Toyota Denies Highlander EV Production Setback Again

Toyota has denied reports of a further delay for the 2027 Highlander EV, maintaining that production remains on track for an early 2027 launch despite rumors suggesting a 4-to-12-month setback.

Nonetheless, Toyota’s U.S. representatives have confirmed that the company has maintained the timeline established in July, with the Highlander EV still slated for an early 2027 release. This indicates that production is expected to commence by the end of this year, rather than in January. The delay initially announced in July was attributed to “final adjustments”; consequently, the recent report from Nikkei Asia appears unsubstantiated, as it seems improbable that a vehicle nearing the completion of its final quality inspections and production adjustments would face an additional delay of up to one year.

However, while some may argue that the sluggish adoption of electric vehicles in the United States could justify delaying the three-row SUV, this reasoning is inconsistent with current market data. Toyota’s electric vehicle deliveries in the U.S. have demonstrated significant growth, tripling year-over-year in the second quarter of 2026. Furthermore, it is important to note that the mechanically similar Subaru Getaway, which is also scheduled for production in Georgetown, Kentucky, experienced the same initial delay in July but has not been subject to further postponements.

• Also See: Toyota Corolla Celebrates 60 Years Of Existence