Brave! Toyota Finally Releases the 2027 Highlander, a 3-Row Electric SUV with a Range of up to 515 Km

Highlander 2027. (Photo: Toyota USA)

JAKARTA - Toyota officially introduced the 2027 Highlander as the latest generation of one of its best-selling SUVs in the United States (US). Different from the previous model, the Highlander is now completely transformed into a pure electric car or Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). This model combines modern design, powerful performance, and the functionality of a typical family vehicle.

Toyota's move to introduce this three-row full electric (BEV) Highlander is arguably a bit late compared to its main competitors in the three-row electric SUV segment in the US. Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Rivian R1S, Lucid Gravity, Volvo EX90, and Cadillac Vistiq are some of the strong contenders who have already come to the US market.

However, as reported on the manufacturer's website, Wednesday, February 11, the 2027 Highlander also recorded a new milestone for Toyota as the first three-row electric SUV assembled in the United States, specifically at the Toyota Kentucky production facility. The presence of this model confirms Toyota's commitment to expanding its electric vehicle line in the global market.

In terms of design, the latest Highlander looks slimmer and more aerodynamic. The body line is made cleaner with a wide fender touch that gives a solid impression. Its modern identity is strengthened by LED daytime running lights that stretch across the front, flush door handles to increase aerodynamic efficiency, and a panoramic glass roof that is claimed to be one of the largest in the Toyota model line.

Entering the cabin, the technological feel is dominant. The dashboard is equipped with a 14-inch multimedia touch screen integrated with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel for the driver. As a family SUV, the 2027 Highlander can accommodate up to seven passengers. When the third row seats are folded down, the luggage capacity reaches around 1,274 liters, offering spacious storage space for long-distance travel needs.

Toyota provides two main variants, namely XLE and Limited. The XLE variant is available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with a 77.0 kWh or 95.8 kWh battery. The generated power reaches 221 hp for FWD and up to 338 hp on the AWD version. Meanwhile, the Limited variant comes standard with AWD and a 95.8 kWh battery that can spew 338 hp of power. Both variants are claimed to have a range of up to 320 miles or around 515 kilometers in one charge. For the AWD version, Toyota also embeds Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control features to support the ability to drive various road conditions.

One of the flagship technologies carried by the Highlander 2027 is the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature. Through this common technology, vehicles can function as an external power source. Owners can use battery energy to power electronic devices while camping or even as a backup power source for the house when there is a blackout.

Ease of charging is also a concern. Toyota has attached a standard NACS (North American Charging System) port, allowing access to thousands of DC fast charging networks in North America. This is expected to make long-distance travel more practical and less worrying.

Toyota plans to make the 2027 Highlander available at dealers by the end of 2026 or early 2027. For the official price, the Japanese manufacturer stated that it will announce it closer to the market launch time.