The three-row Toyota Highlander BEV debuts in North America

11 February 2026, 16:51:41

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced a major expansion of its electric vehicle strategy in North America with the premiere of the Toyota Highlander BEV, a fully electric version of its popular three-row SUV. The new model was revealed on February 11, 2026 (JST), during an event in Ojai, California, and is scheduled to go on sale across North America in late 2026. The launch marks a significant step in Toyota's multi-pathway approach to achieving carbon neutrality, which emphasizes offering a diverse range of electrified powertrains tailored to regional needs.

The Highlander, long favored by families for its spacious interior, versatility, and off-road capability, has been a cornerstone of Toyota's SUV lineup since its U.S. debut in 2001. With more than 3.6 million units sold in the United States through 2025, the model's transition into the battery-electric segment represents both an evolution of a customer favorite and a strategic move to strengthen Toyota's presence in the growing BEV market.

Production of the Highlander BEV will take place at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, becoming the fourth battery-electric model produced for the region after the bZ4X, the TOYOTA C-HR+, and the bZ Woodland. Toyota emphasized that the new BEV option is designed to meet the diverse needs of North American drivers, offering both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations along with two battery capacities.

The standard battery option features a 76.96 kWh lithium-ion pack aimed at urban and suburban driving, while a larger 95.82 kWh pack is designed for customers who prioritize long-distance travel and outdoor activities. Toyota’s development targets indicate that the larger battery paired with all-wheel drive could deliver a cruising range of up to 320 miles under EPA testing conditions. The model also incorporates battery preconditioning technology to optimize charging performance in cold climates, with a targeted 30-minute rapid charge time from approximately 10 to 80 percent using a 150 kW charger at –10°C.

Toyota framed the Highlander BEV's debut within its broader "Beyond Zero" vision, which seeks not only to reduce environmental impact but also to create added value for customers and society. The company reiterated its commitment to offering a full spectrum of electrified vehicles - including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles - while continuing to develop products that align with its long-standing goal of building “ever-better cars.”

As Toyota accelerates its electrification efforts, the introduction of the Highlander BEV signals a continued shift toward a more sustainable mobility future, while preserving the practicality and reliability that have defined the Highlander nameplate for over two decades.

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