Toyota has officially premiered its first three-row Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) version of the Highlander SUV in North America, marking a major shift in the company’s electrification strategy as it moves to compete more directly with rivals such as Tesla and Ford. The announcement is part of Toyota’s broader “multi-pathway” approach to achieving carbon neutrality while offering diverse electric mobility solutions.
The new 2027 Toyota Highlander BEV was revealed on February 10 at an event in Ojai, California, where Toyota Motor North America showcased the fully electric version of its iconic family SUV. The Highlander BEV, seating up to seven people, will begin sales in North America in late 2026, with production slated at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.
Toyota said the Highlander BEV expands its BEV lineup in the region, following battery electric models such as the bZ4X, Toyota C-HR and bZ Woodland, and represents a key element of its shift toward zero-emission vehicles tailored to diverse customer needs in different markets.
The all-electric SUV blends family-friendly practicality with modern EV technology. It is expected to offer multiple battery configurations, with larger packs designed to support long-distance travel and robust performance, while also incorporating features such as vehicle-to-load capability enabling the SUV to power external devices and compatibility with North American fast-charging networks.
Industry analysts say Toyota’s move signals a shift from its historically cautious stance on full electrification toward a more aggressive position in the global EV market. By building a three-row electric SUV that directly appeals to families and mainstream buyers, Toyota is positioning itself to challenge established EV players in the midsize SUV segment.
The Highlander BEV’s launch also aligns with Toyota’s “multi-pathway” strategy, under which the company is advancing a variety of electrified powertrains including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and BEVs rather than relying on a single technology route. Toyota executives have described this approach as a way to balance customer preferences with the company’s broader environmental goals.
Toyota says the Highlander nameplate which has sold millions of units over two decades will be a cornerstone of its EV push in North America, appealing to buyers who want both electric mobility and the utility traditionally associated with the Highlander line.
The introduction of this BEV adds a new chapter to Toyota’s EV rollout and represents one of the first fully integrated three-row electric vehicles assembled in the United States, a milestone the company hopes will strengthen its competitiveness against electric-native brands and legacy automakers expanding into the EV space.