The 2027 Toyota Highlander arrives as a bold electric 3-row SUV. Promising 515 km of range, it blends comfort, tech, and driving thrill, but real-world tests and insider experiences reveal what to expect. Image Name: 2027-toyota-highlander-ev-3-row.jpg
✨ AI Overview
Toyota's Electric Highlander: Range Claims Questioned
Summary generated by AI · Reviewed by Gear Choice Team
The 2027 Toyota Highlander is unveiled as a full-electric 3-row SUV, boasting a 515 km range.
Skepticism surrounds the range claim, citing past Toyota hybrids and other EVs that fell short of advertised figures.
Initial impressions note a sleeker design but a cramped rear row and practical concerns about the premium cabin's durability.
Okay, let’s start. Toyota has done it again. The 2027 Toyota Highlander is now a full-electric 3-row SUV. And yes, they claim 515 km range. Sounds cool, right? But I can’t help remembering 2019. Hybrid SUV, same 500 km range promise. Reality? Barely crossed 380 km. So, yeah, I am a bit skeptical. Real roads don’t lie.
Design and Cabin First Impressions
Highlander has always been bulky. This one? Slightly sleeker, futuristic. But the rear row cramped. And honestly, I had a funny chat with a dealer once. He just said Top-trim leather? Might feel stiff in Mumbai heat. I laughed. But the point is real when you’re carrying seven people, small discomforts add up. Cabin feels premium. Feels. But city life can be harsh on leather.
Photo : 2027 Highlander 3-row interior.
Battery and Range Reality Check
The battery is big. Company says 515 km. I say hmm, we’ll see. Story time 2021, I tested an EV claiming 450 km. Roads laughed at it, gave me 320 km max. And yes, a software update later helped a little. So with Highlander, expect the same. Software + real roads = interesting combo. And, trust me, software always has surprises.
Driving Dynamics and Powertrain
Drive is smooth. Already was, now electric will give that instant torque kick. But the SUV is heavy. City corners? Not so nimble. I remember Hyderabad, testing an EV, and suddenly regenerative braking kicked in. Awkward moment. Funny too. Highlander might have small software quirks like that. Insider tip: EV software perfection is a moving target.
Photo : 2027 Highlander Electric SUV exterior.
Technology and Infotainment
Infotainment is modern. Touch responsive. Connectivity options everywhere. But here’s the casual bit during a test drive, Apple CarPlay took its own sweet time to connect. Annoying? Slightly. Important? Kind of. Technology is loaded, yes, but not everything always works like clockwork. Real world always tests it.
Simple. Highlander 2027 is promising. Range looks good on paper. Cabin quality decent. Rear row a bit tight, seats a tad stiff. Software strong, small bugs possible. Driving thrill? Definitely there. My advice test the top trim, focus on comfort and real range. Don’t just trust the brochure.
From 10 years of EV and SUV experience, this Highlander feels exciting. But hype vs reality always a gap. Insider tip again check the top-trim leather in traffic-heavy cities like Mumbai. Makes a difference. Small details, big impact.
Gaurav JhaGaurav Jha is a seasoned automotive journalist and digital media expert with a passion for new technology, electric vehicles, and unbiased product reviews. As the founder of GearChoice.in, he aims to empower readers with transparent, well-researched information about the latest cars, gadgets, and mobility trends.