US-only Toyota Highlander EV gets three rows of seats and 320-mile range
Toyota has unveiled its first all-electric Highlander with three rows of seats and up to 320 miles of range on the US EPA cycle.
Rivalling the likes of the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90, the US-only full-sized SUV is available in two trim levels: entry-level XLE and top-tier Limited.
In front-wheel drive (FWD) guise, the XLE manages 287 miles on a single charge and comes with a 77kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor generating 224bhp and 198lb ft of torque.
An XLE all-wheel drive (AWD) is also available. Despite getting the same 77kWh battery, power is boosted to 343bhp and torque to 328lb ft. This extra power, however, reduces the range to 270 miles.
A larger battery, a 95.8kWh unit, is also available on XLE cars and comes standard on range-topping Limited cars, and improves range to 320 miles. Power remains the same at zt 343bhp and 328lb ft of torque.
In design terms, the Toyota Highlander EV comes with Toyota’s new corporate face, featuring a sharp front end, and Toyota’s ‘Hammerhead’ headlights introduced last year. Semi-flush doorhandles, sharp fenders, and a prominent waistline accentuate the Highlander’s sharp appearance.
Inside, a 14-inch infotainment screen sits in the centre of the dashboard, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ahead of the driver sits a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with full-screen navigation as an option.
An optional panoramic roof is also available, and can be customised with up to 64 light colour options.
Throughout the Toyota Highlander EV’s cabin, SofRex vegan leather is used across all three rows of seating. Heated front seats are standard, but are optional for the second row. Ventilated front seats are also an add-on.
Toyota hasn’t announced any details about the Highlander EV’s cargo and passenger space, but it did specify that the third row will fold completely flat, freeing up to 1274 litres of boot space.
Toyota has yet to announce pricing for the Highlander EV, but the existing hybrid model begins at $48,820 – around £36,000. Deliveries for the will be made later this year after it goes on sale.
A dedicated model for the US market, the vehicle will be built at Toyota’s factory in Georgetown, Kentucky. Meanwhile, its battery will be sourced from the Japanese firm’s newly opened battery manufacturing facility in North Carolina.
