2027 Toyota Highlander EV Interior Review: Quieter, Smarter, and Way More High-Tech

The 2027 Toyota Highlander doesn’t just trade gasoline for electrons—it’s boldly stepping into a new era. As we noted in our First Look, the fourth-generation version of Toyota’s popular three-row SUV rides on a dedicated electric platform, grows in size, and adopts a cleaner, more aerodynamic appearance designed to better align it with the brand’s expanding battery-powered family of vehicles.

Its exterior styling mimics cues seen on the Toyota bZ, rugged-looking bZ Woodland, and the reborn C-HR, signaling that this Highlander is as much a part of Toyota’s electrified future as it is a continuation of one of its bestselling nameplates. Inside the Highlander’s cabin, we found that shift into the future to be just as apparent.

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Bigger Screens

While most everything is located where it was in the previous Highlander, it’s all been thoroughly upgraded, enlarged, and streamlined. The outgoing model’s standard 8.0-inch and available 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreens have been replaced by Toyota’s 14.0-inch interface, the same system used in the brand’s other EVs, as well as the Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia. Even better, it benefits from the snappy software setup that’s also utilized by the recently updated RAV4.

The instrument panel sees a significant upgrade, as well, growing from 7.0 inches to 12.3 inches, and the SUV’s overall dashboard and center console area have been entirely revamped. Although there are fewer physical controls, a prominent volume knob sits centered beneath the touchscreen. The push-button start is located a few inches below it and is flanked by a dual wireless charging pad setup—one of the new Highlander’s standout features. (The infotainment system also allows two phones to be connected simultaneously via Bluetooth.)

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New Layout

Those charging pads are suede-lined and accented with ambient cabin lighting, adding a subtle upscale touch, with 64 colors from which to choose. The traditional shifter has been replaced by a small toggle positioned at the base of the charging area. Cupholders are copious throughout the cabin, with 18 locations in all, including two in the center console and of course bottle holders in the doors.

The console bin is hinged on both sides, allowing either of the front occupants to open it easily, and Toyota has carved out a second level of storage beneath the console, similar to layouts found in other competing three-row electric SUVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 9. There’s ample room for a couple of bags, along with a pair of USB-C ports and a 12-volt outlet. USB-C ports are located throughout the cabin, including on the backs of the front seats for second-row passengers and along the rear window ledges for the third row.

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Seating Arrangements

SofTex faux-leather-trimmed seats are standard across the lineup, as are second-row captain’s chairs. Bench seating is offered only on the XLE AWD this year. Front seats are heated on the XLE (as is the steering wheel), while Limited models add ventilation up front and heated second-row seating. Both trims feature distinctive perforation patterns in their SofTex upholstery.

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Space for Stuff

Although Toyota hasn’t disclosed full specifications yet, it claims the new Highlander is both longer and wider than the old one and delivers more than 45.0 cubic feet of cargo space with its third row folded flat, along with 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row. That’s slightly less than the outgoing gas model, which offers 48.4 and 16.0 cubic feet, respectively. It also trails the Kia EV9 slightly behind the third row, though it surpasses the EV9’s second-row cargo capacity of 43.5 cubic feet.

When extra storage is needed, folding the third row flat is as simple as pulling a lever on the rear seats. For smaller items, there are tablet and phone storage slots in the standard second-row console, along with third-row cupholders, providing plenty of additional places for passengers to stash their gear.

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Soundstage

Six speakers are standard, with an available 11-speaker JBL sound system carrying over from the earlier model. What may make an even bigger difference, however, is just how quiet the new Highlander should be. With engine and gearbox gone, things are bound to be less noisy in the cabin as it is. But Toyota has taken additional steps to further reduce noise and vibration.

Underfloor covers at both ends of the vehicle were developed to improve airflow, while front and rear spats help minimize turbulence around the tires. Noise-absorbing materials are used throughout the cabin, including in the door trim, pillars, wheelwells, roof, and underfloor. Acoustic glass is fitted to the windshield and front side windows, and a dynamic damper on the tailgate helps reduce noise intrusion from the rear.

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Keeping It Classy

The three-row ute’s ceiling vents carry over to the new model, and Limited trims add standard rear sunshades for improved comfort. New this year are inner door e-latches, similar to those found in some Lexus models, which require pressing a small tab on the handle while pushing the door outward.

Limited grades also include a head-up display as standard. And for buyers looking to splurge, the 2027 Highlander can be outfitted with an available panoramic roof, the largest ever offered by Toyota.

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