Toyota Motor Corporation premiered a new battery-electric Highlander in North America today, positioning the three-row SUV as part of its “multi-pathway” approach to carbon neutrality. The company said sales are expected to start in late 2026.
The Highlander name is familiar to US buyers, but Toyota sells the same line under different badges in some markets. In Australia it is known as the Kluger, while China also has a twin called the Crown Kluger.
Toyota said production of the Highlander BEV would take place at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK). It described the model as the fourth BEV in its North American lineup, following the bZ (bZ4X), the Toyota C-HR (C-HR+ in Europe), and the bZ Woodland (bZ4X Touring).
The Japanese automaker said the Highlander had built a strong family following since the first generation launched in the United States in 2001, with cumulative US sales topping 3.6 million units through 2025.
Toyota outlined two lithium-ion battery options as development targets: a 76.96kWh pack pitched for urban use, and a larger 95.82kWh pack aimed at longer trips. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants were planned.
For the 95.82kWh AWD version, Toyota set a development target range of up to 515km in EPA mode. It also listed development targets of 462km for the FWD setup and 435km for one AWD configuration.
Toyota said battery preconditioning was included, with a target of charging from roughly 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a 150kW rapid charger in -10°C conditions.
In size terms, Toyota listed development-target dimensions of 5,050mm long, 1,989mm wide, 1,709mm tall, on a 3,051mm wheelbase.
