2027 Toyota Highlander EV: The First Three-Row Electric Highlander Revolutionizes the Family SUV

Date: February 13, 2026

The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV marks Toyota‘s bold entry into the three-row battery electric vehicle (BEV) segment, unveiled as the brand’s first fully electric Highlander with seating for up to seven passengers. This midsize SUV, assembled in the U.S., promises up to 320 miles of range and cutting-edge features, positioning it as a direct competitor to models like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.

Optimized for families seeking the “best three-row electric SUV for long road trips” or “2027 Toyota Highlander EV Chicago auto show highlights,” this all-new fifth-generation model ditches gas and hybrid powertrains entirely.

Unveiling and Chicago Auto Show Context

Toyota revealed the 2027 Highlander EV on February 10, 2026, in Ojai, California, just ahead of major U.S. auto events, generating buzz for its display at the Chicago Auto Show—one of North America’s largest. Videos from the reveal and early show previews highlight its presence at Chicago Auto Show 2026, where attendees in the Midwest hub can experience this “first three-row BEV Highlander” firsthand amid Illinois’ growing EV infrastructure.

Chicago’s context amplifies the Highlander’s appeal, with the city’s expanding charging network and family-oriented market making it ideal for urban-to-suburban commutes. Sales begin late 2026 into early 2027, aligning with show timelines for test drives.

Design Evolution: Sophisticated and Aerodynamic

The 2027 Highlander EV adopts a “sophisticated adventure” ethos, built on a modified TNGA-K platform stretched to 198.8 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, 67.3 inches tall, and a 120.1-inch wheelbase—longer than its predecessor for enhanced stability.

Broad fenders, full-length LED daytime running lights, flush electronic door handles, and a hammerhead front fascia emphasize aerodynamics, with underfloor covers and spats reducing turbulence. Available colors like new Spellbound or two-tone options with black roofs enhance its premium stance.

Noise insulation via acoustic glass and absorbers ensures a quiet cabin, crucial for the “quietest three-row EV SUV.” This design balances SUV robustness with EV efficiency, drawing praise for its planted look suited to Chicago’s varied roads.

Powertrain and Performance Options

Power comes from battery-electric setups: XLE FWD with a 77.0-kWh battery delivers 221 hp and 198 lb-ft torque, estimating 287 miles range. AWD variants boost to 338 hp and 323 lb-ft with dual motors, offering 270 miles (77 kWh) or 320 miles (95.8 kWh).

The larger battery on XLE AWD and standard Limited AWD hits EPA-estimated 320 miles, competitive for “family EV SUVs with 300+ mile range.” Instant torque provides responsive acceleration, aided by a low center of gravity. Paddle shifters manage regenerative braking, while Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control on AWD enhance versatility.

Battery, Charging, and Range Mastery

Equipped with NACS ports, the Highlander accesses Tesla Superchargers and others, charging 10-80% in ~30 minutes via DC fast charging (likely 150-175 kW on 400V architecture). Battery preconditioning optimizes temps automatically via navigation or manually.

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability—first for U.S. Toyotas—powers appliances or home backups (accessories required), complementing Charge Assist and ECO Charge for off-peak scheduling. Dual-voltage (120V/240V) cable and 11-kW onboard charger support Level 1/2. In Chicago’s cold winters, battery heaters ensure reliable range, making it a top “winter-ready three-row EV SUV.”

Luxurious Three-Row Interior

Seating up to seven via optional XLE AWD bench (six standard captain’s chairs), the cabin offers SofTex seats, heated fronts/steering wheel standard, and Limited adds ventilation plus heated seconds. Third row fits adults, folds flat for 45.6 cu ft cargo (97.5 cu ft max).

A 14-inch touchscreen anchors Toyota Audio Multimedia with 5G, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Spotify, and “Hey Toyota” voice. 12.3-inch digital cluster, HUD (Limited), and 64-color ambient lighting elevate UX.

18 cupholders, dual Qi wireless charging, USB-C everywhere, and rear HVAC/sunshades prioritize families. Largest fixed-glass panoramic roof adds airiness.

Advanced Technology and Connectivity

Drive Connect trials include Cloud Navigation, Safety Connect for remote charging, and Toyota app charger finder—vital for “EV road trips from Chicago.” Drive Recorder captures events; JBL 11-speaker audio available. Plug & Charge simplifies sessions on compatible networks. Full-screen nav on cluster enhances safety.

Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 Features

Standard TSS 4.0 includes Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed DRCC, LDA w/Steering Assist, AHB, LTA, RSA, and PDA. Limited adds Traffic Jam Assist, Panoramic View Monitor, Advanced Park, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert.

Trim Levels Breakdown

Trim	Drivetrain/Battery Options	Key Power/Range	Standout Features
XLE	FWD (77 kWh: 287 mi) AWD (77 kWh: 270 mi; 95.8 kWh: 320 mi)	221 hp FWD 338 hp AWD	19″ wheels, 14″ screen, SofTex, heated seats/steering, TSS 4.0, NACS
Limited	AWD std (95.8 kWh: 320 mi)	338 hp AWD	Ventilated fronts, heated seconds, HUD, Advanced Park, Traffic Jam Assist

Pricing starts mid-$50,000s (est. $54k XLE FWD).

Manufacturing and U.S. Roots

Assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (Georgetown), with batteries from $13.9B Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (Liberty) and partners—Toyota‘s first U.S.-built EV. This supports “buy American” incentives and jobs.

Competitors Comparison

Feature	2027 Highlander EV (AWD Limited)	Kia EV9 (GT-Line AWD)	Hyundai Ioniq 9 (est.)
Range (est.)	320 miles	304 miles	300+ miles
Horsepower	338 hp	379 hp	~400 hp
Price (est. top)	~$60k	$74k	~$65k+

Highlander edges on value and Toyota reliability; rivals lead power.

Highlander Legacy and EV Shift

Since 2001 New York debut, Highlander pioneered unibody SUVs, added hybrids in 2006, and built in U.S. from 2009. Fifth-gen EV fulfills Toyota‘s 22 electrified models pledge.

Why Chicago Families Choose It

Midwest charging growth, family hauler demand, and show proximity make it perfect for “Chicago three-row EV buyers 2027.” Range suits lakefront drives; V2L powers tailgates.