Toyota Premieres New Three-Row Highlander 

Bennett Oghifo 

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has announced that it will expand its battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup in North America as part of its multi-pathway approach toward achieving a carbon-neutral society. 

As part of this effort, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), Toyota’s North American business entity, premiered a new BEV model of the three-row SUV Highlander on February 11 (JST; February 10 PST) in Ojai, California. Sales in North America are expected to begin in late 2026.

Toyota is committed to product- and region-centered management with the aim of making ever-better cars. In developing powertrain systems to achieve carbon neutrality, Toyota is rolling out a variety of mobility solutions under its multi-pathway approach, offering electrified vehicle options tailored to meet customer needs in each country and region around the world.

To steadily advance its multi-pathway approach in the North American market, Toyota will add a BEV model as a key option for the Highlander. Production will take place at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) as the fourth model in its BEV lineup, following the bZ*1, TOYOTA C-HR*2, and bZ Woodland*3.

•North American name for the bZ4X

•North American name for the TOYOTA C-HR+ (Europe)

•North American name for the bZ4X Touring

Highlander BEV (North American model)

The Highlander has earned strong support from families as a three-row SUV that handles everything from city driving to outdoor adventures, thanks to its spacious interior and excellent off-road performance. Since the first generation launched in the United States in 2001, cumulative sales have exceeded 3.6 million units*4. With the addition of this BEV model, Toyota aims to further evolve the Highlander in its pursuit of a carbon-neutral society.

The lithium-ion battery lineup includes a 76.96kWh*5*6 capacity specification designed for urban driving, such as shopping trips, and a 95.82kWh*5*6 capacity specification aimed at improving cruising range for customers who enjoy long-distance travel and outdoor activities. Together with front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) types, a wide range of options are available to customers.

In addition to incorporating a high-capacity battery and improving eAxle efficiency, the 95.82kWh*5*6 specification has a development target cruising range of up to 320 miles*7 (AWD).

Battery preconditioning*8 is included, with a development target of rapid charging in approximately 30 minutes*9 under cold conditions by maintaining the battery at an optimal temperature for charging.