Toyota’s Next Big Thing: Why The 2027 Grand Highlander EV Could Revolutionize Family EVs

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2027 Grand Highlander EV

The automotive landscape is rapidly electrifying, and families across the USA increasingly seek spacious, capable, and eco-conscious vehicles.

Enter the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander EV, a highly anticipated entrant into the burgeoning three-row electric SUV segment.

While official “reviews” are still a couple of years down the road, Toyota’s strategic announcements and the existing Grand Highlander’s impressive blueprint allow us to paint a compelling picture of what this family EV flagship could offer.

For American drivers looking to combine Toyota’s legendary reliability with zero-emission sustainable motoring, the Toyota Grand Highlander EV is shaping up to be a game-changer.

Toyota has been vocal about its accelerated EV plans, with a significant push towards launching a diverse range of electric vehicles by 2027.

Crucially, this includes a three-row electric SUV slated for production in the United States starting in 2026.

This timeline perfectly aligns with the potential arrival of a 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander EV, leveraging a nameplate already synonymous with space, comfort, and family-friendly features.

Powering the Future: Expected EV Powertrain, Range, and Charging

The heart of any Toyota EV is its powertrain, and for a vehicle, the size of the Grand Highlander, performance, and EV range are paramount. We anticipate the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander EV will feature a state-of-the-art EV Powertrain built upon an evolution of Toyota’s e-TNGA platform or an entirely new dedicated architecture for large electric SUVs.

Key expectations for performance:

Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Standard or widely available, providing confident traction in diverse American weather conditions and the instant torque characteristic of electric motors for brisk acceleration, even when fully loaded.
Competitive Power Output: While specific numbers are speculative, expect horsepower and torque figures that make the Toyota Grand Highlander EV feel responsive and capable for highway merging and city driving. The current Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX offers 362 horsepower, a benchmark Toyota might aim to meet or exceed for smooth, effortless power.
Impressive EV Range: Toyota is targeting significant advancements in battery technology. By 2027, we could see the “Popularization” LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries offering over 370 miles (600 km) of range. There’s also the exciting prospect of Toyota’s “Performance“ batteries (pegged for 2026 introduction) aiming for nearly 500 miles (800 km), or even early versions of their “High-Performance“ batteries, potentially including solid-state batteries, pushing range well beyond 500 miles and drastically reducing charging times. For a large electric SUV designed for family road trips, a real-world range exceeding 300-350 miles on a single charge will be a critical selling point.
Advanced Fast Charging: Toyota is aiming for fast charging capabilities that would allow their “Performance“batteries to charge from 10% to 80% in around 20 minutes. Their LFP batteries are also expected to offer 40% faster charging than the current bZ4X. This commitment to reducing downtime will be essential for families on the go.

Design: Familiar Grandeur, Electric Innovation

The current Toyota Grand Highlander is praised for its purposeful and handsome styling. The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander EV will likely retain the core DNA that makes its gasoline counterpart appealing – a commanding presence, ample interior volume, and practical dimensions – while incorporating EV-specific design cues.

Expect a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile to maximize efficiency. This could include a closed-off grille (as cooling needs are different for EVs), uniquely styled LED lighting signatures, and aerodynamically optimized wheels.

The focus will be on blending futuristic touches with the robust, family-ready aesthetic that USA buyers appreciate in a large electric SUV.

Interior: The Sanctuary of Space and Technology Reimagined

The “Grand“ in Grand Highlander signifies its spacious interior, especially its adult-friendly third row and generous cargo capacity.

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander EV is expected to capitalize on the packaging advantages of an electric platform – a flat floor, potentially a longer wheelbase relative to its overall length – to offer even more impressive interior volume and versatility.

Seating for Seven or Eight: Flexible seating configurations will cater to larger families.
Premium and Sustainable Materials: Aligning with the EV ethos, expect an increased use of high-quality, sustainable, and recycled materials throughout the cabin without compromising on a premium feel.
Next-Generation Infotainment: A large, intuitive touchscreen interface with Toyota’s latest multimedia system will be central. Enhanced connectivity, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and seamless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto) will be standard.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander EV will undoubtedly feature the latest iteration of Toyota Safety Sense. This suite will likely include more advanced capabilities such as improved lane-keeping, next-generation adaptive cruise control, and potentially hands-free driving assistance features for highway use.
Digital Cockpit and Head-Up Display: A fully digital instrument cluster and an expansive head-up display will provide drivers with all necessary information in a clear and accessible manner.

