Toyota has introduced the 2027 Highlander, a newly redesigned midsize SUV that represents the company’s inaugural three-row electric vehicle for the U.S. market. This model is also notable for being the first Toyota EV to be manufactured in the United States. The Highlander name is well-known, having been associated with gasoline-powered models for more than two decades. However, this new iteration features a cutting-edge powertrain that targets the thriving segment of midsize SUVs. Toyota’s move could be a pivotal step in outpacing its competitors in the electric vehicle arena.

The unveiling of the new Highlander comes during a challenging period for Toyota, the world’s leading automaker in terms of sales. The company’s strategy of prioritizing hybrid vehicles over fully electric ones appears to be justified, especially as global sales of electric vehicles experience a slowdown and competitors face substantial financial losses from their EV ventures. Toyota’s leadership change, with Kenta Kon, a trusted associate of Chairman Akio Toyoda, stepping in as the new CEO, underscores the company’s effective navigation through issues such as competition from Chinese EV manufacturers, international trade tariffs, and the costly transition to electric vehicles.

The production of the Highlander in Kentucky aligns with Toyota’s strategy to mitigate the impact of tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump by focusing on domestic manufacturing. This three-row, midsize SUV taps into America’s most popular vehicle segment, and its well-established nameplate helps sidestep the unfamiliarity that plagued the “bZ” branding (short for “beyond zero”).

Inside, the Highlander features an upgraded infotainment system, similar to those in Toyota’s latest electric SUVs, the C-HR and bZ Woodland. Standard amenities include a 14-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, customizable ambient lighting, and wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The vehicle also offers comprehensive device charging options across all three rows. Additionally, passengers can enjoy the expansive views through the largest fixed panoramic glass roof ever offered by Toyota.

It will come with an updated infotainment setup, much like the one found in the new C-HR and bZ Woodland electric SUVs. That includes a 14-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch gauge cluster, customizable ambient lighting, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and extensive charging options for devices in all three rows. And when you look up, you’ll see a fixed panoramic glass roof — the largest ever offered by Toyota.

The Highlander’s new infotainment system, powered by AT&T 5G connectivity, offers a customizable homescreen, enhanced voice recognition with “Hey Toyota” commands, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, and integrated streaming services such as Spotify and SiriusXM.

The new Highlander seats seven, with a third row able to accommodate two passengers. When additional cargo space is needed, that third row folds flat to create more than 45 cubic feet of rear storage. And there’s a raft of additional features, like wireless charging trays, multiple USB-C ports across all three rows, rear HVAC controls, optional rear window shades, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The Highlander EV will come equipped with a NACS port for Tesla Supercharger access. Under the right conditions, the battery can charge from 10-80 percent in approximately 30 minutes using DC fast charging. Battery preconditioning, in which the battery is prepared for optimal charging, comes standard, and can be activated manually or automatically through a Drive Connect subscription (which is about $15 per month). The Highlander can also slow charge with Level 1 or 2 chargers, and will come with a dual-voltage 120V/240V charging cable.

It will also be Toyota’s first EV with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to function as a mobile power bank. Toyota says the Highlander can even serve as a backup power source during a blackout when equipped with optional bidirectional accessories. Toyota says it will have more announcements about this new feature in the future.

Size-wise, the new Highlander will go toe-to-toe with other three-row electric SUVs on the road. It will be 198.8 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 67.3 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 120.1 inches. That’s similar to Toyota’s current gas-powered Grand Highlander and comparable to other EVs, like the Rivian R1S, Kia EV9, and Hyundai Ioniq 9, among others.

Toyota says it will release the price of the new Highlander later this year, when it goes into production. But the automaker is certainly having a bit of a moment in the EV world. The recently revamped bZ (formerly bZ4x) has been a surprise hit for Toyota, coming in fourth in overall EV sales in the US in January, ahead of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Ford’s Mustang Mach-E. And there’s more to come, with both the C-HR hatchback and bZ Woodland expected to go on sale in the US later this year.

Toyota has a chance to make up for its lackluster effort in EV production with all these new vehicles. We’ll see if it seizes the moment.