Toyota announces all-electric Highlander SUV

Toyota has confirmed an all-electric version of its Highlander SUV will be revealed on February 11, marking a strategic shift in the Japanese automaker’s electric vehicle (EV) naming approach.

The announcement came via a short teaser video posted to Toyota’s social media channels, showing only the rear tailgate and lights of the upcoming model. The move represents a departure from Toyota’s previous EV naming strategy, which saw the brand’s first electric SUV dubbed the BZ4X rather than using an established nameplate.

The teaser video reveals badges indicating both electric propulsion and all-wheel drive capability, suggesting the Highlander EV will feature a dual-motor setup. Given the vehicle’s size, it is expected to receive a larger battery pack than the BZ4X’s 74.7kWh unit.

Design links to 2021 concept

Industry speculation suggests the electric Highlander’s design will draw from Toyota’s bZ Large SUV Concept, which was first shown in 2021. That concept vehicle featured traditional three-row SUV proportions combined with sharp angular styling and a coupe-like glasshouse treatment.

The teaser footage indicates this will not simply be an electrified version of the current petrol-powered Highlander, but rather a purpose-built electric model sharing only the nameplate with its conventional counterpart.

New Zealand availability possible

While Toyota has not confirmed which markets will receive the electric Highlander, New Zealand could be in line for the model given the country currently sources its conventional Highlander models from the United States market.

The electric Highlander’s reveal comes as Toyota continues to expand its EV offerings globally, following the BZ4X’s launch and amid increasing competition in the electric SUV segment.

Full details of the Highlander EV, including specifications, pricing and market availability, are expected to be announced during the February 11 reveal event.