Toyota is delaying the arrival of the 2027 Highlander three-row electric SUV, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. The 2027 Highlander marks the start of a new generation for the long-standing nameplate, which is switching to an EV-only setup moving forward.Car and Driver reached out to Toyota for confirmation of the report; we’ll update this story if we hear back.
Expectant Toyota customers eager to purchase the electric Highlander will need to practice a bit of patience. The automaker is pushing back the 2027 Highlander’s arrival for the second time, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.
The all-new Highlander’s launch was originally planned to take place before the end of 2026, though a Toyota spokesperson confirmed to Car and Driver in July that the start of production would be pushed back by eight weeks to “allow timing for final adjustments prior to launch.” According to the new report, that delay is now being extended to between four and 12 months. While the initial plans had the Highlander launching between late summer and early fall of this year, the new best-case scenario has Toyota starting production in January 2027 at the earliest. Customer deliveries will take place even later.
Toyota
The most recent delay is necessary for Toyota to perform additional pre-launch testing and quality validation, according to the report. A spokesperson for the automaker told the outlet that the delays are unrelated to American EV demand, pointing out that U.S. interest in Toyota’s has increased in the first half of 2026. As a result of the further delays, the report alleges that Toyota will extend the production of the gas-powered and hybrid Highlanders longer than originally planned—potentially into 2027.
The new Highlander marks an important shift for Toyota. After several years of allowing the rest of the industry to take the lead regarding EV development, Toyota committed to the technology by turning the long-popular gasoline-powered Highlander into a fully electric model. The new version of the Highlander retains its role as a three-row family SUV, while donning a fresh look and more modern powertrain technology.
Car and Driver reached out to Toyota to confirm the reported delay, but we have not heard back at the time of publishing. This article will be updated if we learn more.
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Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.