The electric Toyota Highlander will arrive later, with an EU launch yet to be confirmed.
Image: Toyota (illustrative)
According to recent reports, the planned replacement of the Toyota Highlander with its first all-electric version is being delayed. The immediate transition from a gasoline model to an electric vehicle, originally scheduled for the end of this year, is not happening as planned according to Automotive News. As a result, dealers may have few or no Highlander models in stock for several months.
In Europe, this model series has been unavailable since mid-2024. It remains to be seen whether the new generation of electric vehicles will bring it back. The Japanese automaker planned to start production of the Highlander EV in the U.S. this month. The vehicle is set to be manufactured there alongside the Toyota Camry sedan, the RAV4 crossover, and the electric Subaru Getaway. These new electric cars are expected to be available in North American showrooms in the fourth quarter.
In the summer, however, there was a disruption to the schedule as Toyota and Subaru recalled their new models to make unspecified improvements. A Toyota spokesperson declined to provide details about the defects to Automotive News, stating only that the start of production had been delayed until at least the first quarter of 2027.
This decision may be intended to avoid problems similar to those encountered with the launch of the bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, speculates the industry portal. With those smaller electric SUV crossovers, sales were halted for four months shortly after their launch in 2022 to address the issue of loose front wheels.
The upcoming model for seven passengers is expected to offer a range of 320 miles (515 km) and will feature a larger third row of seats than the current gasoline-powered Highlander. This adds a fourth model to Toyota’s lineup of electric SUVs/crossovers, following the bZ4X, C-HR+, and bZ Touring developed in partnership with Subaru.
Dave Christ, head of Toyota’s U.S. brand, described the first all-electric Highlander, which is about five meters long, as a good option for smaller families in an interview with Automotive News. “It’s really a good product. The design is truly excellent. The interior is great.” For customers outside Europe who prefer a pure internal combustion engine or hybrid vehicle, the brand offers the Grand Highlander, which is roughly ten centimeters longer than the regular Highlander.
Also interesting
About the author
Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.
Reader interactions