Toyota Unveils 2027 Highlander as First Three-Row EV

Toyota confirms its 2027 Highlander will be a fully electric, three-row SUV, marking a major expansion of the brand’s EV lineup.

Toyota has officially revealed that the 2027 Highlander will become its first three-row electric SUV, a pivotal step in the company’s gradual electrification strategy and a milestone for family-oriented electric vehicles in the U.S. market.

The announcement comes via teaser videos and corporate statements confirming the iconic Highlander name will carry an all-electric powertrain and a spacious three-row cabin designed for comfort and daily usability.

A Bold Shift for a Familiar Nameplate

For more than two decades, the Toyota Highlander has been a staple of Toyota’s SUV lineup, known for its practicality, reliability, and three-row seating for families and large groups. Traditionally offered with gasoline and hybrid powertrains, the Highlander name is now entering the fully electric era with the 2027 model year.

In preview materials, Toyota teased the Highlander alongside its battery electric vehicle (BEV) badge, confirming that the new SUV will not merely be a hybrid or plug-in variant—this is a dedicated battery-electric model. An additional “AWD” emblem suggests an all-wheel-drive configuration, hinting at a dual-motor setup that could provide enhanced traction and performance.

Design and Practicality Focused for Families

Toyota’s official teaser statement described the 2027 Highlander as featuring “sleek, modern lines, an electric powertrain, and a spacious three-row cabin with comfort for the whole crew,” emphasizing both design evolution and interior usability.

Early glimpses of the cabin show seating for at least six passengers, with second-row captain’s chairs and a large digital display setup that aligns with Toyota’s broader move toward modern, tech-rich interiors. Although full technical specifications—including battery capacity, driving range, and pricing—have not yet been disclosed, the presence of AWD and multiple rows of seating signal Toyota’s intent to compete in one of the most coveted segments of the EV market: family-sized electric SUVs.

Strategic Importance in Toyota’s EV Lineup

The Highlander EV will join Toyota’s expanding electric portfolio, which already includes models such as the C-HR electric crossover and the bZ Woodland SUV. The three-row Highlander strengthens Toyota’s presence in larger EV segments, an area where demand in the U.S. remains strong despite broader market headwinds affecting electric vehicle sales.

Competitors in the three-row EV space include vehicles like the Kia EV9 and the Hyundai Ioniq 9—models that have set early benchmarks for range, comfort, and family-friendly utility. Toyota’s entry with a well-known and trusted nameplate could help it gain traction among buyers who might otherwise gravitate toward those Korean offerings or other alternatives.

What’s Next for Buyers and the Market

Toyota has scheduled a full public reveal of the 2027 Highlander EV on February 10, 2026, where the company is expected to share complete specifications, range estimates, performance figures, and pricing details. Anticipation is high as analysts and prospective buyers alike watch to see how Toyota’s first three-row EV measures up in a segment that could define the next phase of mass-market electric vehicle adoption.

The move underscores Toyota’s evolving electrification strategy—one that balances its celebrated hybrid legacy with a cautious but deliberate pivot toward full battery electrification. For families and fleet buyers seeking roomy, capable EV solutions, the 2027 Highlander represents a notable new option that bridges Toyota’s heritage in SUVs with the demands of a lower-emission future.