Powertrain
Battery-Electric Highlander
Every 2027 Highlander uses a battery-electric powertrain, making this the first fully electric Highlander and Toyota’s first three-row BEV for the U.S. market.
2027 Toyota Highlander Preview • Updated September 2026
What North Jersey Drivers Should Know About the All-New 2027 Toyota Highlander
Toyota has completely reimagined the Highlander for 2027. The new generation becomes Toyota’s first three-row battery-electric vehicle for the U.S. market while preserving the passenger and cargo flexibility that has made the Highlander a family-focused SUV.
This guide from Paul Miller Toyota focuses only on information Toyota has officially confirmed, including drivetrain choices, seating, charging, cabin technology and expected availability.
Quick Answer
What changes for the 2027 Highlander?
Almost everything. Toyota has confirmed a new battery-electric Highlander with three-row seating, XLE and Limited grades, available front- or all-wheel drive, a standard 14-inch touchscreen, native NACS charging and Toyota Safety Sense 4.0.
Verified Updates
What Toyota Has Officially Confirmed
Toyota has published substantial U.S.-market information for the 2027 Highlander, so shoppers can evaluate the new generation without relying on rumors or third-party predictions.
Drivetrain
Front- or All-Wheel Drive
XLE will be offered with front-wheel drive or electronic all-wheel drive. Limited uses electronic all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
Passenger Space
Three Rows for Up to Seven
The redesigned Highlander retains three-row seating and can accommodate up to seven passengers when equipped with the available second-row bench.
Technology
New Digital Cabin
A 14-inch center touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster are standard, along with Toyota Audio Multimedia and Toyota Safety Sense 4.0.
Powertrain Technology
An Electric Highlander for the First Time
The move to battery-electric power is the defining change for 2027. Instead of choosing between gasoline and hybrid configurations, shoppers will choose among electric drivetrain and grade combinations.
Electronic all-wheel drive will be available on XLE and standard on Limited. Toyota also confirms Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for AWD models, adding useful vehicle-control settings beyond normal pavement driving.
North Jersey consideration
Available AWD may appeal to drivers who regularly encounter rain, snow and changing road conditions around Morris, Essex and Passaic counties.
Three-Row Utility
Family Space Remains a Core Highlander Strength
Toyota changed the propulsion system without abandoning the everyday flexibility expected from a Highlander.
Seating
Up to Seven
An available second-row bench expands passenger capacity to seven.
Cargo
Flexible Rear Storage
Toyota reports more than 45 cubic feet behind the second row with the third row folded.
Comfort
Available Premium Features
Limited adds features such as ventilated front seats and heated second-row seating.
Charging & Electric Utility
NACS Charging and Vehicle-to-Load Capability
Toyota has confirmed two features that directly affect how owners can use the Highlander’s battery.
The 2027 Highlander includes a native North American Charging System port for compatibility with a broad network of supported DC fast-charging stations. Toyota also confirms an 11-kW onboard AC charger and a dual-voltage charging cable.
Bidirectional Vehicle-to-Load capability allows the battery to provide power to compatible external devices with appropriate equipment, adding utility for recreation, equipment use or certain backup-power situations.
Making the Right Choice
Choose a Current Highlander or Wait for 2027?
The biggest deciding factor is whether you want a gasoline or hybrid Highlander now, or specifically want the new battery-electric generation.
Path A
Shop a Current Highlander
- You need a vehicle from current inventory.
- You prefer an established gasoline or hybrid configuration.
- You want to test drive the exact vehicle before deciding.
- You are not ready to move to a fully electric SUV.
Path B
Wait for the 2027 Highlander
- You specifically want a three-row electric Toyota.
- You want the redesigned cabin and technology.
- Native NACS charging matters to you.
- You are comfortable waiting for local inventory to arrive.
Shopping Resources
Research Your Next Toyota at Paul Miller Toyota
Highlander Inventory
Compare current Highlander models available in Pine Brook.
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Ask about current Highlanders or future 2027 availability.
Contact Paul Miller ToyotaCommon Questions
2027 Toyota Highlander FAQs
These answers reflect Toyota information available as of September 2026.
Is the 2027 Toyota Highlander fully electric?
Yes. Toyota has confirmed a battery-electric powertrain across the redesigned 2027 Highlander lineup.
Does the 2027 Highlander still have three rows?
Yes. The Highlander retains three-row seating and can seat up to seven with the available second-row bench.
Will the 2027 Highlander offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. Electronic all-wheel drive is available on XLE and standard on Limited.
Does the 2027 Highlander use NACS charging?
Yes. Toyota confirms a native NACS charging port for DC fast-charging compatibility.
When is the 2027 Toyota Highlander expected to arrive?
Toyota says sales are expected to begin in late 2026 and continue into early 2027. Local inventory timing will vary.
Paul Miller Toyota • Pine Brook, NJ
Shop a Highlander Today or Follow the 2027 Model
Browse current Highlander inventory or contact Paul Miller Toyota for updates as the all-new 2027 Highlander approaches dealership arrival.
Research note: Details reflect Toyota’s official U.S. information available as of September 2026. Equipment and dealership arrival timing may change. All vehicle images on this page show a 2026 Toyota Highlander from the approved TVM MRP image library and are provided for reference only.