### The Toyota Highlander Goes Electric: A Study in Simplicity and Scale The Toyota Highlander, one of the brand's best-selling SUVs, is making a bold move into the electric vehicle (EV) market. Gone is the traditional gasoline-powered engine, replaced by a battery-electric powertrain that promises to deliver immense space and a unique design. But does this bold move pay off, or is it a step too far for Toyota? According to Chief Designer Masayuki Yamada, the new Highlander is designed to embody simplicity and strength. The result is a vehicle that looks more like modern architecture than a traditional SUV. The design is minimalist, with a focus on clean lines and a massive, slab-like body that's more about scale than style. At 198.8 inches, the new Highlander is 2.6 inches shorter than its gasoline-powered counterpart, the Grand Highlander. But it's the packaging advantage of EVs that allows for this smaller ...
### The Toyota Highlander Goes Electric: A Study in Simplicity and Scale
The Toyota Highlander, one of the brand’s best-selling SUVs, is making a bold move into the electric vehicle (EV) market. Gone is the traditional gasoline-powered engine, replaced by a battery-electric powertrain that promises to deliver immense space and a unique design. But does this bold move pay off, or is it a step too far for Toyota?
According to Chief Designer Masayuki Yamada, the new Highlander is designed to embody simplicity and strength. The result is a vehicle that looks more like modern architecture than a traditional SUV. The design is minimalist, with a focus on clean lines and a massive, slab-like body that’s more about scale than style.
At 198.8 inches, the new Highlander is 2.6 inches shorter than its gasoline-powered counterpart, the Grand Highlander. But it’s the packaging advantage of EVs that allows for this smaller footprint, with a four-inch longer wheelbase that creates a more spacious cabin. Inside, the effect is pronounced, with ambient lighting that draws the eye around the perimeter of the cabin and creates a sense of vastness.
But the design isn’t without its subtleties. A few harsh, geometric creases add some visual interest, while the navy-colored roof and silver body panels help to break up the slab-like surfaces. And then there’s the interior, where a light-toned upholstery option and seats designed to increase visibility between themselves and the pillars create a sense of openness and airiness.
It’s not the most exciting design, perhaps, but it’s certainly effective. And in a market where SUVs are increasingly being designed with a focus on size and space, the new Highlander’s emphasis on scale is a refreshing change of pace. Whether it’s enough to win over buyers remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Toyota has taken a bold step into the EV market, and the results are fascinating.
### Specifications
* **Engine:** Electric Motor
* **Power:** 288 kW
* **Torque:** 417 Nm
* **Transmission:** Single-Speed
* **Drivetrain:** Rear-Wheel Drive
* **Dimensions:** 198.8 inches (length), 76.4 inches (width), 68.3 inches (height)
* **Weight:** 4,400 pounds
* **0-100 km/h:** 5.5 seconds
* **Top Speed:** 120 mph
* **Range:** 250 miles (estimated)
* **Battery:** 90 kWh
* **Charging:** 150 kW DC Fast Charging
* **Interior Space:** 162.9 cubic feet (behind third row), 143.1 cubic feet (behind second row), 82.1 cubic feet (behind first row)
### Description
The Toyota Highlander’s electric powertrain and unique design make it a compelling addition to the EV market. With its emphasis on scale and simplicity, this SUV promises to deliver a unique driving experience that’s all about space and practicality.
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