Toyota Highlander Enters a New Era as a Fully Electric Three Row SUV
The Toyota Highlander has officially stepped into its fifth generation in the United States, and this time the transformation is far deeper than a routine redesign. One of Toyota’s most recognizable family crossovers has gone fully electric, marking a historic shift for the nameplate. The new Highlander is now the brand’s first three row electric vehicle for the American market and the first fully electric Toyota that will be produced in the United States.
For a model that once enjoyed strong popularity in markets like Russia and continues to be a staple in North America, this move signals how seriously Toyota is taking the electric transition. The new Highlander is no longer just an evolution. It is a reinvention.
A Design Inspired by the bZ Electric Family
Visually, the fifth generation Highlander clearly aligns itself with Toyota’s growing lineup of bZ electric models. The traditional radiator grille is gone, replaced by a smooth, closed front panel typical of battery electric vehicles. Stretching across the front is a slim illuminated light bar that gives the crossover a high tech presence, especially at night.
At the rear, designers added a continuous dual light strip that emphasizes the vehicle’s width and gives it a modern, almost futuristic look. The door handles and pillar design have also been updated, contributing to a cleaner profile and improved aerodynamics.
The new Highlander has grown in size as well. Its overall length now measures 5050 millimeters, which is 99 millimeters longer than its predecessor. Even more significant is the increase in wheelbase, which has expanded by 201 millimeters to 3050 millimeters. That extra space should translate directly into improved legroom, especially for passengers in the second and third rows.
The model rides on the TNGA K platform, adapted here to accommodate a fully electric powertrain. The result is a larger, more imposing crossover that still aims to maintain the practicality families expect from the Highlander name.
A Spacious and Tech Focused Interior
Inside, the new Highlander remains a true three row family vehicle. Toyota has equipped it with a 14 inch central touchscreen and a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, creating a modern and driver oriented cockpit. The layout is clean and minimalistic, in line with current EV trends, but still practical.
Charging ports are available for passengers in every row, acknowledging the reality that modern families travel with multiple devices. The panoramic roof is the largest ever offered on a Toyota model, bringing in additional light and enhancing the feeling of space.
Safety remains a priority. The crossover comes standard with the fourth generation Toyota Safety Sense system, which includes adaptive cruise control and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. This ensures that even as the Highlander moves into a new electric era, it retains the reliability and security associated with the brand.
For those who want more premium features, Toyota offers several upgrades. An available JBL Premium audio system includes 11 speakers, a subwoofer, and an amplifier. Buyers can also opt for ventilated seats and larger 22 inch wheels instead of the standard 19 inch set, giving the vehicle a more upscale appearance and feel.
Two Powertrains and Multiple Battery Options
In the United States, the electric Highlander will be offered in two main configurations. The entry version features a single electric motor producing 221 horsepower. For drivers seeking stronger performance and likely all wheel drive capability, a dual motor setup is available, delivering a combined output of 338 horsepower.
Toyota will also offer two battery options. The first has a capacity of 77 kilowatt hours, while the larger pack provides 95.8 kilowatt hours. Depending on the configuration, the driving range varies between 435, 462, and up to 515 kilometers on a full charge.
These figures position the Highlander competitively within the growing segment of three row electric SUVs. The larger battery version in particular should appeal to families who frequently travel longer distances and want to minimize charging stops.
Built in America for the American Market
Production of the new electric Highlander will take place at Toyota’s plant in Kentucky. This makes it the first fully electric Toyota model to be manufactured in the United States. The move reflects both market demand and the strategic importance of local production for electric vehicles.
Sales in the US are scheduled to begin by the end of the current year. Given the popularity of three row SUVs in North America, Toyota is entering a segment with significant potential, especially as more buyers consider switching to electric vehicles without sacrificing space and practicality.
Leadership Changes at Toyota
The launch of the fifth generation Highlander coincides with notable changes at the top of the company. Earlier this month, Toyota announced that CEO Koji Sato will step down from his role in April after three years at the helm. He will remain with the company as vice chairman and chief industry officer.
Kent Con, who currently serves as chief financial officer, will take over as the new head of Toyota. The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment, as the company accelerates its electrification strategy and introduces key models like the fully electric Highlander.
A Turning Point for a Familiar Name
The Highlander has long been associated with practicality, reliability, and family oriented comfort. By transforming it into a fully electric three row SUV, Toyota is sending a clear message about its future direction.
Rather than creating an entirely new nameplate for its flagship electric family crossover, Toyota chose to evolve an established model with a loyal customer base. The result is a vehicle that combines familiar strengths with a bold new identity.
As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, the fifth generation Toyota Highlander stands out as a symbol of transition. It bridges the gap between traditional family crossovers and the next chapter of zero emission mobility.
