2027 Toyota Highlander EV: UAE Specs & Price

Price: ~250,000 AED (Estimated)

The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV aims to be Toyota’s first all-electric three-row family SUV, and a lot of UAE buyers are already eyeing it as a potential replacement for their petrol or hybrid crossovers. What follows separates confirmed information from educated projections: range, price, towing, and how it might cope with Gulf heat and long highway runs. You can also find more on the brand’s global EV direction on the official Toyota website.

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2027 Toyota Highlander EV Overview

Toyota has confirmed the 2027 Highlander EV as its first battery-electric three-row SUV, built on the e-TNGA platform and positioned above the bZ4X. The focus is everyday usability and space rather than outright performance.

Production is scheduled to start in late 2026 at Toyota’s Kentucky plant in the US, using batteries from North Carolina, with initial sales aimed at North America. In Toyota’s February 9, 2026 “Charged and Ready” announcement, the company confirmed:

• Fully electric powertrain
• Dual-motor AWD
• Three-row seating for up to 8 passengers

Toyota also tied this model to its broader plan for 30 new EVs by 2030, and the Highlander EV is set to be the company’s flagship three-row BEV. A Lexus TZ cousin is expected to share much of the hardware.

Also read: 2026 Toyota Bz Woodland Uae Price Specs Release

Confirmed Specs from Toyota Reveal

As of the global reveal on February 10, 2026, Toyota showed the final design and interior but kept some numbers under wraps. Confirmed so far:

• Sleek, modern body with a family-friendly three-row layout
• Dual-motor AWD available
• Seating for up to 8 occupants
• Emphasis on comfort, usability, and safety tech

Toyota has not yet revealed horsepower, torque, 0–60 mph time, top speed, or exact battery capacity, but the SUV clearly sits as the top all-electric family model in the lineup.

And to answer the obvious search question: “Is the 2027 Toyota Highlander really going to be a fully electric SUV?” Yes. Toyota has not announced any petrol or hybrid versions of this new EV-only Highlander.

Design and Three-Row Interior

On the outside, the Highlander EV takes cues from recent Toyota designs, with a hammerhead front fascia, a longer, flatter hood for better aero, and a full-width rear LED light bar. Overall size should be close to the current petrol Highlander, roughly 4,950 mm in length.

Inside, Toyota is going heavy on family-focused tech and comfort:

• Large landscape center touchscreen
• Fully digital gauge cluster
• Mix of haptic and physical controls
• Dedicated rear climate zones
• Ambient lighting in the second row and doors
• Two wireless charging pads up front
• Illuminated rear USB‑C ports
• 11-speaker JBL audio system
• Panoramic glass roof

Cargo space behind the third row is expected to stay close to the current Highlander’s 572 L, enough for school bags, a stroller, and a weekend’s worth of luggage. Toyota has repeated that this cabin is “comfort for the whole crew”, and it is easy to see this suiting UAE families juggling school runs, mall trips, and inter-emirate weekends.

Platform and Powertrain Details

The e-TNGA platform allows a flat battery floor and efficient packaging, so all three rows should be usable by adults, not just kids.

Early projections, based on Toyota’s own hints and rivals in the segment, suggest:

• Dual-motor AWD as standard
• Power around 350–400 hp
• Battery capacity around 95–100 kWh

On the safety side, expect Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 or 4.0 as standard, with features such as:

• Pre-Collision System
• Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Proactive Driving Assist
• Auto High Beams

There are no crash-test ratings yet from NHTSA, IIHS, or Euro NCAP.

Toyota’s longer-term battery roadmap aims for solid-state packs that can deliver up to 965 km of range with around 10-minute ultra-fast charging by late 2027. That said, the first Highlander EV will almost certainly stick with advanced lithium-ion cells, which are more proven and easier to scale for mass production.

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Launch Timeline and UAE Availability

Toyota’s reveal on February 10, 2026, at 9:30 p.m. ET, confirmed the Highlander EV as a 2027 model with a late 2026 on-sale date in the US.

Global Reveal and US On-Sale Date

The global reveal on February 10, 2026 came via a teaser video, showing the Highlander badge, BEV logo, and interior shots. US sales are scheduled to begin in late 2026, with all vehicles built in the US initially for North American buyers.

Expected GCC/UAE Arrival via Al-Futtaim Toyota

Al-Futtaim Toyota, the official UAE distributor, has not opened pre-orders and has not given a local date as of February 10, 2026. Looking at past launches such as the bZ4X, a realistic window for GCC arrival is mid to late 2027, after left-hand-drive regional homologation and hot-weather calibration.

