Learn About the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV

What the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV Actually Is

Toyota announced plans to introduce an all-electric version of the Highlander for the 2027 model year, marking a significant shift in how the company approaches its popular three-row SUV lineup. This isn't a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid — it's a fully battery-powered vehicle designed to replace gasoline as the sole energy source. Understanding what makes this vehicle different from current Highlander models matters if you're considering your next SUV purchase in the coming years.

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The Highlander has been one of America's best-selling three-row SUVs since its introduction in 2001. Over two decades, Toyota refined the gas-powered version into a reliable family vehicle known for holding resale value and requiring relatively inexpensive maintenance. The 2027 EV version takes that same mission — hauling families, cargo, and towing capability — but reimagines how the power gets delivered to the wheels.

Toyota's decision to create an electric Highlander reflects broader industry trends. Several competitors already offer or plan to offer electric three-row SUVs, including the Volkswagen ID.Buzz (a three-row electric van), Ford's planned electric versions of their Explorer and Expedition, and Kia's EV9, which debuted in 2023 as a direct competitor in the electric three-row segment. By positioning the Highlander EV for 2027, Toyota is responding to changing consumer preferences and stricter emissions regulations across North America.

The vehicle will maintain the Highlander's positioning as a mainstream family SUV rather than a luxury product. This means Toyota is targeting affordability and practicality over premium features, though exact pricing hasn't been released as of early 2025. The company has confirmed the EV will use its bZ (Beyond Zero) platform, which is Toyota's dedicated electric vehicle architecture designed specifically for battery-powered vehicles rather than adapted from existing gas-powered designs.

Practical takeaway: If you own a current Highlander or have considered one, the 2027 EV version will be a completely different ownership experience. Research what electric vehicle ownership entails — home charging options, public charging networks in your area, and how battery range fits your driving patterns — before the 2027 model arrives.

Battery Technology and Range Expectations

Toyota has not yet released specific battery size or range figures for the 2027 Highlander EV, but information from their other bZ platform vehicles provides useful context. The bZ4X, Toyota's compact electric SUV that arrived in 2023, comes with battery options of 71 kWh or 80 kWh, producing EPA-estimated ranges of 228 miles (FWD) or 252 miles (FWD with larger battery). A larger vehicle like the Highlander EV will likely require a more substantial battery to achieve comparable range and handle the weight of three rows of seats.

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Industry observers expect the Highlander EV to offer battery options that produce ranges between 250 and 350 miles per charge. Three-row electric SUVs currently on the market demonstrate what's possible: the Kia EV9 offers up to 304 miles of EPA-estimated range with its largest battery, while the Genesis GV70 Electrified (a two-row model) achieves 248 miles. For a seven-passenger vehicle, Toyota will need to balance battery size against weight and cost, since larger batteries add significant expense and weight that reduces efficiency.

Battery chemistry and technology continue advancing. Toyota has invested heavily in solid-state battery development, which promises higher energy density (more power in smaller packages) and faster charging. However, the 2027 Highlander EV will likely use conventional lithium-ion battery technology similar to current EVs, with solid-state batteries potentially appearing in later generations. The company has stated it plans to launch solid-state batteries in production vehicles starting around 2027-2028, so early 2027 Highlander EV models may not feature this technology.

Real-world range depends on multiple factors beyond battery size. Weather conditions significantly impact range — cold temperatures can reduce range by 20-40 percent compared to moderate conditions. Driving style, terrain, use of climate control, and cargo weight all affect how far you can travel on a single charge. A Highlander EV driven primarily on highways with three rows full of passengers and cargo may see different real-world range than the same vehicle driven around town with one or two occupants.

Toyota has confirmed that the 2027 Highlander EV will support fast charging, though charging speeds haven't been specified. Current Toyota EVs support DC fast charging that can add 200 miles of range in 30-45 minutes under ideal conditions, depending on the charger and battery size. For comparison, a Kia EV9 with a 76 kWh battery can add roughly 200 miles in 45 minutes using a 350 kW charger.

Practical takeaway: Before the 2027 model arrives at dealerships, map out the charging infrastructure in your region. Use apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to locate public chargers along routes you drive regularly. Many owners rely on home charging for daily needs and use public chargers primarily for longer trips, so understanding your access to both matters for realistic usage planning.

Charging Infrastructure and Home Installation

Charging a three-row electric SUV requires thinking about more than just finding a charger — it involves understanding the different charging speeds, home installation requirements, and how public charging networks operate. The 2027 Highlander EV will almost certainly use the industry-standard NACS (North American Charging Standard) plug, which Tesla pioneered and which most manufacturers now adopt. This standardization means you won't need to carry multiple charging cables like EV owners did five years ago.

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Home charging comes in two main varieties. Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet and adds 2-3 miles of range per hour, making it impractical for most owners except those with extremely short commutes. Level 2 charging requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit (similar to what an electric dryer or hot tub uses) and adds 10-30 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger's power output. Installing a Level 2 charger at home typically costs $500-$2,500 including the charger unit and electrical work, though some utility companies offer rebates. For a Highlander EV that might have a 60-80 kWh battery, overnight Level 2 charging provides sufficient energy for most daily driving without exhausting the system.

Public charging networks have expanded significantly since 2020. Major networks include Tesla's Supercharger network (increasingly open to non-Tesla vehicles), Electrify America, EVgo, and Charge Point, plus various regional and independent chargers. As of 2025, over 50,000 public charging locations exist in North America, though availability varies dramatically by region. Urban areas and interstate corridors have dense networks, while rural areas may have sparse charging options. Planning longer trips requires using mapping apps that show charger locations and real-time availability along your route.

DC fast charging, which adds 200+ miles of range in 30-45 minutes, operates at much higher power levels than Level 2 and costs more per session (typically $10-$25 for 200 miles depending on the network and charger). Frequent DC fast charging can stress battery health over time, so most owners use it primarily for road trips rather than routine charging. The Highlander EV's specific charging speed on DC fast chargers will depend on its battery capacity and the onboard charging hardware Toyota includes.

Apartment dwellers and those without dedicated parking face charging challenges that homeowners don't. Some apartment complexes have installed shared charging infrastructure, and several states have passed laws requiring new construction to include charging capability, but access remains inconsistent. Workplace charging can supplement home charging for those with parking at their job site. Some employers have installed chargers as an employee benefit, adding free or low-cost charging to the daily routine.

Practical takeaway: Research your household's electrical infrastructure now. If you don't have a garage or dedicated parking space, or if your home has older electrical service, investigate what upgrades would cost before purchasing any EV. Some utility companies offer programs that cover or partially cover Level 2 installation costs — contacting your utility directly can reveal financial support options you might not find online.

Performance, Towing, and Real-World Capability