Embrace the Future: The 2027 Highlander EV – Power, Redesigned, and Electrified
From Gasoline to Grid: The Powertrain Evolution
The previous generations of the Highlander offered robust powertrain options. The outgoing gasoline model, equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generated 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Its hybrid counterpart, slightly less potent, produced a combined 243 horsepower from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors, also featuring all-wheel drive but utilizing a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The 2027 Highlander EV takes a different route, standardizing front-wheel drive. It draws its power from the same electric systems found in the Toyota bZ line. The front-wheel-drive XLE variant delivers 221 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, supported by a 77-kWh battery that offers an estimated 270 miles of range. For those seeking more power and traction, the all-wheel-drive XLE and Limited models include an additional rear electric motor, boosting the total output to 338 horsepower and 323 pound-feet of torque. These versions are equipped with a larger 96-kWh battery, extending the estimated range to an impressive 320 miles.
Redefined Proportions: A Look at the EV's Dimensions
In terms of size, the all-electric Highlander finds a unique niche between its traditional internal combustion counterparts and the more expansive Grand Highlander. The EV model features a slightly lower roofline, measuring 67.3 inches, a reduction of just under an inch. However, its width has been expanded to 78.3 inches, an increase of 2.3 inches. A more significant change is seen in the wheelbase, which has been extended by 8.1 inches, now spanning 120.1 inches. This lengthened wheelbase also contributes to the new Highlander's overall length of 198.8 inches, making it 2.6 inches shorter than its combustion engine predecessor, offering a balanced and modern stance.
Modern Comfort and Reduced Capacity: The Interior and Cargo Space
The interior of the Highlander EV showcases a modern upgrade compared to previous models. It features a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an expansive 14.0-inch touchscreen display, both surpassing the sizes offered in older versions. Convenience is enhanced with wireless charging pads and multiple USB-C ports strategically placed throughout the cabin, alongside ample cupholders, adhering to typical design expectations.
Despite the increased wheelbase, Toyota has yet to release comprehensive interior dimension details. Curiously, the new model offers less cargo space than its predecessor. With the third row in use, the 2027 Highlander provides 16 cubic feet of cargo volume, a decrease from the previous 23 cubic feet. Similarly, with the third row folded, the new EV offers 46 cubic feet, compared to the outgoing model's more generous 57 cubic feet. Notably, the electric Highlander does not feature a front trunk (frunk), despite the absence of a traditional engine, which could have provided additional storage.