Family driving gets a major upgrade with the 2027 Toyota Highlander.
Toyota completely reimagined this midsize SUV, giving it a new, head-turning look with the everyday practicality you’ve come to expect. One of the biggest changes? Gas models have been discontinued, and every Highlander will now be equipped with an advanced all-electric powertrain. As Toyota’s first U.S.-assembled three-row battery electric vehicle, the 2027 Highlander just might change the family SUV game.
Interested? Here are the key things to know about the new Toyota Highlander SUV.
Eye-Catching Style: Exterior Design & SUV Presence
The 2027 Highlander has a sharp exterior that is both bold and aerodynamic. Clean lines run the length of the body, while broad fenders and semi-flush door handles give it a modern, sculpted profile.
Functional design decisions reinforce the visual impact. Full-length LED daytime running lights stretch across the front fascia, adding a distinctive signature that’s as practical as it is striking. Every exterior detail, from the body creases to the handle placements, serves a purpose, giving it a confident look.
Toyota Highlander Performance & Power: BEV Efficiency Meets Capability
The 2027 Highlander runs on a standard battery electric powertrain and comes in two grades: XLE and Limited. Each model caters to different driving needs and lifestyles.
XLE Grade
- Front-wheel drive is standard, with electronic AWD available as an upgrade.
- 77.0-kWh battery comes standard, while AWD models can opt for the 95.8-kWh extended-range battery.
Limited Grade
- AWD only, with the 95.8-kWh battery standard across the board.
- Extended-range AWD models deliver an estimated 320-mile driving range.
- AWD models include Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for capable, confident off-road performance.
The electric platform offers benefits like a low center of gravity, instant torque delivery, and a notably quiet, smooth ride.
Power & Torque
- AWD – 338 net combined horsepower with 198 lb.-ft (front) and 125 lb.-ft (rear) of torque.
- FWD – 221 net combined horsepower with 198 lb.-ft of torque.
Whether you’re driving around Rocky Mount or tackling rougher terrain, the 2027 Highlander offers impressive range with punchy, responsive performance, proving that efficiency and capability don’t have to be a trade-off.
High-Tech Comfort & Safety: Inside the Cabin
One of the things that solidifies the Toyota Highlander as a family SUV is the fact that the interior is built around the people inside it.
The spacious three-row layout seats up to seven passengers, with SofTex®-trimmed seating, soft-touch materials on the dash and doors, and heated front seats all standard. Optional upgrades like ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats take comfort to the next level, while the available panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with natural light. When you need the space, the third row folds flat, opening up over 45 cubic feet of cargo room.
When it comes to tech and safety, the Highlander is well-equipped across every grade:
- A 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver display offer a clean, intuitive interface powered by the standard Toyota Audio Multimedia system.
- Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) is standard on all trims, providing the latest in active safety and driver-assist technology.
- Customizable ambient lighting and multiple device charging points throughout the cabin keep everyone connected and comfortable.
- Rear window shades and other thoughtful premium touches round out an exceptional passenger experience.
Whether you’re in charge of school drop-off or heading out on a family road trip, the Highlander’s cabin makes it easy for everyone to stay comfortable, connected, and safe.
Find Your New SUV at your Toyota SUV Dealership in Rocky Mount, NC!
The 2027 Highlander is scheduled to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027, and we can’t wait to have this new model on our lot!
In the meantime, check out our selection of new Toyota Highlander SUVs for sale! Our team is here to help you find the perfect Toyota for your lifestyle and budget, so visit us today to get started!
Shop Toyota Highlander Inventory