Toyota Highlander Shifts to Electric in Company's EV Initiative

Apr 17, 2024 04:10 AM EDT

PERSON DRIVING A CAR TOYOTA — (Photo : PEXELS/Sindre Fs )

With the launch of a new electric vehicle (EV), Toyota is poised to follow suit with the majority of automakers who have embraced battery-powered vehicles. The Grand Highlander will continue to use internal combustion engines, but the Highlander SUV will be available as an electric version.

Toyota Highlander EV

The SUV Highlander will only come in an electrified version. Additionally, Toyota intends to introduce several new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Toyota's ambitious electric vehicle (EV) agenda, which includes a wide spectrum of new vehicles including SUVs, sedans, performance models, and pickups, is unveiled in an exclusive article published by CarBuzz.

This all-inclusive approach demonstrates Toyota's dedication to embracing electrification in a variety of car markets. As of right now, Toyota only has two electric cars (EVs) available in the United States market: the Lexus RZ and the Toyota bZ4X. An increase in this portfolio is not anticipated for another two years.

However, based on information acquired by CarBuzz, Toyota is preparing to launch a wide variety of all-electric cars soon. The breadth and extent of the planned electric choices are sure to pleasantly surprise Toyota lovers as specifics of this strategy start to come to light.

CarBuzz also reported that Toyota's venture into electric vehicles began with the uniquely badged bZ4X, where "bZ" signifies "Beyond Zero," the numeral "4" denotes its size class, and "X" indicates its all-wheel-drive capability.

The upcoming addition to Toyota's electric lineup is slated to hit U.S. markets in 2026, offering a compact battery-electric crossover, potentially named the bZ3X following the same naming convention. Concurrently, Toyota plans to introduce a compact sedan and a Lexus-branded crossover of similar size, with sources indicating a release later in the same year or early 2027.

Newest Grand Highlander

As reported by MYSA, the Grand Highlander offers versatility with its availability in standard gasoline-only or two distinct hybrid gasoline-electric powertrains, spread across three trim levels. Newly introduced in 2024, the Grand Highlander represents a larger iteration of Toyota's popular Highlander midsize crossover utility vehicle, featuring spacious three-row seating to cater to larger families.

With gas engine variants starting at $43,070, hybrids at $44,670, and the Hybrid Max at $54,040, the Grand Highlander offers a variety of pricing options in 2024. Gas-only vehicles come in three trim levels, starting with the XLE, which costs $43,070 for front-wheel drive and $44,670 for all-wheel drive. The Limited model comes next, and it costs $47,860 with front-wheel drive or $49,460 with all-wheel drive.

With an increased overall length of 6.5 inches compared to the standard Highlander and a wheelbase extended by 3.9 inches, the Grand Highlander offers enhanced passenger and cargo capacity, notably providing more legroom.

Accommodating up to eight passengers across both variants, the Grand Highlander ensures a more comfortable experience in the third row, boasting 33.5 inches of legroom compared to the Highlander's 28 inches. The Grand Highlander delivers exceptional ride comfort, particularly noticeable in the front and center rows equipped with captain's chairs.

In contrast to the regular Highlander, where the third-row seat can be a snug fit for adults and is typically best suited for children, the Grand Highlander offers ample space even for tall adults in its third row, ensuring comfortable seating for all passengers.