The 2027 Toyota Highlander enters a new generation as Toyota’s first three-row battery-electric SUV for the U.S. market. Available in XLE and Limited trims, it combines seating for up to seven, flexible cargo space, standard Toyota Safety Sense™ 4.0, and multiple battery and drivetrain options. Unlike gasoline-powered competitors such as the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade, the Highlander delivers quiet electric performance without routine fuel stops. It adds a third row and seating for up to seven, distinguishing it from Toyota’s smaller bZ and RAV4 SUVs.
For Brunswick-area families, commuters, and coastal travelers, the Highlander adapts to a variety of lifestyles. The cabin easily handles carpools, work equipment, groceries, or luggage for a weekend on Jekyll Island, while available all-wheel drive adds confidence during coastal rain. Visit I-95 Toyota of Brunswick to compare the XLE and Limited and find the battery, drivetrain, and features that best fit your daily routine.
The 2027 Toyota Highlander offers three rows of seating for up to seven passengers when equipped with the available second-row bench seat on the XLE AWD. Standard second-row captain’s chairs create an easy path to the third row, while electronically assisted one-touch folding simplifies rear-seat access. The third row is designed to comfortably seat two adults, and multiple LATCH locations plus a standard rear-seat reminder support family travel.
Every trim includes SofTex®-trimmed upholstery, soft-touch cabin materials, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and customizable 64-color ambient lighting. The Limited adds ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, rear sunshades, and unique texture seating patterns on the upholstery. Rear climate controls let second-row passengers adjust their own comfort, making it easier to satisfy different temperature preferences.
The Highlander offers 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 45.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 80 cubic feet with both rear rows lowered. USB-C ports in all three rows, dual Qi-compatible wireless charging trays, 18 cupholders, and dedicated device storage help keep passengers and everyday gear organized.
The redesigned Highlander features a lower roofline, wider body, longer wheelbase, and wheels positioned closer to the corners for a confident stance without reducing passenger space. Toyota’s hammerhead-inspired front fascia, slim full-width LED daytime running lights, broad fenders, and sculpted bodywork create a modern look. Semi-flush electronic door handles and aerodynamic underbody panels improve efficiency, while acoustic windshield and front-door glass help reduce wind and road noise.
A hands-free power liftgate comes standard for easier cargo loading when your hands are full. Available two-tone paint pairs select body colors with a black roof, while Toyota’s largest available fixed panoramic roof brightens all three rows with natural light. XLE models ride on 19-inch wheels with aerodynamic covers, while the Limited offers available 22-inch wheels. An indicator within the full-width LED headlights can display the vehicle’s approximate state of charge at a glance.
Available exterior colors include:
Every 2027 Toyota Highlander uses a battery-electric powertrain, eliminating the need to choose between a traditional engine or transmission. Electric motors deliver immediate torque for smooth, responsive acceleration. Front-wheel-drive XLE models produce 221 net combined horsepower and 198 lb.-ft. of torque, while electronic all-wheel-drive XLE and Limited models generate 338 net combined horsepower using front and rear electric motors.
The XLE is available with front-wheel drive or electronic all-wheel drive, while the Limited comes exclusively with all-wheel drive. AWD models also include Multi-Terrain Select and CRAWL Control for added traction on loose or slippery surfaces. A battery mounted beneath the cabin lowers the center of gravity for more composed handling, while steering-wheel-mounted regenerative-braking controls let drivers adjust deceleration when lifting off the accelerator.
The smaller battery may suit drivers whose routines center on brief commutes, errands, and predictable home charging. Buyers who regularly travel between Brunswick, Savannah, and Jacksonville may prefer the 95.8-kWh battery’s longer manufacturer-estimated range. Actual range will vary with driving style, weather, speed, passenger load, climate-control use, and other conditions.
Key charging highlights include:
Available vehicle-to-load capability lets the Highlander power compatible external devices when equipped with the necessary bidirectional accessories. That can be useful for outdoor activities or as a supplemental power source during a coastal storm-related outage. Toyota has not announced towing or payload ratings for the 2027 Highlander, so shoppers should not assume specifications from the previous gasoline model carry over to this all-electric generation.
A standard 14-inch touchscreen houses the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system with a smartphone-inspired interface and customizable home-screen widgets. Physical climate controls remain for quick adjustments without navigating menus. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster displays speed, range, navigation, and driver-assistance information, while an available head-up display projects key driving data into the driver’s line of sight. Turn-by-turn navigation can also appear within the digital instrument cluster.
Notable technology features include:
The integrated drive recorder uses the Highlander’s exterior cameras to capture manually selected or triggered events, functioning much like a built-in dash camera. Digital Key lets owners lock, unlock, start, and operate the vehicle through a compatible smartphone or wearable device, with shared access available for additional drivers. The Toyota app can display charging status, start or stop charging sessions, and manage charging schedules when the vehicle is plugged in.
An available 11-speaker JBL® premium audio system with a subwoofer and amplifier delivers richer sound, while front wireless charging trays and USB-C ports in every row help keep multiple devices powered throughout the drive.
Every 2027 Toyota Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense™ 4.0, Toyota’s latest standard driver-assistance suite. Updated cameras, radar sensors, and enhanced detection capabilities help monitor surrounding traffic, lane markings, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and certain road signs. These systems can provide alerts, steering assistance, or braking support under appropriate conditions but do not replace attentive driving.
The Highlander also features Toyota’s Star Safety System™, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Safe Exit Assist, a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, and direct tire-pressure monitoring. Safe Exit Assist can warn occupants of approaching traffic before a door is opened, adding confidence when parking along busy streets or in crowded lots.
Notable Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 features include:
Limited models expand the available assistance technology with:
The 2027 Toyota Highlander offers a compelling combination of three-row versatility, all-electric capability, and the long-term value Toyota drivers expect. If you’re narrowing your options for your next family SUV or preparing to make the switch to electric driving, the Highlander is well worth a closer look.
Visit I-95 Toyota of Brunswick to compare the XLE and Limited, ask questions about charging and ownership, and schedule a test drive. Our team can help you find the Highlander configuration that best fits your lifestyle, daily commute, and budget.
Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.
* Bluetooth® word marks and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Toyota is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage, and carrier.
* All fuel economy mpg listings in the content above are manufacturer estimates. Actual mileage will vary.
** Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program (NHTSA.gov)
