Toyota Highlander (2027)

Highlander Through the Years

The Toyota Highlander has been an integral part of many families' lives for more than 25 years. First revealed at the New York International Auto Show in April 2000, the first-generation 2001 Toyota Highlander used a modified version of the same unibody platform used on the Toyota Camry. At the time, this innovation set it apart from other SUVs since a body-on-frame design was the norm for trucks and sport utility vehicles. As Toyota's first step into the midsize unibody SUV category, the Highlander had good road manners, a spacious interior, and rugged style that was appealing to customers.

The Highlander Hybrid model was revealed in 2005 for the 2006 model year and was the Toyota brand's first hybrid-powered SUV. Additionally, it was the second Toyota model after the Prius to offer a hybrid powertrain. The model quickly earned honors, like an "Automotive Excellence" award from Popular Mechanics in 2006 and a "Top Pick" from Consumer Reports in the Midsize SUV category in 2007.

The Second-Generation Highlander was introduced soon thereafter and featured a more refined exterior design, improved interior materials, and advanced safety features like a rearview camera and an optional navigation system. It was also the first generation assembled in the U.S., with Highlanders first rolling off the line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Indiana in 2009.

Over the years, the Toyota Highlander evolved in size and style and took on a refined crossover SUV appearance. The third-generation model, revealed in 2013, brought a more aggressive design and a suite of active safety technologies and advanced driver-assistance features that included Toyota Safety Sense. The fourth-generation model was revealed in 2019 with a more spacious interior, an upgraded hybrid powertrain, and accentuated body lines along the doors and fenders. The 2027 model kicks off the model's fifth generation and carries forward Highlander's push to continually evolve its style, everyday usability, elevated comfort, and efficiency.

Distinctive Design

When Toyota designers and engineers set out to reinvent Highlander as a battery electric vehicle, they wanted to make a model that captured a sense of sophisticated adventure. To achieve this, they coined the term "Best Experience Vehicle" with a focus on building a new Highlander that helps support efficient, safe and comfortable travel for the family.

"Our design mission was to create a new Highlander that pursued the robust proportions of an SUV while also capturing the sophisticated, high-tech aspects of all-electric performance," said Chief Designer Masayuki Yamada. "To accomplish that goal, we designed a model that balanced aerodynamics, interior space, and capability so it is equally suited for elegant urban or outdoor enthusiast lifestyles."

The 2027 Highlander is built on a modified Toyota Next Generation Architecture-K (TNGA-K) platform that was newly developed to house Highlander's high-capacity battery and maximize passenger space. The platform also uses underfloor covers on the front and back end to benefit underfloor airflow as well as front and rear spats to minimize air turbulence generated around the tires. Measures taken to minimize noise and vibration include noise absorbing material on the front and rear door trim, front pillar, wheel wells, roof, and underfloor. Acoustic glass on the front windshield and front side glass is also used.

Toyota's designers also changed the proportions of Highlander to achieve a modern look and confident stance by lowering its overall height and increasing its width and wheelbase. The overall height of 67.3 inches lowers the roofline by 0.8 inch versus the outgoing model; overall width increased to 78.3 inches for an added 2.3 inches; and the wheelbase becomes 120.1 inches, up from 112 inches. Altogether, the new exterior dimensions allowed designers to give the model a planted, agile appearance, with the wheels set closer to the corners, while also maximizing interior space.

From the front, the new Highlander emphasizes Toyota's signature hammerhead design with the use of slim daytime running lights (DRL) that are housed separately from the main headlights. The linear-shaped DRL is integrated into the vehicle's front end for a look that evokes strength and simplicity with broad surfaces, a thick sweptback grill, and geometric bumper corners that encompass the headlamps for a modern impression.

The sophisticated appeal continues along the side of the vehicle. The new Toyota Highlander's profile sweeps rearward from the front end through a sleek, tapered cabin with large windows. Its front and rear end have broad fenders that exude confidence and drivability. Along the side, smooth door panels complement the broad fenders to emphasize its robust image and semi-flush door handles with a newly adopted electronic latch, a rear spoiler that is smoothly integrated into the rear pillar, and black painted window trim that gives it a simple-yet-refined style.

Available exterior paint colors on the new Highlander further its expressive nature. Single tone colors include the all-new Spellbound, along with Wind Chill Pearl, Heavy Metal, Everest, Reservoir Blue, and Midnight Black Metallic. Two tone paint combinations are also available, pairing Spellbound, Wind Chill Pearl, Heavy Metal, or Everest with a black roof. Interior colors are clean and modern, with Black, Portobello, and an all-new Misty Gray available.

Elevated Interior

On the inside, the all-new Toyota Highlander aims to create a comfortable cabin by giving it an open feeling, refined comfort, and tech-forward design. The cockpit is driver-focused and centers around an LED digital gauge cluster with customizable settings, temperature controls with adjustability via hard buttons, and a large slim bezel touchscreen. A Head Up Display (HUD) is available. Ambient lighting is standard, with 64 different color choices to set the perfect mood for a night out on the town. It is also thoughtfully integrated into the Safe Exit Assist system with ambient lights on the doors that will flash in case of an issue.

