similar Subaru version, yet). It has the same "hammerhead" running light bar, and like Toyota's smaller EVs like the bZ models and the C-HR, most of the front bumper lacks a grille of any sort. Similarly, it has a simple rear light bar, and a contrasting roof is available.

Unlike Toyota's other EVs, though, the Highlander is far boxier, making it look more like a traditional SUV. That's also important for providing good cargo and third-row passenger space. The Highlander is also the first of Toyota's SUVs to opt for electronic door handles, rather than conventional mechanical ones. They're recessed into the doors and contribute to the rectangular, slab-sided shape of the SUV. Another unique touch are the plastic trim pieces on the front doors that add a little detail and visual interest to the big flanks.

It also differs from its EV cousins in that it uses a somewhat different platform. The C-HR and bZ models use Toyota's e-TNGA platform, whereas the Highlander uses a highly modified TNGA-K platform. Versions of the TNGA-K platform also underpin the combustion-powered Highlander, Grand Highlander, RAV4, and Camry, among others.

Interestingly, the new Highlander is larger than its combustion predecessor, mainly in width, where it has an extra 2.3 inches. It's also 1.4 inches longer overall, but with an extra 8.1 inches in the wheelbase. It does sit 0.8 inch lower, though.

The interior carries over bZ and C-HR design details, too. The dash is low and angular, and the center console presents its standard dual wireless phone chargers proudly. Unlike Toyota's other EVs, though, the Highlander's 12.3-inch instrument screen sits close to the driver and is visible through the steering wheel, rather than far away and viewed above the wheel. Next to it is a 14-inch infotainment screen, and a few physical controls such as a volume knob.

As for the seating arrangements and space, all Highlanders have three rows of seats and can fit either 6 or 7 passengers. The latter is only available with the all-wheel-drive XLE trim's available second-row bench. Behind the third row of seats is 15.9 cubic feet, and folding that row brings space up to 45.6, both numbers that are a tad lower than that of the outgoing combustion model.

A Big Battery Backs bZ Motors

Highlander buyers will have a choice of two powertrains and two batteries, with the two powertrains coming straight from the bZ range. The base XLE can be had with a single front motor making 221 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain can only be paired with the standard 77-kWh battery pack, and it returns a respectable 287 miles of range. The same battery can also fuel the all-wheel-drive powertrain that features a pair of motors making 338 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque. That configuration provides 270 miles of range.

For those needing maximum range, Toyota has an optional 95.8-kWh battery pack, which also comes standard with the all-wheel-drive powertrain. It offers 320 miles of range. That tops the all-wheel-drive Kia EV9 and matches the all-wheel-drive Hyundai Ioniq 9. Regardless of battery and motor combination, all Highlanders can charge from 10% to 80% in about half an hour, and they feature NACS charging connectors. Toyota even includes a charging cable that can handle both 120-volt and 240-volt AC charging. Furthermore, an accessory will be available to enable vehicle-to-load charging to run appliances.

It's Well-Equipped

The Highlander XLE is the starting point for the line, and it's packed with features. It has 19-inch wheels, leatherette upholstery, and customizable ambient lighting on the styling front. And among its notable comfort and convenience features are heated seats, a power liftgate, the aforementioned wireless chargers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and built-in 20-second dashcam recording. The all-wheel-drive version adds terrain modes and low-speed off-road cruise control.

Safety features abound, as well, with adaptive cruise control and lane centering, automatic emergency braking and collision warnings, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited brings along a head-up display, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, rear sunshades, and some additional driving assists for parking and lane changes. That trim has exclusive options such as two-tone paint and enormous 22-inch wheels.

It's Very American

Toyota expects the new Highlander to go on sale later this year. Toyota hasn't announced how much it will cost, but the company did reveal where it will be built. The SUVs will be assembled in Kentucky, and even its battery packs will be American-made. They all come from a facility in North Carolina.