Expect a 6–12 month lag behind US deliveries. Checking Toyota.ae is the safest way to track any early booking or preview events.

Should You Wait or Buy Hybrid Now?

If you need a family SUV immediately, the current Highlander Hybrid remains a very rational choice:

• Price typically AED 170,000–200,000
• Real-world efficiency around 20 km/L
• No need for home or public charging

Waiting makes more sense if you:

• Want lower running costs from full electric power
• Have or can install home charging
• Plan to keep the car for 5–8 years or more

Keep in mind a likely 1–2 year wait from now, plus a higher upfront price compared with the hybrid. For households without reliable home charging, the hybrid is still the easier, less stressful option.

Also read: 2026 Toyota Sequoia Uae Price Specs Availability

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Real-World Range, Battery Tech, and Charging

Paper range figures often look generous, especially before you add UAE summer and full-blast AC to the equation.

Projected EPA/WLTP Range vs UAE Heat and AC Loss

Toyota is targeting roughly:

• ~300 miles (≈480 km) EPA
• 500+ km WLTP

In 45–50°C summer conditions, with the AC working hard, expect around 17–20% loss, which puts realistic daily usable range at roughly 240–400 km. This estimate lines up with observed data from three-row EVs like the Kia EV9 tested in hot climates.

Some key points:

• City speeds generally deliver better efficiency than cruising at 120 km/h
• Using app-based preconditioning to cool the cabin and battery can claw back up to 5% of the potential loss
• Heavier loads and roof boxes hurt range more than people expect

Battery Type: Solid-State Hype vs Reality

Toyota’s public roadmap talks about solid-state batteries with 900+ km potential and charging from 10–80% in around 10 minutes by 2027.

For the Highlander EV, first generation:

• Expect advanced lithium-ion, not solid-state
• Likely 95–100 kWh usable capacity
• Focus on cycle life and thermal stability rather than chasing record-breaking range

So when someone asks, “What battery technology will the 2027 Highlander EV use?” the honest answer is: almost certainly refined lithium-ion, with solid-state reserved for later flagship tech showcases.

Charging Times on DEWA / ADNOC Networks

On the UAE’s growing charging network, projected figures look like this:

• DC fast charging (150–350 kW): 10–80% in about 15–30 minutes
• Public networks (DEWA / ADNOC) typically support 50–350 kW for compatible EVs
• Home AC charging (11 kW, 3‑phase): roughly 8–10 hours for a full charge

Typical electricity tariffs in the UAE:

• DEWA residential: around AED 0.38–0.44 per kWh (including surcharges and VAT)
• Public AC: about AED 0.7 per kWh + VAT
• Public DC: about AED 1.2 per kWh + VAT

Compared with petrol, an EV of this size still saves a meaningful amount per 20,000 km year, even when mostly using public fast chargers.

Also read: Top 10 Best Electric Suvs In 2025 Uae Ranked

Range Scenarios: Dubai–Abu Dhabi Highway Trips

Take the common Dubai–Abu Dhabi run of roughly 150 km one way:

• In mild weather, a full charge should comfortably cover a 300 km round trip with about 20% remaining
• In peak summer, with AC on high and speeds around 120 km/h, practical range might dip to about 250 km
• A fully loaded car with passengers and luggage can shave another 10–15% off range

That means in tough conditions you would plan for a brief DC charging stop, not treat it as an endless-range cruiser.

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2027 Toyota Highlander EV Price and Trim Levels

US pricing is expected to be between USD 45,000–60,000, which converts to roughly AED 165,000–220,000 before VAT and import costs. By the time everything is added, a realistic UAE entry point is around AED 200,000–280,000.

US MSRP Projections and AED Conversions

For the UAE, a working estimate is a starting price of about AED 250,000, including 5% VAT, duties, and shipping. That would be a noticeable premium over the current Highlander Hybrid, which sits around AED 169,900–199,900 ex-factory.

Trims: LE / XLE / Limited / Platinum Breakdown

Toyota is likely to mirror its usual trim walk:

• LE / XLE (base)
  • Dual-motor AWD
  • Standard infotainment screen
  • Cloth seats
  • Core Toyota Safety Sense features
• Limited
  • Leather upholstery
  • Larger displays
  • JBL premium audio
  • More advanced driver aids
• Platinum
  • Panoramic roof
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Head-up display
  • Factory towing package

Exact equipment lists will be finalised closer to launch, but this structure matches what Toyota already does with the petrol and hybrid Highlander.

