For over 25 years, the Toyota Highlander has been a trusted companion for families across Canada. From its debut at the 2000 New York International Auto Show to becoming one of the most recognized three-row SUVs on the road, the Highlander has evolved through four generations of refinement. Now, Toyota is writing a bold new chapter in the Highlander story - one powered entirely by electricity.
The 2027 Toyota Highlander marks the beginning of the fifth generation, and it embodies more than an update. This is a complete reimagining of what a family SUV can be. With striking new styling, a spacious interior for up to seven passengers, and a battery-electric powertrain delivering up to 338 combined system horsepower, the 2027 Highlander is Toyota's first three-row battery-electric vehicle in North America. It's also the first Toyota BEV assembled on this continent.
Toyota's design team approached the 2027 Highlander with a clear vision: create what they call a "Best Experience Vehicle." This philosophy prioritizes safe, comfortable travel for families while capturing a sense of sophisticated adventure. The result is a vehicle that balances aerodynamics, interior space, and capability in equal measure.
The exterior showcases Toyota's evolving design language with a distinctive front fascia that sets a new visual standard for the brand's SUV lineup. The aerodynamic silhouette is engineered to maximize efficiency and range, critical considerations for a battery-electric vehicle. Every curve and contour serves a purpose, from reducing drag to optimizing airflow around the vehicle.
Built on a modified Toyota Next Generation Architecture-K (TNGA-K) platform, the 2027 Highlander was specifically developed to house high-capacity batteries while maximizing passenger space. This platform evolution allows Toyota to deliver both the interior volume families need and the electric performance modern drivers expect.
The 2027 Highlander joins the Toyota bZ4X, bZ4X Woodland, and C-HR as the fourth battery-electric vehicle in Toyota's Canadian lineup. With this addition, Toyota will soon offer 22 different models with electrified powertrains.
Power delivery varies across the lineup to match different needs. The XLE FWD model produces 221 combined system horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque, providing efficient front-wheel-drive performance. For drivers seeking more capability, all-wheel-drive models deliver up to 338 combined system horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque.
AWD-equipped Highlanders also include Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, bringing genuine SUV capability to the electric platform.
Battery options provide flexibility for different driving patterns. The XLE grade offers a choice of 77.0-kWh or 95.8-kWh batteries, while XLE Premium and Limited grades come standard with the larger 95.8-kWh pack. The XLE AWD with the 95.8-kWh battery achieves a manufacturer-estimated 511-km total driving range rating.
Range Configurations:
The 2027 Highlander features a North American Charging System (NACS) port, providing access to thousands of Level 3 DC fast charging stations across Canada. This charging infrastructure compatibility removes one of the traditional barriers to electric vehicle ownership.
Step inside the 2027 Highlander and you'll find a space that reflects Toyota's focus on comfort and functionality. The interior accommodates up to seven passengers with available three-row seating, including an optional second-row bench seat.
When you need cargo space instead of passenger capacity, the third row folds flat to reveal 1,290 litres of storage - enough for sports equipment, luggage, or supplies for weekend adventures. Soft-touch materials on the dashboard and doors enhance the cabin's elevated atmosphere.
The 2027 Highlander includes Toyota Multimedia, the brand's latest infotainment system, along with trials of Drive Connect with Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist. These connected services require an active trial or paid subscription and depend on 5G network availability.
Toyota equips the 2027 Highlander with the updated Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 system, showcasing the latest evolution of the brand's active safety technology. Standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, and Hill Start Assist Control.
Convenience features include a rear seat reminder system, smart key with push button start, and a Tire Pressure Monitor System with direct pressure readout and individual tire location alerts. These systems work together to make daily driving more manageable for busy families.
The 2027 Highlander introduces Vehicle-to-Load technology, transforming the SUV into a mobile power source. With the purchase of bi-directional accessories, the Highlander can power external devices or serve as a backup power source during emergencies. This capability extends the vehicle's utility beyond transportation.
Toyota will assemble the 2027 Highlander at its manufacturing facility in Georgetown, Kentucky. Batteries come from Toyota's newly opened battery assembly plant in Liberty, North Carolina, and a supplier partner. This North American production strategy supports local manufacturing jobs while reducing the environmental impact of long-distance shipping.
The Highlander's journey began at the 2000 New York International Auto Show, where Toyota introduced the first-generation 2001 model. That original Highlander used a modified version of the Camry's unibody platform, establishing the formula of car-based comfort with SUV versatility.
Through four generations, the Highlander has remained true to that vision while evolving to address changing family needs. The shift to battery-electric power for the fifth generation is the most substantial transformation in the Highlander's 25-year history. Yet the core mission remains unchanged: providing families with a reliable vehicle for their daily adventures.
The 2027 Toyota Highlander is expected to arrive at dealerships in late 2026, continuing into early 2027. To learn more about the all-electric 2027 Toyota Highlander and explore how it fits your family's needs, visit our team at Erin Park Toyota in Mississauga. We're here to answer your questions about electric vehicle ownership, charging infrastructure, and the features that make this next-generation Highlander an attractive choice for Ontario families.
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