Toyota Highlander

The proportions change for 2027, with the new Highlander being about an inch lower and two inches wider, while riding on a wheelbase extended by eight inches, a move that typically creates more interior space.

The exterior is decidedly smooth, efficient, and daresay appliance like. Gone are the swoopy, organic shapes that festooned the outgoing Highlander, replaced by flat surfaces, straight lines, and slim headlights. The door handles are semi-flush. (We look forward to seeing how easy those are to operate.)

The Limited can be further dressed up with 22-inch wheels and two-tone paint, which does sharpen the appearance.

A panoramic roof is available on all configurations.

The cabin looks to be a natural evolution of the current Highlander, with a 12.3-inch instrument panel screen and a large center 14-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system that looks like an oversized iPad stuck on the dash, rather than artfully integrated. As with the new RAV4, there is a row of physical controls under that screen and a volume knob.

The Highlander features the latest Toyota infotainment system, designed with customizable widgets on the home screen. Its voice recognition responds to plain language prompts, starting with “Hey Toyota” to activate.

The system is wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible, and supports two Bluetooth connections. Other functions include SiriusXM with 360L (a more advanced, personalized version of satellite radio) and integrated Spotify. And for the first time in a Toyota, turn-by-turn navigation guidance is provided in the instrument panel.

An 11-speaker JBL stereo is available on all-wheel-drive versions.

Like the RAV4, the Highlander has a built-in dash cam that uses exterior cameras to capture, save, and download footage from events.

Ambient lighting is standard, with 64 color choices to match your mood or TikTok creation needs. These tie in with the Safe Exit System and will flash when a door is opened into a potential hazard, such as an approaching car or cyclist.

A head-up display is available. The center console has dual wireless phone charging mats. USB-C charge points are sprinkled throughout the interior.

Both the driver and front passenger seats are heated, and the Limited trim adds front-seat ventilation and second-row seat heating. Captain’s chairs are standard, though a bench seat is available for the second row on XLE. Third-row access is aided by a one-touch power fold function for the second row.

Supporting the argument that SUVs have become the replacement for minivans, the Highlander boasts 18 cup holders to ensure the whole family stays thoroughly hydrated.

The standard liftgate has hands-free operation.

EVs in general present unique challenges for automakers to control road and wind noise, as there isn’t a rumbling engine to mask some of that aural feedback. Among the tricks with the Highlander, Toyota fitted it with acoustic glass for the windshield and side glass, a nice upgrade more commonly associated with luxury models.

There are multiple configurations for buyers to choose from. They boil down to: Do you want power, range, or do you want it all?

The front-wheel-drive XLE uses a 77-kilowatt-hour battery. It has 221 hp and a 287-mile driving range. Add all-wheel drive and power jumps to 338 hp, with range dipping to 270.

There is also an XLE with a 95.8-kWh battery, AWD, and 338 hp that stretches the range to 320 miles.

The Limited comes only in AWD. It has a 95.8-kWh battery, 338 hp, and a 320-mile range.

For contrast, the outgoing Highlander had 243 hp in the hybrid and 265 hp with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The immediate response and higher output figures from the electric Highlander should bring a satisfying quickening.

The all-wheel-drive versions have driver-selectable terrain modes and a crawl control, essentially a low-speed cruise control for off-roading.

Equipped with a North American Charging System (NACS) port, Toyota claims the Highlander can go from 10 to 80 percent charge (in ideal conditions) in about 30 minutes at a DC fast charger. Of course, it can also be replenished with 120- and 240-volt chargers.

The Highlander is the first Toyota sold in the U.S. with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, enabling it to power appliances and even serve as a backup generator for a house during a power outage.

The new Highlander is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 suite of active safety and driver assistance features. It promises to be a significant step forward over the TSS 2.5 in the outgoing model, thanks to improved sensors and more sophisticated systems.

TSS 4.0 includes the latest versions of automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. In addition, the Highlander comes standard with blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, and a safe exit assist system, which monitors for passing vehicles before it allows passengers to open the doors when parked, for example, on a city street. A backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a rear seat reminder are appreciated.

Remote Connect enables the owner to interact with the vehicle through a phone app, allowing functions such as remote start, remote lock/unlock, check charge status, and start/stop charging. This comes with a one-year trial subscription.

Safe Connect services include emergency assistance, roadside assistance, automatic crash notification, and stolen vehicle locator. Service Connect issues personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. These connected features are covered by trial subscriptions, after which time owners would need to pay to continue the services.