Toyota is refuting a report claiming that it’s pushing back the launch of its first three-row electric SUV, the Highlander EV, again.
Toyota’s 3-row Highlander EV put on the back burner
Update 9/3/2026: A Toyota US spokesperson told CarScoops that the Highlander EV launch has not changed from 2027, as announced in July.
With the updated 2027 bZ, C-HR, and bZ Woodland, Toyota now offers three electric SUVs in the US.
The 2027 Highlander BEV was initially set to launch by the end of the year, adding a fourth to its lineup, but buyers will have to wait a bit longer.
As Nikkei reported on Wednesday, Toyota is pushing back the launch of the all-electric Highlander until “2027 or later,” a further delay from just a few months ago.
Production is also expected to be delayed by several months at Toyota’s manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, which was initially planned to begin in the second half of 2026.
The Nikkei report also claimed that Toyota has already notified its suppliers about the changed timeline. Production is expected to begin in January 2027 at the earliest.
While we knew the three-row electric SUV was being delayed, the latest report suggests it could arrive even later than expected. A company spokesperson told Cars.com in July that the delay was to allow for “additional adjustments,” and that it would be at least eight weeks, or still early 2027.
The latest Nikkei report suggests it could be even longer, with the launch now being delayed until “2027 or later.”
In the meantime, Toyota will continue building the current 2026 Highlander, which is available as a gas and hybrid vehicle.
Toyota has yet to confirm the details, including a new launch or production start date for the electric Highlander. The delay only affects the EV variant. The gas and hybrid Highlander models are expected to remain available at dealerships well into 2027.
The Subaru Getaway, built on the same TNGA-K EV platform, has also been delayed. Subaru’s three-row electric SUV will be produced alongside the Highlander EV at Toyota’s Kentucky facility.
When the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV goes on sale, it will be available in two trims: Limited or XLE, with front- and all-wheel-drive powertrain options.
2027 Toyota Highlander EV trim |
Battery Pack | Driving Range |
| XLE FWD | 77 kWh | 287 miles |
| XLE AWD | 77 kWh | 270 miles |
| XLE AWD | 95.8 kWh | 320 miles |
| Limited AWD | 95.8 kWh | 320 miles |
Toyota will offer two battery packs: 77 kWh or 95.8 kWh. The former provides up to 287 miles of range, while the latter gets up to 320 miles in the FWD configuration.
Inside, the three-row electric SUV features Toyota’s new Audio Multimedia System with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The setup includes a new 12.3″ instrument cluster and 14″ central infotainment touchscreen.
Electrek’s Take
Given Toyota’s past, it’s no surprise to see the electric Highlander get put on the back burner. What is a surprise, however, is how much better Toyota’s first electric SUV, the bZ (formerly the bZ4X), is selling this year.
After introducing the updated bZ in late 2025, Toyota’s electric SUV has suddenly become one of America’s best-selling electric vehicles. In the first half of 2026, the bZ was the fourth most popular EV in the US after sales surged 90% from the year prior.
With some of the same improvements introduced in the bZ, Toyota’s electric Highlander would likely find its market in the US. By delaying it, even until just 2027, Toyota is only opening the door for rival brands like Hyundai and Kia to take advantage.
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