A new report outlines details in Toyota’s future all-electric vehicle strategy, including plans to fully electrify the Toyota Highlander crossover. If true, the move would mark a significant update for the popular three-row utility model. The Toyota Highlander currently serves as a rival to the Chevy Traverse.
According to CarBuzz, Toyota is planning to offer the Highlander exclusively with an all-electric powertrain as part of a broader strategy to intensify its focus on electric vehicles (EVs), signaling a renewed commitment to expand its EV portfolio following initial hesitancy in the segment and mixed reception of earlier electric models like the bZ4X. The new EVs are expected to launch around the 2026 timeframe.
So far, Toyota has yet to confirm the rumors. Nevertheless, the report indicates a significant change from the Highlander nameplate, which currently offers both internal combustion and hybrid options. Additionally, Toyota is also expected add several new plug-in hybrid electric models to its lineup.
As for the all-electric Highlander, assembly is expected to take place at Toyota’s Kentucky plant, which is the brand’s first U.S. battery electric vehicle assembly site.
Meanwhile, the report briefly mentions the larger Toyota Grand Highlander variant, which is expected to offer both gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains and plug-in electric hybrid powertrains. It should also be mentioned that the Toyota Grand Highlander is arguably a more suitable competitor for the Chevy Traverse given the Grand Highlander’s larger dimensions.
The report also indicates that the all-electric Toyota Highlander is expected to precede the release of a new all-electric three-row crossover under the Lexus brand dubbed the Lexus TZ. It’s possible the new Lexus TZ will launch around the 2026 model year, and if it does, it could rival the three-row, all-electric Cadillac Vistiq, the latter of which was unveiled late last year.
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Comments
At least the Traverse will still have gas and maybe plug in hybrid options by that time as well (unless the CEO changes her mind).
I bet it’s more like “all electrified” meaning even the base model is a hybrid. Similar to what they are doing with Camry. Toyota is not all in on EVs, they have been clear on this, this is common knowledge, and I doubt a core product like Highlander would pivot from that strategy. But I’m not an automotive journalist.
You nailed it Mike.
Isn’t the Grand Highlander the Traverse competitor?