The Toyota Highlander EV, originally scheduled to enter production this fall, is now planned for Kentucky no earlier than January 2027. Toyota has already notified suppliers of the revised delivery schedule, while production of the Highlander hybrid has been extended through December 2026.
Production of Toyota's first American-built EV has already been delayed more than once, and the optimistic launch date continues to move back. The vehicle in question is the completely redesigned Toyota Highlander EV, which was unveiled in February 2026. Originally, the vehicle was supposed to enter production this fall.
In the summer, the company said the timeline had been pushed back by at least eight weeks due to “final adjustments.” However, based on new information, even that schedule proved too optimistic—the start of production has been pushed back again, potentially by several months or even a year. As a result, the electric SUV is now not expected to reach the market before 2027.
The Highlander EV is planned to be built at Toyota's plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. According to Nikkei Asia, production of the three-row electric SUV is now scheduled to begin “at the earliest” in January 2027. The report also says Toyota has already notified its suppliers of the revised delivery schedule.
Compared with the summer announcement of an eight-week delay, this means the actual delay has grown to roughly four months and, according to some estimates, could extend into the following year. It was also previously reported that production of the Highlander hybrid had been extended through December 2026.
A representative of Toyota's North American operations said the additional time is needed for final checks and quality confirmation before full-scale production begins. That explanation is consistent with the position the company gave in the summer, when it explained the delay of the media presentation.
Toyota also emphasized that the delay has nothing to do with demand for EVs in the U.S., and sales of the company's own electric models continue to grow. The statistics partly support that claim: in the second quarter, overall U.S. EV sales fell 21% year over year, while Toyota's EV deliveries during the same period more than tripled. However, it is worth considering that it's easier to grow from a small base, especially as the brand's EV lineup continues to expand.
It is not yet known whether the delayed start of Highlander EV production will affect plans for related models, namely the Lexus TZ and Subaru Getaway. The company has not yet provided official comments on the matter.
Meanwhile, other automakers are also rethinking their strategies. For example, Kia has decided to limit the K5 sedan to a major refresh, equipping it with a 240-hp hybrid powertrain and a new multimedia screen instead of developing a new generation. Those looking for more affordable options on the used-car market may also want to look at a roundup in which an auto mechanic named five reliable cars for around $7,000 that can last without major expenses.