Total Cost of Ownership vs Current Highlander Hybrid

Assuming 20,000 km per year:

• Estimated EV electricity spend: around AED 1,440
• Equivalent petrol spend for the hybrid: around AED 3,200

So the EV can save roughly AED 1,800 per year on energy alone. Over 5 years, that approaches AED 9,000, before you add lower servicing needs.

Projected maintenance over five years:

• Highlander EV: about AED 5,000–10,000
• Highlander Hybrid: about AED 10,000–15,000

At DEWA home rates of around AED 0.44/kWh, the EV’s cost-per-kilometre looks more attractive for high-mileage families, but the higher purchase price remains the big hurdle.

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Towing Capacity and Family Usability

Toyota is expected to rate the Highlander EV at around 2,000–2,500 kg of towing capacity, broadly matching or slightly beating the hybrid.

Expected Towing: 2,000–2,500 kg in Desert Conditions

With dual-motor torque and proper cooling, the Highlander EV should be able to tow:

• 2,000–2,500 kg at up to 120 km/h, even in UAE heat, provided you plan for the range hit
• Expect 30–50% range reduction when towing a heavy trailer or boat at highway speed

That would put it ahead of the current UAE-spec Highlander Hybrid’s 1,500 kg rating, making it more suitable for boats, jet-ski trailers, or small caravans on weekend trips.

Cargo, Seating, and Load Impact on Range

Key usability figures:

• 7–8 seats depending on configuration
• Around 572 L boot space behind the third row
• Flat-folding third row for larger loads

With a full family and luggage on board, count on 10–15% additional range loss. The car can do the trip; you simply need to treat the range meter like a fuel gauge, not a promise.

UAE Road-Trip Readiness: Full Family plus Trailer

Picture a Dubai to Fujairah weekend with a small trailer attached. It is doable, but you would plan one decent DC fast charge along the way or at the destination. Battery thermal preconditioning and careful speed management help keep range from dropping too sharply.

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Comparisons: Highlander EV vs Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 7

The Highlander EV is likely to sit as the “sensible”, value-focused option in the three-row EV segment, with Toyota’s reputation doing much of the selling.

The Kia EV9 is already on sale in the UAE from about AED 262,000, while the Hyundai Ioniq 7 is expected around late 2026 with a base price near AED 184,000 in some markets, though UAE pricing may be higher.

Key Specs Table: Range, Price, Towing

UAE Market Positioning and Availability

Kia EV9: available now through Al Majid Motors

Hyundai Ioniq 7: expected around late 2026

Highlander EV: projected UAE arrival in 2027

Where the Highlander EV has an edge is the combination of Toyota reliability, conservative battery tuning, and hot-climate experience. If you care more about long-term durability than the flashiest software and screens, the Highlander may feel like the safer bet for UAE roads.

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Conclusion

The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV is shaping up to be a practical, family-sized electric SUV with an estimated ~300–500 km range, proper three-row seating, and meaningful towing ability.

If you have good access to charging and plan to keep the vehicle for several years, the lower running costs and smooth torque make a strong argument for waiting. If you need a car in the next 12 months and do not want to think about plugs or public chargers, the current Highlander Hybrid still makes more financial sense.

Stay in touch with Al-Futtaim Toyota for local previews, pricing, and booking details as launch approaches.

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Summary Table

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People Also Ask

Is the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV fully electric?

Yes, it is Toyota’s first fully battery-electric three-row SUV, with no petrol or hybrid variant confirmed for this model.

When is the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV coming to UAE?

The global reveal took place on February 10, 2026, with US sales planned for late 2026. UAE arrival through Al-Futtaim is expected around mid to late 2027, with no pre-orders open yet.

What is the expected range of 2027 Toyota Highlander EV?

Projected range is around 300–500 km (EPA / WLTP). In UAE heat, expect about 20–30% reduction with AC, which gives roughly 240–400 km of realistic daily range.

How much will 2027 Toyota Highlander EV cost in AED?

The estimated starting price is around AED 250,000, including VAT and duties, based on a projected USD 45,000–60,000 US MSRP.

2027 Toyota Highlander EV towing capacity vs hybrids?

The Highlander EV is projected at about 2,000–2,500 kg, compared with roughly 1,588–2,268 kg for various Highlander hybrids. The EV will have stronger low-end torque but will lose more range when towing.

Where can I schedule a test drive for a used luxury car?

Alba Cars offers test drives for used luxury cars in the UAE.