2027 Toyota Highlander: There are good reasons why the 2027 Toyota Highlander is one of the most trusted names in family SUVs. It has three rows of seats and a lot of cup holders, so it fits all of the family’s needs. But it’s more than simply features. The Toyota brand is known for its long-term reliability, high safety ratings, and high resale value. These things make the value proposition stronger and provide drivers peace of mind.
It also gets good gas mileage for an SUV of its size, and its long list of standard amenities now includes all-wheel drive. You might also want to think about the Highlander Hybrid, which gets better gas mileage.
2027 Toyota Highlander Reviews
The Toyota Grand Highlander has everything a family who loves to travel needs: three rows of seats for up to eight people, lots of storage capacity, comfortable seats, better-than-average fuel efficiency, enough competition, and a smooth ride.
Toyota also gives it all the important driver-assistance technologies, a simple infotainment system that works with wireless smartphone mirroring, and a lot of useful amenities, such proximity keyless entry and a power liftgate.
Some of its competitors have a lower price and a cooler style, but not many have all the features and functions that families need like this one does.
- Safe and dependable
- Value that is good for resale
2027 Toyota Highlander Report
Toyota is “rounding out the bases” by releasing a lot of new electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid cars in the next few months. Finally, the Toyota Highlander EV is here!
When will the Highlander EV come out? The Highlander and Grand Highlander are Toyota’s second and third best-selling SUVs in the US, after the RAV4. Sales of the regular Highlander have gone down, meanwhile, as more people choose the larger Grand model.
Because there is so much demand, Toyota said earlier this month that it would move EV production to its Kentucky plant to make place for the Grand Highlander.
Toyota was going to make the new electric SUV at its plant in Princeton, Indiana, but it will instead be made in Kentucky in 2028. The business is also establishing a new assembly line in Indiana to make more Grand Highlanders.
Automotive News said that Toyota will produce the new electric vehicle in Kentucky next to a bigger three-row electric SUV.
The Highlander EV is the name that Toyota will use for the three-row SUV. This is a change from the company’s present “bZ” branding strategy.
The Toyota Highlander EV is planned to be a 2027 model year car, with production set to start in late 2021. A bigger electrified SUV could perhaps come out as soon as 2025.
Toyota said in a statement that it “plans to produce two new three-row battery electric SUVs in the U.S.” as previously announced, adding it is “now assembling both vehicles at Toyota Kentucky.”
Toyota wants to release seven new electric cars in the US by mid-2027, and the Highlander EV will be one of them. The new bZ electric SUV, which used to be called the bZ4X, will come out later this year with big improvements. For example, it will have a longer driving range and NACS connectors for charging at Tesla Superchargers.
The nice people at YouTube’s AutoYa info channel have unofficially created a CGI version of the 2026 or 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander midsize three-row crossover SUV. This is long before the Japanese car company mentioned that it would get a mid-cycle facelift.
The company hasn’t even made a refresh plan for the smaller Highlander yet, and that plan is from 2019, not 2023, like the Grand Highlander!
But the hosts of the program talked about possible alterations to the 2026 or 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander, such as improvements to the inside and outside. This unauthorized, hypothetical design idea for the redesigned Grand Highlander would probably include a new hammerhead-style front fascia and more upright design elements, like side intakes that also hold LED fog lights.
The car also has C-shaped LED daytime running lights and some improvements inside, such a steering wheel that has been slightly changed and a bigger central infotainment system for the Toyota Audio System. Pixelmaster showed shown all of these changes on this channel. We also have side-by-side comparisons with the original model and a range of color selections for both the inside and outside.
2027 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
We think the 2027 Toyota Highlander will have three rows of seats. The Highlander is a medium SUV from Toyota. The first two rows are big and comfy, and they have all the driver-assistance technologies that people anticipate. The third row is only for youngsters. The 265-hp turbo-four engine under the hood gives it enough power, but not too much. The fuel economy isn’t significantly worse than that of other three-row SUVs.
The cabin is likewise peaceful and well-furnished, and depending on the model, Toyota can seat seven or eight people. The Highlander has a higher base price than many of its competitors, and its performance isn’t as good. This is because the entry-level model and front-wheel-drive versions will no longer be made after 2026. The Highlander Hybrid (reviewed separately) is a better choice for people who want greater gas mileage, but it costs more.
The base LE model is no longer offered, and all-wheel drive is now standard.
The 2025 Highlander comes with either a standard gasoline engine or a hybrid engine. We’ll talk about the Highlander Hybrid separately. This gas-powered variant has a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.
The Highlander isn’t the most fun car to drive, but it handles like a family car should: solid and predictable. Plus, it has the smooth ride comfort that most people like.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid costs between $48,990 and $56,645, depending on the grade and features you choose.
2027 Toyota Highlander Exterior
The outside of the Toyota Highlander is a wonderful mix of style and strength, and it still seems like a luxury car. This SUV is made for families and doesn’t need a big grille, rough tires, or too much chrome.
2027 Toyota Highlander Interior
All Toyota Highlander models have three rows of seats and can hold seven or eight people. The XLE and Limited trims can have seven or eight different seating arrangements. The XSE and Platinum models only have second-row captain’s chairs, therefore they can only hold seven people.
There was a lot of room in the first two rows (front: 42 inches; second row: 38.7 inches). The third row, on the other hand, doesn’t have much legroom, with only 28 inches, which is far less than competitors like the Chevy Traverse and Honda Pilot. The third row of the Highlander is great for tiny kids. There are three seats in the third row, but even if all of them are filled with kids, the back seat still feels small.
