Not an electric 7-seater for us: The Toyota Highlander is going electric – and is only coming for America!
We look a little enviously at America – because the electric Toyota Highlander will be available for sale there in a few months. It is not planned for Europe, we will show you what we are missing and why Germany needs it too!
Toyota has quite surprisingly presented a completely all-electric version of its large SUV Highlander - and it is a real statement in the USA: an electric seven-seater SUV with stately space, modern design and ranges that make you want more. Unfortunately, this model remains exclusive to the US market for the time being – and we here in Germany are looking enviously at North America.
Discover electric 7-seater models
Toyota Highlander: The e-SUV flagship that we would also like to have in Germany
You might think we have enough large electric cars in Germany – but appearances are deceptive. Especially electric SUVs with 7 seats are not that many. The Highlander would fit in well there.
Precisely because Toyota is known for reliable cars and also conveys a little off-road feeling, the Highlander would certainly have a good chance in Germany.
Design & Appearance
The new Highlander is not a normal facelift, but a completely newly developed electric SUV. With a longer silhouette (around 5.05 m), it looks almost at Range Rover level and shows a modern, angular design language with continuous LED light strips and clear lines.
Inside, drivers and passengers can expect three rows of seats with space for up to seven people, plenty of head and legroom, and a variable cargo compartment that can be flexibly adapted to passengers or luggage.
Engines, power & range
The Highlander is offered with two battery sizes:
- 77 kWh as an entry-level option and
- 95.8 kWh as a larger battery for maximum operating radius.
Depending on the configuration, the range according to US standards reaches up to around 515 kilometers (approx. 320 miles) with the larger battery - extremely decent for an SUV of this size. Depending on the version, the output oscillates between around 224 hp in the basic model and over 340 hp in the more powerful all-wheel-drive version, coupled with all-wheel drive and powerful torque.
Technology & Charging Features
Toyota relies on a NACS fast-charging port, which can be used to charge the battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes – with appropriate DC stations. On board, there are modern infotainment systems with a large touchscreen, digital displays, smartphone integration and comfort features that make even long journeys pleasant.
Toyota Highlander – Why we would like it in Germany
The Highlander hits many points that are currently in high demand in the e-SUV segment in Germany:
- Large space for families, holidays or everyday life.
- Seven seats, something that many electric SUVs in this country do not offer in this size.
- Good range and practical charging options.
- Modern design without compromising on everyday life and style.
Especially compared to models available in Europe such as the Kia EV9 or Hyundai Ioniq 9 – also large electric seven-seater SUVs – the Highlander would be an exciting addition to our market. It would round out the Toyota portfolio and cater to families and drivers looking for more space and range than smaller models like the bZ4X or C-HR EV can offer.
In addition, a Highlander would be a strong bridge for Toyota between its classic hybrid strengths and real BEV ambitions – an important signal in Europe, where the electric boom continues to gain momentum.
Competition of the giants
If Toyota were to offer the Highlander in Germany, these models in particular would be direct competitors:
- Kia EV9 – large seven-seater electric SUV with a similar range.
- Hyundai Ioniq 9 – also fully electric and family-friendly.
- Peugeot E-5008 – perhaps the biggest competitor in terms of price.
- Tesla Model X – technologically strong, but different in price region and market position.
Conclusion – an e-SUV that we would love to have here
The new Toyota Highlander combines space, range and everyday practicality in a package that would fit perfectly into the growing German e-SUV market. It is also one of the few family e-cars with real seven seats and a large amount of space. The fact that Toyota currently only sells it in the USA does not stop us from wishing: Please also for Europe!
Post a Comment