Design of new 2027 Toyota Highlander revealed

The new Toyota Highlander is an evolution of the fourth-generation model, revealed in 2019.

Chief designer Masayuki Yamada commented: “Our design mission was to create a new Highlander that pursued the robust proportions of an SUV while also capturing the sophisticated, high-tech aspects of all-electric performance. 

To accomplish that goal, we designed a model that balanced aerodynamics, interior space, and capability so it is equally suited for elegant urban or outdoor enthusiast lifestyles.”

To that end, the Highlander’s exterior has an agile, grounded appearance due to a lowered overall height of 67.3-inches (0.8 inches lower than previous model), an increased width of 78.3 inches (additional 2.3 inches) and an extended wheelbase of 120.1 inches (up from 112 inches). 

The aesthetic has been refreshed with sleek contours, broad fenders and semi-flush door handles. 

Full-length, slim LED DRLs are separated from the main headlights, which maintains the shape of Toyota’s signature hammerhead lighting motif. Surrounding this is a thick, sweptback grill and sharp, geometric bumper corners.

The side profile shows smooth door panels that complement the broad fenders, along with a tapered cabin that flows into a rear spoiler integrated into the rear pillar.

Both single tone and two-tone paint combinations are available for the exterior.

Interior design 

The new lowered architecture has allowed the design team to increase interior space by pushing the wheels to the corners of the platform. Three-rows of seating accommodate up to seven passengers when equipped with the bench seat, and the seating is upholstered in SofTex – a synthetic leather. Soft-touch materials coat the dash and doors, while customisable interior lighting (with 64 colour choices) is integrated within the cabin. The centre console is designed for multi-functionality with a small item storage tray, cup holder and under-tray storage. Storage slots for electronic devices are in the second-row console. There is also a total of 18 cup holders, for those thirsty riders. 

Technology has been prioritised for the Highlander, with a 14-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch driver’s display, voice assistant, wireless charging in the centre console and device charging ports in every row. Tactile buttons are present for controls such as temperature.

The third-row folds flat to create over 45 cubic feet of rear cargo space. When in use, passengers can access this row via an electronically assisted one-touch fold button on the second-row seats.