Toyota Motor Corporation has announced the debut of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) version of its three-row Highlander SUV for the North American market. The new model was unveiled by Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) on February 11, 2026, in Ojai, California. Sales are scheduled to begin in late 2026.
The company is pursuing a multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality by offering various electrified vehicle options tailored to regional needs. This strategy includes expanding BEV offerings alongside hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
Production of the Highlander BEV will take place at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK). It will be the fourth BEV in Toyota’s North American lineup, following models such as the bZ4X, TOYOTA C-HR+, and bZ4X Touring.
The Highlander SUV has been popular among families since its introduction in the United States in 2001, with cumulative sales exceeding 3.6 million units through 2025. The new BEV model aims to build on this legacy while supporting efforts toward a carbon-neutral society.
The upcoming Highlander BEV will offer two lithium-ion battery options: a 76.96kWh version designed for urban use and a higher-capacity 95.82kWh version intended for longer distances and outdoor activities. Customers can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The AWD variant with the larger battery targets an estimated range of up to 320 miles under EPA testing standards.
Other features include improved eAxle efficiency and battery preconditioning technology that allows rapid charging from approximately 10% to 80% capacity in about 30 minutes under cold conditions using a high-powered charger.
Toyota states it will continue developing various mobility solutions based on customer needs across regions as part of its commitment to carbon neutrality.
“Achieving zero, and adding new value beyond it,” is how Toyota describes its broader mission: “As part of efforts to pass our beautiful ‘Home Planet’ to the next generation, Toyota has identified and is helping to solve issues faced by individuals and overall society, which Toyota calls ‘Achieving Zero,’ hoping to help reduce the negative impacts caused by these issues to people and the environment to zero. Additionally, Toyota is also looking ‘Beyond Zero’ to create and provide greater value by continuing to diligently seek ways to improve lives and society for the future.”
Further information about Toyota’s Beyond Zero initiative can be found at https://global.toyota/en/mobility/beyond-zero/. Details regarding their sustainability goals are available at https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/.
Toyota says it remains committed “to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all.” The company emphasizes support for customers, partners, employees, communities where it operates, as well as alignment with many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
