Toyota Builds 320-Mile Electric SUV in Kentucky

At a time when many car companies are hitting the brakes on electric vehicle plans, Toyota just pressed the accelerator with a family-sized surprise.

The Japanese automaker announced its first American-made electric vehicle: the 2027 Highlander EV. This isn't some compact city car but a full three-row SUV designed for real families with real needs.

Built at Toyota's Kentucky factory using American-made batteries, the electric Highlander seats up to seven people and travels up to 320 miles on a single charge. That's enough to drive from Louisville to Chicago without stopping, or handle a week of school runs and grocery trips without plugging in.

The SUV comes in two versions. The base model features a 77-kilowatt-hour battery with front-wheel drive, delivering 287 miles of range and 221 horsepower. Families wanting more power can upgrade to all-wheel drive with 338 horsepower, though range drops slightly to 270 miles.

For maximum distance, Toyota offers a larger 95.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack that pushes range to 320 miles. The company equipped every model with Tesla-style charging ports and fast-charging capability that takes the battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Inside, the Highlander feels decidedly modern with a 12.3-inch digital dashboard and 14-inch touchscreen. Toyota included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a built-in dashcam feature. Higher-end Limited models get ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a premium JBL sound system.

The Ripple Effect

Toyota's commitment matters beyond just one new vehicle. This marks the company's first electric car built at an American factory, creating manufacturing jobs while other automakers scale back EV production in the United States.

By using domestically sourced batteries and assembly, Toyota is betting on American workers and infrastructure at a pivotal moment. The Highlander EV competes directly with the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9, giving families another American-built electric option that doesn't compromise on space or practicality.

The timing couldn't be better for families eyeing the switch to electric. With three rows of seating, real-world range, and mainstream Toyota reliability, the Highlander removes major barriers that kept SUV buyers in the gas lane.

Production starts later this year at the Kentucky plant, with vehicles arriving at dealerships by late 2026. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but expect it to compete with the Ioniq 9 and EV9, which range from $55,000 to $80,000.

The electric future just got more spacious, and it's stamped "Made in America."