Powertrain and Performance

As automakers often do with BEVs, Toyota plans to use a simple, two-trim lineup for the ‘27 Highlander: the base XLE and the more extensively equipped Limited. Expect the XLE to get a standard 77-kWh battery pack and front-wheel drivetrain (FWD) with the option to move up to the 95.8-kWh pack and all-wheel drive (AWD) that will be standard on the Limited. The output with FWD will be 221 horsepower and 198 lb.-ft. of torque, while the additional electric motor on the AWD version will increase those values to 338 hp and 346 lb.-ft. of torque. According to Toyota’s official statements, the base 77-kWh battery pack will yield range of 287 miles with FWD, dropping slightly to 270 miles with AWD, while the 95.8-kWh battery is expected to enable 320 miles of range. Regenerative braking paddles will come standard, with the AWD Highlander adding Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control drive modes.

Both trims will get a standard North American Charging Standard (NACS) port with a dual-level charging cord for Level 1 and Level 2 charging. With Level 3 DC fast charging, the estimated time to get from 20 to 80 percent will be about 30 minutes. As we noted above, a preconditioning system will keep the battery at the optimal temperature for charging in cold weather, and vehicle-to-load capability will be introduced to allow the battery to supply power for external devices.

Design and Amenities

A glance at the 2027 Highlander reveals physical similarities to the bZ and C-HR: full-width, slim LED daytime running lights, prominent fenders, and a hammerhead-style fascia. It will be almost an inch shorter than the 2026 Highlander but 2.3 inches wider and 8.1 inches longer in the wheelbase. Semi-flush door handles will lend to its ultra-modern while improving aerodynamics. The XLE’s will get SofTex upholstery and the choice of a second-row bench seat for a seven-passenger capacity or power-folding captain’s chairs for a six-passenger limit, while the Limited will come strictly configured for six. The XLE will have heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, second-row climate controls, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless device charging, USB ports in all three rows, and customizable 64-color ambient interior lighting. Some upgrades of note for the Limited will be heated/ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, side mirrors with reverse tilt-down, and a head-up display. Buyers of either trim can add a panoramic glass roof. The dedicated cargo area will measure 15.9 cubic feet, with up to 80 cubic feet available if the second and third rows are stowed.

Safety and Driver-Assist Technology

As expected, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 will come standard to equip this first-ever Highlander BEV with full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, proactive driving assist, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert will be included as well, along with hill start assist, a rear seat reminder, and a backup monitor with dynamic gridlines, as well as a built-in drive recorder that captures video in 20-second clips. Toyota has also noted that the 64-color ambient interior lighting will coordinate with safe exit assist to flash if a hazard is present. The additional safety tech in the Limited will include Advanced Park, traffic jam assist, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and a 360-degree monitor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The latest Toyota Audio Multimedia technology will be found in the 2027 Highlander, based around a 14-inch touchscreen. Look for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth hands-free smartphone connectivity for two phones, and all-new 5G integration via AT&T. Spotify integration will be offered via subscription-based SiriusXM satellite radio with 360L, and an updated turn-by-turn onboard navigation system that displays directions on the digital gauge array.