Powertrain and Performance

Toyota is expected to offer the 2027 Highlander in a simplified lineup of an entry-level XLE grade and a loaded Limited trim. There will be two different battery packs offered: the XLE will get a 77-kWh pack standard with the option to upgrade to a 95.8-kWh pack, while the Limited will be offered exclusively with the latter. XLE can choose the default front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)—standard on the Limited. FWD output will be 221 horsepower and 198 lb.-ft. of torque, while the additional electric motor on the AWD version will up its output to 338 combined horsepower and 346 lb.-ft. of torque. Toyota estimates that the base 77-kWh battery will achieve a 287-mile driving range with FWD, dropping slightly to 270 miles with AWD, while the 95.8-kWh battery is expected to yield a 320-mile range. Regenerative braking paddles will be included on every Highlander, and the AWD version will gain Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control drive modes.

Toyota has declared that charging will happen through a standard North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, with a dual-level charging cord included for Level 1 and Level 2 charging. The estimated charge time to get from 20 to 80 percent will be roughly 30 minutes using Level 3 DC fast charging. As mentioned, a standard preconditioning system will help the battery maintain an optimal charging temperature. Buyers should also appreciate the debuting vehicle-to-load capability, which will allow the battery to power external devices via bidirectional charging.

Design and Amenities

It just takes a quick glance to see that the 2027 Highlander draws its styling cues from Toyota’s existing EV lineup, with similarities to the bZ and C-HR, such as full-width, slim LED daytime running lights, broad fenders, and a squared-off hammerhead fascia. Semi-flush door handles will help trim the SUV’s silhouette, while a headlight-integrated charging indicator will let drivers check their battery status at a glance. The upcoming Highlander will have a lower profile and wider stance, losing 0.8 inches in height compared to the current model while gaining 2.3 inches in width and 8.1 inches in wheelbase length. An all-new exterior color, Spellbound, will join classic Toyota shades Wind Chill Pearl, Heavy Metal, Everest, Reservoir Blue, and Midnight Black Metallic, and the upscale Limited will offer a two-tone exterior. A new Misty Gray interior color will accompany existing Black and Portobello hues.

SofTex upholstery will be standard on the XLE, along with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charging, a hands-free power liftgate, second-row climate controls, USB ports in each row, and customizable 64-color ambient interior lighting. Confirmed Limited amenities include heated/ventilated front seats, a head-up display, heated second-row seats, side-view mirrors with reverse tilt-down, and rear sunshades. Both trims will be eligible for a panoramic glass roof. The Limited will be configured only with second-row power-folding captain’s chairs for a six-passenger limit, but XLE AWD buyers can elect a middle-row bench seat to accommodate a seventh person. The spacious cargo area will be nearly the same size as the current model’s, offering 15.9 cubic feet of storage space with all three rows in use, and up to 45 cubic feet with the third row stowed. Folding down both the second and third rows will yield as much as 80 cubic feet behind the front seats.

Safety and Driver-Assist Technology

Toyota has confirmed that the 2027 Highlander will receive the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0. This latest installation of the automaker’s driver-assistance suite includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, proactive driving assist, and automatic high beams. The Highlander will also be equipped with a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, hill start assist, rear seat reminder, a tire pressure monitor, and a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, as well as a new built-in drive recorder that captures 20-second video clips of incidents on the road. 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 Limited will add Advanced Park, traffic jam assist, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and a 360-degree panoramic view monitor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Toyota is touting the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia technology for the 2027 Highlander, a 14-inch touchscreen unit set up with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual Bluetooth hands-free smartphone connectivity, voice assistance, and all-new 5G integration via AT&T. Also available will be Spotify integration through SiriusXM satellite radio with 360L, and an updated turn-by-turn onboard navigation system that displays directions on the digital instrument cluster.