2027 Toyota Highlander Release Date Guide – The all-new 2027 Toyota Highlander marks a major shift for one of America’s most popular three-row family SUVs. For the first time, the Highlander arrives exclusively as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV). It drops gasoline and hybrid powertrains entirely, grows larger for better interior space, and becomes Toyota’s first electric vehicle assembled in the United States.
Targeted at U.S. buyers, this fifth-generation model competes directly with the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9. Here’s everything current information from Toyota and trusted automotive sources reveals about its release timing, features, and what American shoppers can expect.
2027 Toyota Highlander Expected Release Date
Toyota originally planned for the 2027 Highlander to go on sale in late 2026 as a 2027 model year vehicle. Production was set to begin at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant, with sales continuing into early 2027.
In July 2026, Toyota announced a delay. A company spokesperson confirmed production of the all-new electric Highlander was pushed back by a minimum of eight weeks (approximately two months) to allow time for “final adjustments prior to launch.” The exact new start-of-production date has not been publicly detailed.
As a result, most industry sources now project U.S. dealership arrivals in early 2027, with some estimates extending into spring or summer 2027 depending on how long the adjustments take. Current-generation 2026 gasoline and hybrid Highlanders will continue production through December 2026, ensuring inventory remains available well into 2027 for buyers not yet ready to switch to an EV.
Shoppers should check with local Toyota dealers for the latest availability updates, as regional timing can vary.
Key Design and Size Changes
The 2027 Highlander receives a complete redesign. It features a modern, aerodynamic exterior with clean lines, broad fenders, full-width LED daytime running lights, and flush electronic door handles. Dimensions grow compared with the previous generation: overall length increases by about 4 inches, width by more than 2 inches, and the wheelbase stretches by roughly 8 inches to 120.1 inches. This longer wheelbase improves second- and third-row legroom while keeping the overall footprint competitive with other midsize three-row EVs.
Inside, the cabin prioritizes technology and comfort. Standard equipment includes a 14-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital driver display, customizable ambient lighting, dual wireless charging pads, and USB-C ports in all three rows. An available fixed panoramic glass roof—the largest in Toyota’s lineup—adds openness. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard (a bench seat is optional on certain XLE models), seating six or seven passengers.
Powertrain, Range, and Performance Specs
The 2027 Highlander is offered only with electric power. Two configurations are available:
- Front-wheel-drive (FWD) single-motor: 221 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a 77.0-kWh battery. Manufacturer-estimated range is up to 287 miles.
- All-wheel-drive (AWD) dual-motor: 338 combined horsepower and approximately 323 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can choose the 77.0-kWh battery (estimated 270 miles) or the larger 95.8-kWh battery (estimated 320 miles on XLE AWD and Limited AWD models).
All models use a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port for compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and other networks. Toyota estimates a 10-to-80% charge can take as little as 30 minutes under ideal DC fast-charging conditions. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability is also available, allowing the Highlander to power external devices or serve as a home backup (with required accessories).
Trims are limited to XLE and Limited at launch. The Limited comes standard with AWD and the larger battery.
Pricing Expectations and U.S. Availability
Official MSRP has not been announced and will be revealed closer to the on-sale date. Early estimates from automotive outlets place the starting price in the mid-$50,000 to around $60,000 range, positioning it competitively against the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.
Production occurs at Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky facility, with batteries assembled in the United States (including at Toyota’s new plant in Liberty, North Carolina). This makes the Highlander Toyota’s first domestically built EV for the U.S. market.
How the 2027 Highlander Compares to Rivals?
The redesigned Highlander enters a growing but still selective three-row electric SUV segment. Its estimated 320-mile maximum range, NACS charging, strong standard equipment, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability give it solid appeal for American families. The continued availability of the larger Grand Highlander with gas and hybrid powertrains provides an alternative for buyers not ready for full electrification.
What U.S. Buyers Should Do Next?
Monitor Toyota’s official channels and local dealers for final pricing, exact delivery timing, and configuration details. The delay means current Highlander inventory remains a practical short-term option. Once production ramps up, the 2027 model is expected to strengthen Toyota’s EV presence in the competitive U.S. family-SUV market.
Sources for this article include the official Toyota USA Newsroom, Edmunds, Cars.com, Car and Driver, Kelley Blue Book, and other recent automotive reporting current as of mid-2026. Always verify the latest details with Toyota, as production schedules and specifications can change.