The good news is that the Grand Highlander and the Highlander are both on display in the same showroom. The third row is much more adult-friendly, which is one of the key factors that makes it so “grand.” The Highlander has a lot more space, with an extra 5.5 inches of legroom in the third row.
When the LE trim is no longer available, Toyota’s SofTex fake leather becomes standard while real leather is available as an option. A power-adjustable driver’s seat, a hands-free power tailgate, and a wireless phone charging pad are all standard features. High-end models come with high-end features including heated and cooled front seats, a digital rearview mirror, and a 10-inch head-up display (HUD).
The Toyota Highlander has 16 cubic feet of space behind the back seats for strollers, groceries, sports equipment, and other items. If you fold down the back seats, you get 48.4 cubic feet of space. If you fold down the second-row seats, you get 84.3 cubic feet of space. In this group, these are average trunk sizes. The Grand Highlander has 20.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row and an amazing 97.5 cubic feet of space when all the back seats are folded down.
The driver’s seat is well-shaped and will keep you comfortable for hours. The dashboard and center console are a little crowded, but they contain handy storage spaces and all the buttons are simple to reach.
The number of seats depends on whether purchasers choose a trim with captain’s chairs or a second-row bench. However, all Grand Highlanders can comfortably fit at least seven passengers. There is enough of headroom and legroom in the back for people who are up to six feet tall.
Adults can use Wayback. The smaller Highlander is not the same.
When all the back seats are folded down, the Grand Highlander has almost the same amount of cargo space as the Sienna minivan (98 cubic feet vs. 101 cubic feet). Even with the third row down, there is still a lot of room for cargo: 21 cubic feet.
Tech
All Grand Highlanders that are not hybrids come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen for entertainment that runs the newest software from Toyota. The baseline features include a 7.0-inch instrument panel display and a six-speaker audio system. The Limited and Platinum variants add a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL stereo. All trims of the Toyota, except the base model, come with a wireless charging pad for smartphones.
12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment
Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all wireless connections.
Audio System: 6-speaker stereo is standard, while an 11-speaker JBL stereo is an option.
2027 Toyota Highlander Features
An electric suitcase door that opens and closes by itself
You don’t have to reach for the Highlander’s tailgate anymore. This family SUV is quite useful because it has an electric tailgate that you can open and close without having to touch it when you’re busy hauling groceries or kids.
Smartphones can connect to the internet without wires.
You don’t need a cable to use your phone’s features in your car if you have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
A lot of USB ports
This has become an important function in family cars to make sure all of their devices are completely charged. There are five batteries in the Highlander.
2.5 Safety Sense from Toyota
We have always liked that Toyota doesn’t charge extra for features that help keep drivers safe and engaged. The Highlander has driver-assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing aid, and even monitoring for blind spots.
Two screens, each 12.3 inches
The Limited and Platinum trims come with this high-tech dual-screen display as standard. There are two screens: one controls the infotainment features and the other is a digital driver’s display that can be changed to fit different driving modes.
14 places to put cups
We realize that the Toyota Highlander has a lot of cup holders, which means we have to stop for the bathroom more often on lengthy drives. But that’s a tiny price to pay for a family that stays hydrated.
2027 Toyota Highlander Engine
The Toyota Highlander has an 8-speed automated transmission and all-wheel drive. It gets its power from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 265 horsepower. We didn’t miss the old V6 engine that used to power this family SUV when we test drove the Highlander with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It had amazing power and torque.
We think the 2027 Toyota Highlander will still be a pleasant and reliable family car, no matter what engine it has. It can easily and confidently handle all kinds of terrain. The sport-tuned suspension on the Highlander XSE model makes it a little stiffer for people who prefer to corner at fast speeds.
The Highlander can tow up to 2,400 kg and has a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission that Toyota has tested and found to be reliable. The standard all-wheel drive system makes the SUV more stable and responsive in all kinds of weather. Dynamic Torque Vectoring on higher trims makes it even more stable and responsive.
- Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 265 horsepower turbocharging
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive system: all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive
2027 Toyota Highlander Payload
Its maximum payload is around the same as the maximum towing capability of other three-row SUVs, like the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and several Mazda CX-90 models. However, it is not close to the Dodge Durango’s 8,700-pound limit.
Maximum weight for towing: 5,000 pounds
2027 Toyota Highlander EPA
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. It gets 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the interstate, and 24 mpg combined, which is better than most other all-wheel drive SUVs in this class.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets up to 35 mpg combined and comes with all-wheel drive as standard. This makes it even more efficient.
- C/D Highway Fuel Consumption Test: 29 mpg at 75 mph (XLE AWD)
- City rating from the EPA: 20–21 mpg
- EPA Highway Rating: 26–28 miles per gallon
2027 Toyota Highlander Price
The price of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander ranges from $42,855 to $56,040, depending on the trim and options.
The Grand Highlander XLE costs less than $50,000 and has heated leatherette front seats, smartphone-as-a-key technology, and a wireless smartphone charging station. We also like that this grade comes with the option of seven or eight seats.
2027 Toyota Highlander Release Date
We can’t say for sure when the new 2027 Toyota Highlander will come out right now. But we really hope it will come early next year.
Verdict
The 2027 Toyota Highlander is another example of Toyota’s commitment to safety, reliability, and innovation. It offers top-notch comfort, cutting-edge technology, and family-friendly adaptability. It changes the game for modern SUVs by offering hybrid and electric vehicle alternatives. Check out more in-depth reviews and information on Toyota and other famous car brands. Don’t forget to bookmark our site so you can remain up to date on the latest car news and expert comparisons!
