Toyota delays Highlander BEV production as the 3-row electric SUV is put on the back burner

Toyota is delaying production of its first three-row electric SUV, the 2027 Highlander BEV, as it extends the current gas and hybrid models.

Why is Toyota delaying the 3-row Highlander EV?

With three new electric SUVs, including the updated 2026 bZ, C-HR and bZ Woodland, Toyota is finally selling EVs people want to buy.

The new and improved bZ (still sold as the bZ4X overseas) is among America’s top-selling electric vehicles right now. It’s even outpacing the Chevy Equinox EV.

While Toyota was set to add its fourth by the end of 2026, the three-row Highlander EV, buyers will have to wait a bit longer. A Toyota spokesperson confirmed to Cars.com that production of the all-electric 2027 Highlander SUV has been delayed.

According to the spokesperson, the delay comes as Toyota is making “additional adjustments to the vehicle prior to launch.”

In the meantime, the company will continue building the current 2026 Highlander through December, which is available in gas and hybrid configurations.

Toyota has yet to announce a new production start date for the EV version, but 2026 Highlander models are expected to remain available at dealerships well into 2027. The delay only affects the electric version, not the hybrid or gas models.

Although the company insists the delay is to allow last-minute adjustments, as Cars.com pointed out, it’s more likely to squeeze extra profits from the gas-guzzling and hybrid versions.

Toyota sold over 100,000 Highlanders and Grand Highlanders in the US through June. In comparison, it sold just under 22,000 electric vehicles combined during the same period.

The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV was expected to go on sale later this year, alongside the electric Lexus TZ and Subaru Getaway. All three share the same modified TNGA-K EV platform, so will the TZ and Getaway also get delayed? We should find out soon. Check back for updates.

When (or if) it does arrive, the Toyota Highlander EV will be available in two grades: Limited or XLE with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain options.

Two battery pack options will be available, 77 kWh or 95.8 kWh, providing ranges of up to 287 miles and 320 miles (FWD models), respectively.

The Limited grade, on the other hand, comes with standard AWD and the larger (95.8 kWh) battery. Toyota’s AWD setup delivers 338 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque, while FWD models have 221 hp and 198 lb-ft of torque.

Inside, the 2027 Highlander BEV features the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The setup includes a new 12.3″ driver display and a 14″ touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Electrek’s Take

While it’s not surprising, given how many times Toyota has delayed or canceled EV plans altogether, the electric Highlander could find a market in the US.

Several automakers have reported higher demand for three-row electric SUVs this year. Through June, sales of the Kia EV9 are up 42% from 2025, while sales of the Hyundai IONIQ 9 are up 380%.

Now, Toyota will face the new Tesla Model Y L that launched in the US last week. The longer version of Tesla’s electric SUV adds a third row and starts at $61,990.

The 2027 Highlander EV was expected to start at around $50,000, which would undercut the Model Y L, the EV9, which starts at $54,900, and the IONIQ 9, priced from $58,955.

We should learn more soon with an official statement from Toyota. However, if the delay extends into 2027, it will only put Toyota further behind in an increasingly crowded segment.