Riding the Wave: Market Positioning and Competition

The three-row electric SUV market is heating up. By 2027, the Toyota Grand Highlander EV will contend with established and upcoming models like the Kia EV9, Hyundai IONIQ 7 (expected), Rivian R1S, Volvo EX90, and offerings from Ford, GM, and Volkswagen.

Toyota’s strategy will likely focus on its traditional strengths:

Reliability and Durability: A core Toyota promise that will extend to its EV components.
Strong Resale Value: Historically, Toyota has had an advantage.
Extensive Dealer Network: Providing widespread service and support across the USA.
Competitive Pricing: While premium features will be present, Toyota will aim to position the Grand Highlander EV competitively within the large electric SUV segment. Pricing will likely start above its hybrid counterparts, reflecting the advanced battery technology, but should offer strong value considering the features and capabilities.

Why the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander EV Matters

The introduction of a Toyota Grand Highlander EV would be a significant step in Toyota’s electrification journey.

It signifies a commitment to bringing EV technology to one of its most popular and family-oriented segments.

For American consumers, it means a trusted brand delivering a vehicle that meets the demands of modern family life while embracing sustainable motoring.

This electric SUV will not just be about practicality; it will represent Toyota’s vision for the future of family transportation – quiet, smooth, technologically advanced, and environmentally conscious, all wrapped in a package that understands the needs of a USA household.

Looking Ahead

While we eagerly await official specifications and the first driving impressions, the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander EV is shaping up to be a formidable contender.

Based on Toyota’s ambitious EV roadmap, its advancements in battery technology, and the inherent strengths of the Grand Highlander nameplate, this electric SUV has the potential to become a leader in its class.

It’s a vehicle that promises to take everything families love about the Grand Highlander and elevate it with the exciting benefits of electric power. Keep an eye out as Toyota continues to unveil its electric future; the Grand Highlander EV is undoubtedly a highlight to anticipate.

Release Date for the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander EV

Production Start: Toyota has confirmed it will begin producing a new three-row electric SUV at its U.S. plants (Kentucky and Indiana) starting in 2026 (Sources 1.1, 3.1, 5.1).
Market Arrival: Vehicles that begin production in one year are often released for the following model year. Therefore, a 2027 model year designation for this three-row EV is plausible.
Likely Launch Window: This suggests the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander EV (or the similarly sized three-row electric SUV Toyota launches) could become available for purchase in late 2026 or early 2027.
Important Note: There have been mentions of the U.S.-built three-row electric SUV production being pushed back from an earlier 2025 target to the first half of 2026, potentially hitting the market in late 2026 as a 2027 model (Source 5.3). Timelines in the automotive industry can shift due to various factors.

While there isn’t an officially announced “Grand Highlander EV“ nameplate yet, the planned three-row electric SUV from Toyota aligns perfectly with the Grand Highlander’s market segment.

Price for the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander EV

No Official Price Yet: It’s important to state upfront that Toyota has not released any official pricing for a future Grand Highlander EV. Any figures at this stage are purely estimates.
Reference Current Grand Highlander:
- The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander (gasoline) starts around $40,860 MSRP (Source 2.2, 2.3).
- The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid starts around $44,210 MSRP and can go up toapproximately $58,775 MSRP for the top-tier Hybrid MAX Platinum trim (Source 2.1, 4.1).
EV Premium: Electric vehicles, especially those with large battery packs capable of providing substantial range for a three-row SUV, generally carry a price premium over their gasoline or hybrid counterparts. This is due to battery costs and advanced technology.
Competitor Pricing: Consider the pricing of existing or upcoming electric three-row SUVs like the Kia EV9 (which starts in the mid-$50,000s and goes up) or the Volvo EX90 (which starts significantly higher).
Estimated Range: Given these factors, it’s reasonable to speculate that a 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander EV could have a starting MSRP in the mid-to-high $50,000s for a base model. Higher trims with more range, features, and potentially more powerful motors could easily reach into the $60,000s or even the low $70,000s.

It’s crucial to remember that these are educated guesses based on current trends and announcements. As Toyota releases more official information closer to the launch date, we will have a much clearer picture of the exact release schedule and pricing for their exciting new three-row electric SUV.