Toyota's largest electric three-row SUV in history, Highlander EV may be unveiled

【PCauto】Toyota has released a cryptic teaser image, revealing a substantial SUV with full-width taillights, a squared-off and wide stance, and bold wheel arches—a design that echoes the rugged character of the Land Cruiser.

The teaser caption, merely stating “Something new is on the horizon,” leaves ample room for speculation.

Given Toyota’s known plans for future three-row electric SUVs, this model is likely the upcoming Highlander EV.

In fact, Toyota has confirmed that two all-new, three-row electric SUVs will be built at its Kentucky plant in the US. As production plans advance, the Highlander EV is likely to be one of these two models.

The current, fourth-generation Highlander has been in production since 2019—a lifecycle exceeding six years, which makes it ripe for an update.

Particularly as Toyota accelerates its electrification strategy, launching an electric Highlander serves not only as an evolution of its conventional SUV line but also as a necessary step to fill a gap in its electric portfolio.

Based on preview images and patent filings, the Highlander EV’s rear features through-type LED taillights and is expected to come with a shark-fin antenna and roof rails. Its squared-off, robust profile echoes that of the current petrol-powered Highlander.

Similar designs have appeared in patent filings in China and the US, aligning closely with Toyota’s latest electrification strategy.

In terms of platform, the Highlander EV is likely to be developed based on the e-TNGA electric vehicle architecture, sharing its technical foundation with the bZ series, while retaining the three-row seating layout to meet family car needs.

Toyota has not yet announced specific parameters, but from the market positioning and consumer expectations, the SUV is expected to feature a high-capacity battery pack for long-distance range, paired with a powerful electric motor to deliver the performance expected of an SUV.

As a three-row family SUV, it will also receive upgrades to its interior and technology, including advanced driver-assistance systems, an enhanced infotainment system, and a user-friendly cabin design to improve the overall experience.

For Toyota, the Highlander EV is not only a strategic choice to continue a long-running bestseller, but also a move to capture a critical niche in the electric vehicle market.

Currently, while Toyota offers EVs like the bZ4X, it lacks a premium, three-row electric SUV targeting family users—a gap compared to rivals such as the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 7. The launch of the Highlander EV will help Toyota secure a place in the family electric vehicle niche market while maintaining its influence in the mid-to-large SUV segment.

Despite a complex global economic and policy environment, Toyota’s EV projects have continued. While initially planned for a 2025 launch, the two electric SUVs have been delayed. The latest news suggests that the Highlander EV is expected to enter production in 2026, likely launching as a 2027 model year vehicle. Following Toyota’s typical product cadence, its full unveiling should follow in due course. The teaser images have provided the public with an initial design preview, hinting at its familial design language and rugged style.

The Toyota Highlander EV will carry multiple responsibilities: on one hand, continuing the Highlander brand’s reputation and sales foundation in the family car market.

On the other hand, filling the gap in Toyota's electric vehicle lineup for a mid-to-large three-row SUV, directly competing with overseas electric SUV rivals like the Kia EV9.

In addition, the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials will also be one of its important selling points, aligning with the global automotive industry trend towards low-carbon and green transportation.