Toyota Unveils Electric Highlander: A Glimpse at the Future of Family SUVs
Toyota has offered the first peek at its upcoming all-electric version of the Kluger, known as the Highlander in the United States. This new electric SUV is poised to enter the competitive three-row family vehicle segment, directly challenging established players like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. The upcoming unveiling promises a significant evolution for Toyota’s popular large SUV.
The confirmation of this electric Highlander came through a series of teaser releases from Toyota North America. The latest instalment, an 11-second video clip, showcased a redesigned tailgate, hinting at the vehicle’s modern aesthetic. Crucially, the teaser explicitly revealed the electric powertrain with a prominent “BEV” (battery-electric vehicle) badge positioned below the Highlander lettering. This was complemented by a striking full-width tail-light design, a feature first teased in an earlier image, further building anticipation.
Accompanying the visual reveal was a caption that painted a clear picture of the new model: “Meet the all-new 2027 Highlander. Featuring sleek, modern lines, an electric powertrain, and a spacious three-row cabin with comfort for the whole crew.” This statement underscores Toyota’s intention to deliver a family-focused SUV that combines cutting-edge technology with practical, spacious design.
While Toyota Australia currently imports the US-market Highlander and rebadges it as the Kluger for local consumers, the electric Highlander will not be making the journey Down Under under the Kluger EV moniker. A spokesperson for Toyota Australia clarified the company’s current stance: “Toyota Australia continuously explores opportunities to evolve our vehicle lineup. However, we have no current plans to introduce the Highlander BEV to the Australian market.” They further elaborated on the company’s existing electrified offerings, stating, “We currently offer an extensive electrified range consisting of hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles including the recently updated bZ4X.”
The initial announcement of an electric Kluger by Toyota North America dates back to 2024. However, a shift in the market, with a cooling demand for electric vehicles in the US, led to a revised introduction timeline, now slated for the first half of 2026.
Currently, the Australian market’s Kluger is exclusively offered with hybrid power. This aligns with Toyota’s broader strategy in Australia, which has seen a significant pivot towards hybridisation across its local car and crossover SUV lineup. For instance, the popular RAV4 transitioned to hybrid-only offerings in mid-2024. The current, fourth-generation Kluger has been in production since 2019, and following Toyota’s typical six-year product lifecycle, a replacement is expected in the near future.
The upcoming electric Highlander is anticipated to be sold concurrently with next-generation petrol and hybrid variants of the model. These models are manufactured at Toyota’s Indiana plant, serving most global markets with the exception of China.
In Toyota’s US lineup, the Highlander is positioned below the even larger Grand Highlander crossover SUV, offering a tiered approach to family-sized vehicles.
Toyota’s electric vehicle portfolio in Australia remains relatively compact. It currently comprises the bZ4X, a RAV4-sized SUV, with an additional bZ4X Touring variant scheduled for release later this year. Looking ahead, Toyota Australia has confirmed the arrival of an electric C-HR for local showrooms around mid-2027. Furthermore, the company has ambitious plans for electrification, with an electric HiLux expected in 2026 and a hydrogen fuel-cell version of the popular ute slated for 2028. This strategic rollout indicates a growing commitment to diverse powertrain technologies in the Australian market, even as the electric Highlander itself bypasses local shores for now. The focus for Australia remains on their established hybrid technology and the gradual introduction of their dedicated battery-electric models.
