Electric Toyota Kluger breaks cover

Toyota has officially taken the covers off its next-generation Kluger large SUV – known as the Highlander overseas – which will be offered exclusively with a battery-electric powertrain as an alternative to three-row electric SUVs like the Kia EV9.

The Highlander electric vehicles (EV) reveal comes just weeks after Toyota teased a new mystery SUV online, largely expected to be the next-gen version of the large seven-seat SUV.

Currently, the Highlander is offered in hybrid and petrol forms overseas – and the Kluger is hybrid-only in Oz – however, the electric powertrain is expected to be the only option from launch in the US.

While details remain thin, Toyota has confirmed two-grades, including single-motor front- and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) options, delivering 165kW/268Nm and 241KW/437Nm respectively.

AWD versions also bring crawl control and multi-select drive modes.

Meanwhile, two battery pack options include a 77kWh unit said to offer 287 miles (or around 460km) of driving range, while a larger 95.8kWh battery pack should deliver 320 miles (around 515km).

Other features include full-width LED daytime running lights, vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, flush exterior door handles, a 14.0-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch driver’s display, and a fixed glass roof.

Alas, Toyota Australia says it has no plans to bring the electric Kluger to Australia.

“Toyota Australia continuously explores opportunities to evolve our vehicle line up. However, we have no current plans to introduce the Highlander BEV to the Australian market,” a Toyota Australia spokesperson told carsales.

“We currently offer an extensive electrified range consisting of hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles including the recently updated bZ4X.”

The Kluger has been a staple in Toyota Australia’s lineup since it arrived in 2003, and with the current-gen version dating back to 2020, the Japanese brand is in dire need of a new-gen Kluger to topple rivals like the Subaru Outback and Kia Sorento, both of which outsold the Kluger in 2025.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au