Key facts
- Toyota has postponed the launch of its first American-built electric vehicle, the 2027 Highlander EV, to 2027 or later.
- The delay is attributed to 'additional adjustments' before the vehicle's release.
- Production of current gas and hybrid Highlander models will continue.
- The Highlander EV is expected to offer two battery pack options and up to 320 miles of range.
Toyota Motor has postponed the launch of its first American-built electric vehicle, the 2027 Highlander EV, to 2027 or later due to production delays. The automaker stated that the postponement is to allow for "additional adjustments" to the vehicle before its release. Meanwhile, Toyota will continue to produce the current 2026 Highlander models, available in gas and hybrid configurations, through December.
Analysts suggest that the delay might be a strategy to maximize profits from the strong sales of the current Highlander models, which have significantly outsold Toyota's electric vehicle offerings in the U.S. Through June, Toyota sold over 100,000 Highlander and Grand Highlander units, compared to fewer than 22,000 electric vehicles combined during the same period.
The 2027 Highlander EV is expected to feature two battery pack options: a 77 kWh unit offering up to 287 miles of range, and a 95.8 kWh unit providing up to 320 miles of range. It will include a 12.3-inch driver display and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The vehicle is anticipated to compete with other three-row electric SUVs like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 9, and potentially the new Tesla Model Y L, with an expected starting price around $50,000.
Competitors in the three-row electric SUV segment have reported significant sales growth, with the Kia EV9 sales up 42% and Hyundai IONIQ 9 sales up 380% through June. The delay places Toyota further behind in this increasingly competitive market.