Toyota Highlander will become a pure electric SUV from 2026
Toyota is making a strong move in the North American market with a strategy to expand its electric vehicle portfolio, refresh hybrid models and launch the 2026 Toyota Highlander EV.
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•04/08/2025
The focus of this “overhaul” is the Toyota Highlander – a popular SUV that is expected to become a pure electric vehicle from early 2026. It is not yet clear whether the Highlander EV will use an all-new EV platform or continue to be based on the TNGA-K architecture like previous hybrids.
However, Toyota confirmed that it will not launch a hybrid version for this generation in North America, but will only focus on the fully electric version. Highlander sales in 2025 fell more than 50% year-on-year, while the larger Grand Highlander, due to launch in 2023, grew nearly 20%. The Grand Highlander is expected to continue with an internal combustion engine and receive a lifecycle upgrade in 2027. Toyota isn’t stopping at the Highlander, it has a number of other EVs in the pipeline. Automotive News reports that the company will revive its large three-row electric SUV project – inspired by the bZ5X concept introduced in 2021.
The new electric SUV is expected to go into production in 2028 at Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky, plant. It’s roughly the same size as the Grand Highlander but in a more upscale segment. Meanwhile, the company's best-selling model – the RAV4 – has entered a new generation for 2026. Other SUVs such as the 4Runner and Land Cruiser will be refreshed before 2028. Despite the market trend toward SUVs and pickups, Toyota is still investing in sedans. An all-new all-electric sedan could debut in 2027, likely inspired by the Chinese market – like the bZ7.
Meanwhile, the current sedan lineup will stay on track: the Corolla just got a refresh for 2026; the Camry is not scheduled for a facelift until 2028; and the Mirai hydrogen-powered sedan will continue in its current form. The fastback-style Crown sedan is scheduled for a facelift in 2026. Video : 2026 Toyota Highlander EV electric SUV revealed.
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