Toyota's First 3-Row Electric SUV Goes 320 Miles

The wait for a spacious, long-range electric family hauler just got shorter. Toyota unveiled its 2027 Highlander EV this week, marking the company's first three-row electric SUV with an impressive 320-mile range and a game-changing feature: it can power your home when the lights go out.

The electric Highlander comes with two battery options: a 77 kWh pack offering up to 287 miles, or a 95.8 kWh version stretching to 320 miles on a single charge. Both versions feature a built-in NACS charging port, meaning families can tap into Tesla's massive Supercharger network across the country.

Toyota designed the new Highlander to be slightly bigger than its gas-powered cousin, with a longer wheelbase that creates more room inside. The result is over 45 cubic feet of cargo space when the third row folds down, plus a whopping 18 cup holders spread throughout the cabin.

The all-wheel-drive version delivers 338 horsepower and includes off-road features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for adventurous families. Inside, passengers enjoy a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus customizable ambient lighting.

What sets this SUV apart is its Vehicle-to-Load technology, a first for Toyota. During a power outage, the Highlander can act as a mobile generator for your home. It can also power camping gear, tailgate equipment, or outdoor tools wherever you go.

The electric SUV will be assembled at Toyota's Kentucky plant, with batteries coming from the company's new North Carolina facility. Fast charging takes the battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions, even in cold weather thanks to battery preconditioning.

The Ripple Effect

This launch represents more than just another electric vehicle hitting showrooms. Toyota's investment in American manufacturing means thousands of jobs at its Kentucky assembly plant and its $13.9 billion battery facility in North Carolina.

The Highlander EV joins a growing lineup that gives families electric options across nearly every size category, from compact crossovers to rugged off-roaders. As charging infrastructure expands and prices become more competitive, more families can make the switch without sacrificing space or capability.

Expected to start around $50,000 when it goes on sale later this year, the Highlander EV slots in below competitors like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 9. For families ready to go electric without giving up road trip range or weekend adventure capability, Toyota just made the choice a whole lot easier.