Toyota Motor Corporation has officially introduced an all-new battery electric Highlander SUV marking a major step in the company’s electric vehicle expansion in North America. The announcement was made on February 11, 2026, as part of Toyota’s broader strategy to offer more zero-emission mobility options.
The new Highlander BEV was revealed by Toyota Motor North America at an event in Ojai, California. The SUV continues the Highlander’s long history as a family-friendly three-row vehicle, now with a fully electric powertrain suited for modern daily use and sustainability goals.
Toyota confirmed that the Highlander BEV will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, making it the brand’s fourth battery electric model offered in the North American market after earlier BEVs. Sales in the U.S. and Canada are expected to begin in late 2026.
The electric Highlander will offer two lithium-ion battery options to suit different driving needs. The larger battery is designed to provide a driving range of up to around 320 miles on a single charge, and both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations will be available. Toyota has also included technology to help speed up charging even in cold weather.
Toyota said the Highlander BEV is part of its “Beyond Zero” vision, which focuses on reducing environmental impact while still delivering vehicles that meet customer needs for space, comfort, and practicality. The model joins Toyota’s existing lineup of electrified vehicles, which includes hybrids and other BEVs, under the company’s multi-pathway electrification strategy.
The Highlander nameplate has been popular in North America since its introduction in 2001, and Toyota says the new electric version aims to carry that legacy forward by combining the SUV’s traditional strengths with modern electric technology and zero-emission driving.
