You know that feeling when your uncle, who's only worn sandals and socks for the past ten years, suddenly shows up to the family dinner in a tailored Italian suit? That's exactly what Toyota has done with the new Highlander. Forget the safe, slightly boring hybrid image - the new Highlander is now all-electric, sharp as a Japanese kitchen knife, and surprisingly cool.
Let's be honest: the previous generation Toyota Highlander was as loyal as a golden retriever, but visually about as exciting as watching paint dry. But the year 2027 brings a revolution. Toyota has developed a machine in Kentucky (USA) that does not require a single drop of fossil fuels. This is their first electric SUV with three rows of seats, which aims straight at the heart of modern families who want to save the planet but at the same time don't want their neighbors to pity them for their choice of car.
New Toyota Highlander The EV is built on an architecture that hides silence and torque under the hood instead of a roaring engine. And not a little torque. The design follows the new “Hammerhead” language, which means that the front end looks aggressive, aerodynamic and – dare I say it – even prestigious. With body-level hooks and wide fenders, it could easily be mistaken for some futuristic concept that just rolled out of a movie studio in Los Angeles.
Numbers that actually mean something
When it comes to electric cars, we always wonder about three things: how far it goes, how fast it goes, and where it charges. Toyota is not cutting corners here. There will be two versions of the Toyota Highlander, XLE and Limited, to satisfy both frugal dads and those who have to be first at the traffic light.
- Base XLE FWD model: Equipped with a 77.0 kWh battery, it delivers 165 kW (221 hp) and 268 Nm (198 lb-ft) of torque. It will give you a range of up to 462 km (287 miles) on a single charge.
- Four-wheel drive (AWD): If you opt for the AWD version with the same battery, power increases to an impressive 252 kW (338 hp) and 445 Nm (328 lb-ft). The range is slightly reduced to 435 km (270 miles), but the acceleration is sure to put a smile on your face.
Large battery for long distances: For those with range anxiety, there's a 95.8 kWh battery. Combined with 338 horsepower, this allows for up to 515 km (320 miles) of worry-free driving.
"Top speed hasn't been officially confirmed yet, but expect an electronically limited 180 km/h (112 mph), which is more than enough to lose your driving license on most highways around the world."
One of the best news? Highlander EV uses the standard NACS (North American Charging Standard), which means access to the fastest charging networks, including Tesla SuperchargersIn addition, it supports technology V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) – meaning your car can power your coffee maker at the campsite or even your refrigerator at home when your neighbor runs out of power during a storm.
Interior: More screens than in your living room
The interior is where the real magic happens. Forget the plastic buttons from the last millennium. The centerpiece is a massive 14.0-inch touchscreen, complemented by 12.3-inch digital gauges.
“There’s so much technology inside that even Elon Musk would feel at home if he ever decided to get into a car that was actually assembled by people who know what they’re doing with build quality.”
The third row of seats folds completely flat, freeing up up to 1,274 liters (45.0 cubic feet) of cargo space for the second row. That's enough room for hockey gear, a week's worth of groceries and maybe even the ego that comes with driving the latest electric SUV. A panoramic sunroof (the largest in Toyota history) and 64-color ambient lighting add to the ambiance.
Safety: Because Toyota doesn't want you to crash
The new Toyota Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0). This means the car can see pedestrians you might miss, maintain your distance when you're daydreaming about vacation, and keep you in your lane when your kids in the third row are fighting over who gets the biggest piece of chocolate. It even has proactive driver assistance and rear cross traffic detection when exiting a parking space.
Conclusion: Is this the new king of family roads?
Toyota Highlander EV is proof that going electric doesn't have to mean losing practicality or soul. Although Toyota has long resisted full electrification, it's now hitting the road with full force. With an expected starting price of around $48,000 (approximately EUR 44,500) in the US, this car will be serious competition for everyone from Kia EV9 to upcoming European competitors.
Is it perfect? Probably not. Will it convince thousands of families around the world with its quietness and comfort? No doubt. It is stylish, technologically advanced and finally looks like something you would actually want to have in your garage, not just because it is a rational choice, but because it is simply a good car. Toyota has finally realized that the future is not only about saving money, but also about style.
