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2027 Toyota Highlander EV Unveiled for North America; Australia to Retain Hybrid Kluger Model

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2027 Toyota Highlander EV Unveiled for North America; Australia to Retain Hybrid

Toyota has officially unveiled the 2027 Highlander electric SUV, confirming its transition to an electric-only model in North America. This new EV is set to compete with prominent electric SUVs like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, and will be manufactured at Toyota's Georgetown, Kentucky plant.

Toyota Australia has indicated no current plans to introduce the electric Kluger (Highlander) locally, opting instead to maintain the Kluger Hybrid in its lineup.

Market Positioning and Availability

The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV is specifically slated for North American markets, where the Highlander nameplate will shift to exclusively electric later this year. This means the US-made Highlander will no longer offer its turbocharged 2.4-liter petrol engine or 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain in the United States.

In contrast, Toyota Australia has declared there are no immediate plans for the Kluger EV to enter the Australian market. The Kluger Hybrid will continue to be a cornerstone of Toyota's Australian vehicle portfolio, with exports from the US plant tailored to local market requirements, excluding China.

The impact of the hybrid Highlander's discontinuation in the US is expected to be less significant. This is largely due to Toyota's extensive SUV lineup in that market, which includes models such as the Grand Highlander, LandCruiser Prado, 4Runner, and Sequoia. In Australia, however, the Kluger holds a more prominent position within Toyota's SUV offerings.

Design and Dimensions

The 2027 Highlander EV adopts a noticeably boxier design aesthetic. Key exterior features include:

  • 19-inch to 22-inch wheel options
  • Slimline LED daytime running lights
  • Availability in single or two-tone paint finishes
  • Horizontal LED tail-light bar
  • Integrated roof rails
  • Shark-fin antenna

The new model measures 5049mm in length, an increase of 99mm compared to its predecessor. It is also 59mm wider, 20mm lower, and boasts a wheelbase of 3051mm, which is 201mm longer than the outgoing model. The vehicle will be offered in six- or seven-seat configurations, with the six-seat option featuring comfortable captain's chairs in the second row.

Performance and Charging

The Highlander EV is built upon an updated version of the existing Kluger’s TNGA-K platform and shares powertrain components with the Toyota bZ4X. It offers two distinct powertrain options:

  • Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Generates 165kW of power and 269Nm of torque.
  • All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Delivers a robust 252kW of power and 438Nm of torque.

Battery and estimated range specifications (likely based on the US EPA test cycle) are as follows:

  • Standard 77kWh lithium-ion battery:
    • Estimated range of 462km for FWD models.
    • Estimated range of 434km for AWD models.
  • Optional 95.8kWh battery (AWD only):
    • Offers an extended estimated range of 515km.

The vehicle is equipped with an 11kW on-board charger and a NACS (North American Charging Standard) port. It supports DC fast charging, capable of achieving a 10-80 percent charge in approximately 30 minutes. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability is also a standard inclusion.

Interior and Technology

The interior of the Highlander EV provides 1291 liters of luggage space with the third row stowed, a slight reduction from the 1370 liters available in previous hybrid and petrol models. Storage solutions are abundant, including 18 cupholders and dedicated compartments for phones and tablets. The vehicle features standard Toyota ‘SofTex’ synthetic leather trim for a premium feel.

Despite its advanced technology, physical buttons are thoughtfully retained for essential air-conditioning and audio functions. Key technology features include:

  • A 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster.
  • An optional head-up display.
  • A 14.0-inch center touchscreen that incorporates a built-in dashcam capable of recording 20-second clips.

Safety systems integrated into the vehicle include rear cross-traffic alert and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) for steering and braking assistance, enhancing driver confidence.

Broader Toyota Electrification Strategy

Toyota's strategic approach to EV expansion has garnered considerable attention, primarily due to its prioritization of hybrid powertrains. This strategy has coincided with sustained popularity of hybrids in key markets such as the US and Australia.

Other major automakers, including Nissan and Ford, have also recalibrated their earlier EV targets. Some have begun shifting their focus towards hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. Ford, for example, has reported significant financial losses from its EV division, leading to delays or cancellations of certain EV programs and a strategic pivot towards extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).

For North America, Toyota has confirmed ambitious plans to produce two three-row electric SUVs at its Georgetown, Kentucky manufacturing plant. In 2023, the company showcased the LandCruiser SE concept, a 5.15-meter unibody electric SUV, with indications for a European launch. The bZ Large SUV concept, first introduced in 2021, appeared to be an electric iteration of the Kluger/Highlander, foreshadowing today's announcement. Toyota has also announced that US-made vehicles will be offered in Japan starting in 2026.

In the US, the bZ4X electric vehicle will be rebranded as 'bZ' from the 2026 model year and will be joined by the bZ Woodland high-riding wagon this year. Toyota Australia currently offers the bZ4X and has confirmed additional electric models, including:

  • The bZ4X Touring for a 2026 launch.
  • An electric HiLux for 2026.
  • An electric C-HR for 2027.

Furthermore, the first LandCruiser Hybrid for Australia is anticipated to arrive in early 2026, utilizing a hybrid powertrain also found in the Toyota Tundra pickup.