Toyota has confirmed its reengineering plan for one of its bestseller models. The automaker has taken a decisive step to make the Toyota Highlander a fully electric three-row SUV. This will be a turning point for one of America’s best-selling family vehicles.
Why the Toyota Highlander Is Going Electric
According to Kelly Blue Book, an American vehicle valuation and automotive research company, the standard Highlander has seen its sales drop by 50% last year. This is despite it being a cornerstone of Toyota’s SUV lineup. Meanwhile, its counterpart, the Grand Highlander, has seen its sales increase by about 19.7% since its launch in 2023.
The decline in sales is an indicator of a growing consumer preference for more space, comfort, and premium features. The reengineering plan to make it fully electric is part of a larger plan to make it more desirable and competitive in the SUV market. The Highlander EV is also an indicator of Toyota’s ability to adopt fast to changing market trends.
When the Highlander EV Will Arrive
Toyota has announced its plans to consolidate production of EVs at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant and make it the hub for both the Highlander EV and the yet-to-be-named three-row electric SUV. Its earlier plans were to build a new EV in Indiana, but that plant will now focus on expanding the production of the Grand Highlander.
It is expected that a larger three-row Toyota EV could debut by late 2025. The Toyota Highlander EV will launch in 2026, but probably as a 2027 model year vehicle.
Platform and Engineering Details
Toyota’s main aim is to deliver a family electric SUV that can rival the likes of Kia, Cadillac, Hyundai, and others. However, the company has not yet confirmed if the Highlander EV will use an all-new platform or adopt its TNGA-K architecture. This platform has been used in hybrid and electric models like the Lexus ES.
Competition in the Electric SUV Market
Models like Audi, Cadillac, Dodge, Kia, and Hyundai are all producing new EVs and aiming to capture buyers as well. Toyota is betting the Highlander EV will stand out in this crowded field, especially because of its reliability and affordability.
Additionally, Toyota has announced that it plans to release seven new SUVs by 2027, with the Highlander EV being a cornerstone in its push towards electrification.
Why the Highlander EV Could be a Smarter Choice for Today’s Customers
The upcoming Toyota Highlander EV could be a smarter choice for today’s customers and more specifically for families because of these features:
- Strong range- The new batteries in the Toyota Highlander could allow 360-520 miles per charge. This feature will make it practical for longer trips for everyday use and family trips.
- Lower costs- the vehicle comes with lower costs because it requires no fuel, has zero tailpipe emissions, and requires less minimal maintenance.
- To make it even more sustainable, the Highlander EV will have eco-friendly features that make it pairable with home solar panels and a dedicated charger. This will cut costs further and enable owners to charge it using clean energy and reduce overreliance on public charging.
What’s Next for Toyota’s SUV Lineup
While the Highlander EV prepares for its debut, the Grand Highlander will continue with the gasoline-powered engine and receive a facelift in 2027. The double approach allows Toyota to meet the diverse needs of its customers.
Conclusion
The Toyota Highlander EV is a bold reengineering move by Toyota to reclaim its presence in the three-row SUV market. With the gas-powered Highlander lagging amid intensifying competition, the new Highlander EV could grant Toyota the much-needed lead in the electric SUV era.