LAC BEAUPORT, QUE. — The 2027 Toyota Highlander, the more-posh Lexus TZ, and Subaru's version called the Getaway make up the trident with which Toyota is taking on the three-row EV segment. Based on our first hands-on look at the new Highlander, Toyota's about to do some damage.
The big deal here is the growth spurt. The 2027 Highlander is larger in every single dimension except height compared to the previous-gen Highlander. The new one is 1.4 inches longer and 1.3 inches wider overall. The biggest gains are between the wheels; Toyota stretched the new Highlander's wheelbase to 120.1 inches, an increase of almost eight inches. Curiously, the 2027 Highlander is shorter by about an inch.
Meeting the new Highlander in person this week, the beefed-up dimensions and angular styling give it an appropriately modern look. The daytime running lights follow Toyota's "Hammerhead" look, and the 22-inch wheels on the pre-production model at which we poked-and-prodded filled the fenders quite nicely. Down the side and around the back, the 2027 Highlander's roofline appears sleeker and surfaces appear smoother, and finishes off with everyone's favourite tail light treatment—a lightbar.
Inside, the 2027 Highlander is a big step up over the old one. Materials look good and feel upscale, the two-tone dash adds a nice visual pop, and the twin screens bring the Highlander's infotainment experience into the 21st century. The 14-inch touchscreen is augmented by a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, running the same software we experienced in the RAV4 and flanked with two sneaky rows of physical switchgear.
The dual wireless charger centre console mimics the bZ, and the wheelbase stretch really does translate to appreciably more legroom especially in the second row; the third row is a little easier to access, but still best reserved for occasional trips. Or kids.
The other big deal with the 2027 Highander is that it's now fully electric. It's based on a heavily modified version of Toyota's TNGA-K platform — the same one underpinning the Grand Highlander — but adapted to accomodate a fully electric powertrain. The Highlander EV will be available with either a 77 or a 95.8 kWh battery pack, depending on the trim level. Toyota says these batteries are beefy enough to support vehicle-to-load charging, meaning you can power appliances while glamping or even your home during a blackout for a short time.
And depending on the trim level, the 2027 Highlander puts out 221 or 338 horsepower — though the Subaru Getaway and Lexus TZ pack 420 hp — and range is rated up to 511 kilometres. It also uses a NACS port; plug into a Tesla Supercharger and if the stars align, you may see a 10-to-80 per cent charge in about half an hour. We'll have real driving impressions when we get behind the wheel in the next few months.
Toyota will announce pricing of the 2027 Highlander closer to its on-sale date of this fall. Until then, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9 can continue ruling the three-row EV roost.
