Toyota unveils battery-electric Highlander for US market

The Highlander BEV is manufactured at Toyota’s plant in Kentucky. It is the three-row electric SUV whose production Toyota postponed from 2025 to 2026. Nevertheless, the Highlander BEV is the first battery-electric Toyota produced in the US.

Since the launch of the first-generation Highlander in the US in 2001, over 3.6 million units have been sold. “With the addition of this BEV model, Toyota aims to further evolve the Highlander in its pursuit of a carbon-neutral society,” the company stated. Toyota is adopting a ‘product- and region-centred management with the aim of making ever-better cars.’ The large Highlander will complement the North American line-up as a seven-seat battery-electric SUV, joining the imported models bZ (known as bZ4X in Europe), the C-HR (C-HR+ in Europe), and the bZ Woodland (bZ4X Touring in Europe).

Toyota offers three variants of the Highlander BEV. The smaller battery has a capacity of 77 kWh and was “specifically designed for urban traffic, such as shopping trips,” according to the manufacturer. This battery is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, offering EPA ranges of 287 and 270 miles (461 and 434 kilometres), respectively. The larger battery, with 95.8 kWh, is only available with all-wheel drive and provides a range of 320 miles (515 kilometres). Both batteries feature battery preconditioning to achieve a charging time of ‘approximately 30 minutes’ even at low temperatures. According to a footnote, this refers to the ‘approximate time required to charge from approximately 10% to 80% of full capacity using a 150kW (350A) rapid charger in an environment with an outside temperature of -10°C.’ That implies a maximum DC charging capacity of 150 kW—not much for a battery of nearly 96 kWh. The NACS charging port is located on the front passenger side, between the door and the front wheel.

Toyota is not participating in the industry’s race for ever-higher peak power outputs—a neutral observation, not a judgement. The front-wheel-drive variant delivers 162 kW and 270 Nm of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version offers 249 kW and 438 Nm. “Our goal with the new Highlander was to develop a BEV that fits customers’ lives and brings a smile to their faces with sharp acceleration feel and a quiet ride,” said Highlander chief engineer Yoshinori Futonagane.

All battery and drivetrain combinations are available ex-works in the XLE trim. The top-tier Limited model, however, is only offered with the larger battery—and thus exclusively with all-wheel drive. “AWD equipped models will also have features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control,” Toyota stated. “All grades will have the latest in safety and entertainment, with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) and Toyota Audio Multimedia, standard.”

Space is a priority in a three-row SUV. The Highlander BEV accommodates up to seven passengers. When the third row is folded down, it offers a boot space of up to 1,275 litres while still seating five. Heated front seats are standard, while ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats are available as options. Standard features also include a 14-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch cockpit display, and ‘ample device charging in every row’ —referring to power outlets for passengers’ smartphones and tablets.

For the production of the new electric model, Toyota has also established corresponding supply chains in the US. As mentioned, the vehicles are assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky. The batteries are sourced from Toyota’s newly opened, $13.9 billion battery plant in Liberty, North Carolina, as well as from a supplier.

However, Toyota has not yet disclosed the pricing for the electric Highlander in the US at its world premiere: “The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP) will be announced closer to on-sale date.” Sales are scheduled to begin at the end of 2026.

toyota.com (US announcement), global.toyota (global announcement)