Toyota will expand its electric vehicle lineup in North America with a battery-electric version of the Toyota Highlander, with sales expected to begin in late 2026.
The three-row Highlander BEV will be assembled at Toyota’s plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, making it the first battery-electric Toyota model produced in the United States. Production had initially been scheduled for 2025 but was postponed by one year. Since the Highlander’s U.S. debut in 2001, more than 3.6 million units have been sold.
“With the addition of this BEV model, Toyota aims to further evolve the Highlander in its pursuit of a carbon-neutral society,” the company said in a statement. The electric Highlander will join other battery-electric models in North America, including the imported Toyota bZ4X, the C-HR and the bZ Woodland.
Toyota will offer three variants of the Highlander BEV. A 77 kWh battery will be available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, delivering EPA-estimated ranges of 287 miles (461 km) and 270 miles (434 km), respectively. A larger 95.8 kWh battery will be offered exclusively with all-wheel drive and provide an EPA range of up to 320 miles (515 km).
Both battery options include preconditioning to support charging in cold weather. Toyota said charging from approximately 10% to 80% can be completed in around 30 minutes using a 150 kW DC fast charger at temperatures as low as -10°C. The vehicle features a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port located on the front passenger side.
Power output for the front-wheel-drive model is rated at 162 kW with 270 Nm of torque, while the all-wheel-drive variant produces 249 kW and 438 Nm. “Our goal with the new Highlander was to develop a BEV that fits customers’ lives and brings a smile to their faces with sharp acceleration feel and a quiet ride,” said Yoshinori Futonagane, chief engineer of the Highlander.
All battery and drivetrain configurations will be available in the XLE trim, while the Limited grade will be offered exclusively with the larger battery and all-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive models will include features such as Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. Standard equipment across the lineup includes Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 and Toyota Audio Multimedia.
The Highlander BEV seats up to seven passengers. With the third row folded, cargo capacity reaches up to 1,275 litres while retaining seating for five occupants. Standard features include heated front seats, a 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, with additional charging ports available across all three rows.
Toyota said it has established domestic supply chains for the model. Vehicles will be assembled in Kentucky, while batteries will be supplied from the company’s new $13.9 billion battery plant in Liberty, North Carolina, as well as from an additional supplier.
Pricing has not yet been disclosed. Toyota said the manufacturer’s suggested retail price will be announced closer to the on-sale date in late 2026.