Toyota is set to make a significant pivot with the next-generation Highlander, converting one of its best-selling family SUVs into an electric-only vehicle. The model, originally slated to hit showrooms by the end of 2026, represents a bold step for the Japanese automaker, which has historically been more cautious than rivals like Tesla and Hyundai in committing to full electrification. The move signals that Toyota is accelerating its EV timeline in response to growing consumer demand for electric vehicles and tightening emissions regulations worldwide. For longtime Highlander owners who have relied on the nameplate for its reliability and practicality, the shift to an all-electric powertrain will be a notable change in the vehicle's identity.
The next-generation Highlander, which will only be sold as an EV, was originally planned to go on sale by the end of 2026.