Seating is made of durable materials and stylish patterns that add beauty to the interior. All grades will have new-look SofTex-trimmed seating with heated first row seating standard. The Limited grade adds unique textured patterns, front seat ventilation function, and second row heat. Second-row captain's chairs come standard, with an available bench seat for the XLE AWD grade. The third-row seat provides ample room for two adults and is easily accessible via an electronically assisted one-touch fold button on the second-row seats.

The interior space is thoughtfully fashioned to help maximize usability. The center console has a standard dual Qi wireless charging tray that is cleverly angled to prevent slipping and is trimmed in a synthetic-suede material. The USB-C chargers are also located throughout the cabin, with ports located on the rear of the front seats for second row passengers and on the rear window ledges for the third row. Rear HVAC controls, accessible on the rear of the center console, are easily within reach for second row passengers. Rear window shades are also available for a more private sense of space.

Storage is also cleverly designed. The multi-function center console features a small item storage tray, cup holders, and an under-tray storage, with the console storage box providing an additional place for valuables. Storage slots for tablets and/or phones in the standard second row console, and third row cupholders provide thoughtful places for passengers to stash electronics. Ample cup holders are placed throughout, with 18 total locations. A standard hands-free power liftgate provides easy access to the rear cargo area. When extra storage is required, folding the third-row flat is as simple as pulling a lever on the rear seats.

Electrifying Efficiency

Within the 2027 Toyota Highlander lineup, customers will be able to choose from driving range and battery options that best fit their needs, options include:

• XLE FWD with 77.0-kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 287-mile total driving range rating
• XLE AWD with 77.0-kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 270-mile total driving range rating
• XLE AWD with 95.8 -kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 320-mile total driving range rating
• Limited AWD with 95.8 -kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 320-mile total driving range rating

It will have a standard North American Charging System (NACS) port that is compatible with thousands of Level 3 DC charging stations nationwide. Under ideal conditions when using DC fast charging, it is capable of charging from 10% to 80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes. For added charging flexibility, it will also have Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging; a dual-voltage 120V/240V charging cable is included.

A Battery Preconditioning feature is also equipped. This system is designed to bring the battery to an optimal temperature for DC fast charging, which can enable faster charging. This feature can be activated manually using system settings or can be automatically activated through an active Drive Connect trial or subscription by setting the navigation system to a fast-charging station. It will also have Plug & Charge capability, an industry standard protocol that allows automatic identification, authentication, and authorization on selected charging networks, reducing the need for multiple mobile charging applications.

Advanced Technology

The 2027 Highlander also receives the latest-generation Toyota Audio Multimedia. Developed in North America in partnership with Toyota Motor North America and Toyota Connected North America, the updated infotainment system features AT&T 5G network connectivity and an intuitive, smartphone-like design that offers customizable widgets on its new home screen. It also has enhanced embedded Voice Assistant functions that enable faster responses to "Hey Toyota" prompts.

Paired with the touchscreen display, the Toyota Audio Multimedia system will provide customers with choice thanks to standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and simultaneous dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity.

The new system also has enhanced entertainment with the introduction of SiriusXM® with 360L® and newly available integrated streaming with Spotify® (separate subscriptions required). The native turn-by-turn navigation now displays full screen on the digital gauge cluster, a first for Toyota Audio Multimedia.

The 2027 Toyota Highlander also has a standard built-in Drive Recorder, a dashcam-style feature that utilizes the vehicle's exterior cameras to capture 20-second clips of both manual and triggered events when operating.

The 2027 Highlander also comes with a host of Connected Services trials that include Drive Connect with Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation with 3D Maps and Destination Assist; Safety Connect and Service Connect. Customers can also use the Toyota mobile application to stay connected to their Highlander with Remote Connect, which also enables remote charging capabilities to check charging status, start/stop charging when the vehicle is already plugged in and even edit charging schedules The Toyota app also provides an easy-to-use map to find charging station locations near you or along your route, making it easier than ever for customers to managing their charging needs.

Safety & Convenience

The 2027 Toyota Highlander comes with the recently updated Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 4.0) system. The new version of Toyota's standard active safety suite and convenience technologies brings updates to its hardware and detection capabilities and has the following features:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) is designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist and provide an audio/visual forward-collision warning under certain circumstances. If you don't react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking.
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is an adaptive cruise control system that is designed to be set at speeds above 20 mph. DRCC uses vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) detects lane markings or the road's edge at speeds above 30 mph. LDA w/SA is designed to provide an audible/visual warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If no corrective action is taken, Steering Assist is designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.
• Automatic High Beams (AHB) are designed to detect headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles. AHB automatically toggles between high and low beams as appropriate.
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) is designed to help keep the vehicle in the center of a lane. LTA assists the driver with steering control while DRCC is in use.
• Road Sign Assist (RSA) uses the forward-facing camera to recognize specific road signs such as speed limits and stop signs. RSA provides road sign information to the driver via the Multi-Information Display.
• Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) uses the vehicle's camera and radar, when system operating conditions are met, to provide gentle braking and/or steering to support driving tasks such as distance control between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle

In addition to TSS 4.0, the 2027 Highlander is equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PKSB) is also standard. Other available convenience technologies include Panoramic View Monitor and Advanced Park.

The 2027 Toyota Highlander also has great standard convenience features like a rear seat reminder system, backup camera with dynamic gridlines, smart key with push button start, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure read-out and individual tire location alert, and Hill Start Assist Control.