2027 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review, Specs, Interior

2027 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review, Specs, Interior – Toyota isn’t holding back in 2027. The Highlander Hybrid receives a thorough redesign that shifts it closer to premium rivals without losing its practical soul. Built on the updated TNGA-K platform, the SUV now offers improved rigidity, lighter weight, and better ride dynamics. Toyota designers have given the Highlander a lower, wider stance with sleeker lines and a more confident front end. The new body structure not only looks sportier but improves aerodynamics by over 8%, directly enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. 2027 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

2027 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior & Interior

From the outside, the 2027 Highlander Hybrid presents a bolder personality. Its new silhouette is cleaner and more purposeful, thanks to tighter proportions and design cues borrowed from the latest Crown and Grand Highlander. The redesigned front fascia is sharper, with a redesigned trapezoidal grille flanked by slimmer LED headlights and vertical corner vents that improve airflow. Sculpted sides and a refined beltline lead to a tailgate with LED wraparound taillights and a reshaped spoiler that adds a sporty flair. Toyota’s attention to detail shines, with hidden windshield wipers, flush-mounted roof rails, and satin chrome window trim.

Inside, Toyota steps up luxury without abandoning the Highlander’s core practicality. A new panoramic curved display dominates the dash, combining a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a 14-inch central infotainment screen, both running Toyota’s latest multimedia interface with faster processing and improved voice recognition. The dashboard layout is cleaner, ditching physical buttons for a sleek capacitive-touch panel. Dual wireless charging pads, a revised center console with modular storage, and customizable ambient lighting now come standard on XLE trims and above.

Seating remains a strong point for the Highlander Hybrid. With available second-row captain’s chairs or a bench, the SUV can accommodate up to eight passengers comfortably. Toyota has improved seat padding and lumbar support, while also enhancing the slide-and-tilt functionality in the second row for easier third-row access. Heated and ventilated front and rear seats, tri-zone climate control, and rear sunshades create a serene, family-friendly environment. Cargo space behind the third row increases slightly to 18.6 cubic feet, and with all rows folded, it opens up to over 84 cubic feet.

Design revisions for 2027 include a reshaped grille that merges seamlessly with narrower LED headlights. The DRLs have a C-shaped signature, flanking a gloss-black grille that now comes standard on all trims. Toyota also adds new color options including Coastal Gray Pearl, Ember Red, and Urban Bronze Metallic. Larger wheels—up to 21 inches on the Platinum Hybrid—fill the arches beautifully. Roof rails, integrated rear spoilers, and a more angular rear fascia lend the Highlander a balanced, muscular profile that’s refined without being overly aggressive.

Interior updates reflect Toyota’s goal to push the Highlander Hybrid further into the premium midsize SUV segment. The cabin benefits from softer materials across touchpoints, a more streamlined dashboard design, and improved sound insulation. Toyota also upgraded its assembly processes, allowing for tighter panel gaps and enhanced build precision. With the 2027 update, every trim—from LE to Platinum—gets unique finishes and trims, including available real wood accents and brushed metal surfaces that elevate the feel far beyond what buyers might expect at this price point. 2027 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

2027 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Specs

Engine & Performance

Under the hood, the 2027 Highlander Hybrid features an upgraded version of Toyota’s 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four engine, paired with two electric motors and an improved eCVT transmission. Total system output is now rated at 255 horsepower—up from 243—thanks to optimized motor mapping and an improved lithium-ion battery pack. The result is smoother power delivery, quieter operation, and more confident acceleration, particularly when merging or overtaking.

Toyota has also reworked the electric all-wheel-drive system (AWD-e). The rear-mounted electric motor is now stronger and engages more proactively, providing better grip in slippery conditions and during light off-road usage. A new drive mode selector adds Trail and EV modes, letting drivers tailor performance to weather and terrain. Revised suspension geometry and upgraded bushings make the 2027 Highlander feel more planted at highway speeds while maintaining its comfortable urban ride.

Despite the performance boost, efficiency remains a Highlander Hybrid hallmark. Toyota estimates up to 38 mpg combined, with front-wheel-drive models edging close to 40 mpg in city driving. Regenerative braking has been made more intuitive, and an enhanced Eco Assist display now helps drivers maximize every kilowatt of stored energy. The new model also features smoother engine start-stop transitions and improved HVAC efficiency, further supporting fuel savings in real-world conditions.

2027 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Fuel Economy

The 2027 Highlander Hybrid is among the most efficient three-row SUVs on the road. Toyota expects it to deliver up to 38 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, with all-wheel-drive versions averaging around 35 mpg. The refined hybrid system optimizes fuel use more efficiently than ever before, and Toyota’s upgraded battery thermal management allows consistent performance in cold and hot climates. Even with added power and tech, real-world fuel savings remain a cornerstone of the Highlander Hybrid’s appeal.

2027 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Safety Features

Toyota’s commitment to safety continues to lead the segment with the 2027 Highlander Hybrid. The SUV debuts Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, now standard on all trims, featuring new-generation sensors and AI-based decision-making. Forward Collision Alert with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection now includes nighttime detection and intersection assist. Lane Tracing Assist works more naturally, keeping the Highlander centered even on curved roads, while Road Sign Assist and adaptive cruise control benefit from sharper radar precision.

A new addition is Toyota’s Proactive Driving Assist, which uses predictive data to apply subtle braking and steering adjustments when navigating curves or approaching other vehicles. Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and a 360-degree camera system are now available on mid-tier trims and standard on the Limited and Platinum models. Toyota also enhances the Highlander’s structural rigidity with more ultra-high-strength steel, improving both crash performance and handling dynamics.

Advanced driver monitoring is introduced in 2027. A discreet infrared sensor tracks eye movement and head position to detect distraction or drowsiness. If the system detects unsafe conditions, it first warns the driver, then initiates lane-keeping and slows the vehicle if necessary. For families, the Highlander Hybrid also offers Safe Exit Assist to prevent door opening into oncoming traffic, and an interior motion sensor to detect children or pets left inside—sending alerts to the owner’s phone. 2027 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

2027 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Release Date & Price

In terms of pricing, Toyota offers a smart lineup structure that starts at $43,300 for the base LE Hybrid and climbs to $55,900 for the fully loaded Platinum Hybrid AWD. The XLE Hybrid remains the best value pick, offering a premium feel and strong features at around $47,000. Toyota also continues to offer competitive lease and financing deals through its hybrid loyalty programs and regional incentives, making it an easy choice for budget-conscious families looking to step into the hybrid space without compromising space or features.

The 2027 Highlander Hybrid will officially launch in November 2026, with dealership availability nationwide by early January 2027. Pre-orders begin August 2026, with early reservation holders offered exclusive color and package combinations. Toyota has announced a production ramp-up at its Kentucky plant to meet expected high demand, especially as more families seek electrified alternatives in the midsize SUV segment. From value to innovation, the Highlander Hybrid remains a class leader—and in 2027, it raises the bar once again.a