First Look at the 2028 Toyota Highlander

First Look at the 2028 Toyota Highlander in Jacksonville, FL

The upcoming 2028 Toyota Highlander introduces an all-electric powertrain, three-row seating for up to seven, and available electronic all-wheel drive. As Toyota’s first three-row battery-electric vehicle for the U.S. market, the next-generation Highlander brings significant changes to a familiar family SUV. At Butler Toyota Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL, we’re sharing what Toyota has announced so far, from its expected arrival to its new features and electric capabilities.

With modern styling, flexible passenger space, and a manufacturer-estimated driving range of up to 315 miles, the 2028 Highlander gives Jacksonville families plenty to look forward to. Toyota expects the configurations to go on sale in early 2027, with additional availability anticipated later that year.

Contact Butler Toyota Jacksonville to learn more about the upcoming Highlander and stay informed as Toyota releases additional details.

When to Expect the New Highlander

Toyota expects sales of the 2028 Highlander XLE AWD and Limited AWD models equipped with the 95.8-kWh battery to begin in early 2027. The XLE FWD model with the 77.0-kWh battery is expected to follow in mid-2027.

The upcoming Highlander will offer two grades, XLE and Limited, with different battery and drivetrain configurations. Official pricing has not yet been announced and is expected closer to the on-sale date. Specific dealership availability, including at Butler Toyota Jacksonville, remains unconfirmed.

Three Rows of Comfort and Flexibility

Toyota has designed the 2028 Highlander’s cabin to accommodate families, passengers, and changing cargo needs. Standard second-row captain’s chairs provide seating for six, while an available second-row bench on XLE AWD models increases capacity to seven.

An electronically assisted one-touch folding function on the second-row seats will help passengers access the third row.

Toyota has announced several interior comfort features:

• Standard SofTex®-trimmed seating
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• 64-color customizable ambient lighting
• Available fixed panoramic glass roof
• Ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats on Limited models
• Rear-window sunshades on Limited models

These features could make everything from school drop-offs to longer trips along Florida’s First Coast more comfortable.

Cargo Space for Every Adventure

The 2028 Highlander will provide 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third row flat increases available cargo capacity to 45.6 cubic feet. That flexibility gives Jacksonville families room to adjust between carrying passengers and transporting beach chairs, sports equipment, luggage, or other essentials. A standard hands-free power liftgate will also provide convenient access to the cargo area.

Modern Styling With a Fresh Perspective

The 2028 Highlander introduces a modern exterior with Toyota’s signature hammerhead-inspired front end, streamlined proportions, and a wider stance.

Toyota has announced several exterior design elements:

• Full-width LED daytime running lights
• Broad fenders and sculpted body panels
• Semi-flush electronic door handles
• 19-inch wheels with full aero caps on XLE models
• Available 22-inch wheels on Limited models

The upcoming Highlander will also feature a longer wheelbase and lower roofline than the outgoing generation, contributing to its updated appearance.

Exterior Colors and Styling Options

Toyota has announced six single-tone exterior colors for the 2028 Highlander: Midnight Black Metallic, Heavy Metal, Wind Chill Pearl, Reservoir Blue, Spellbound, and Everest. Available two-tone combinations on Limited models will pair select exterior colors with a black roof. Final color availability may vary by configuration.

All-Electric Performance and Driving Range

The 2028 Highlander will offer front-wheel-drive and electronic all-wheel-drive configurations, with two battery capacities.

Front-wheel-drive models will produce 221 total system horsepower, while AWD models will deliver 338 total system horsepower. AWD configurations will also include Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for additional traction-focused capabilities under appropriate conditions.

Announced Battery and Driving Range Options

Toyota has released the following manufacturer-estimated driving ranges:

• XLE FWD with 77.0-kWh battery: 287 miles
• XLE AWD with 77.0-kWh battery: 270 miles
• XLE AWD with 95.8-kWh battery: 315 miles
• Limited AWD with 95.8-kWh battery: 315 miles

These configurations allow shoppers to consider their daily mileage, preferred drivetrain, and charging access when deciding which Highlander may suit their needs.

Charging at Home and on the Road

Toyota has announced that the Highlander will feature a North American Charging System (NACS) port, providing access to thousands of compatible DC fast-charging stations nationwide. Under ideal conditions, Toyota estimates the Highlander can charge from approximately 10% to 80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes using compatible DC fast-charging equipment.

Additional announced charging features include:

• Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging compatibility
• Included dual-voltage 120V/240V charging cable
• Battery Preconditioning to help prepare for DC fast charging
• Plug & Charge capability on selected compatible charging networks

Automatic Battery Preconditioning through navigation requires an active Drive Connect trial or subscription. Plug & Charge requires an active Remote Connect trial or subscription. Actual charging times depend on charging equipment, battery temperature, and other conditions.

Vehicle-to-Load Technology

The upcoming Highlander will introduce vehicle-to-load technology, allowing the vehicle’s battery to supply electricity to compatible external devices. With separately purchased bidirectional accessories, this capability could provide power for certain equipment during outdoor gatherings or other activities. Toyota plans to announce additional accessory and capability details later.

Technology Designed for Everyday Life

The 2028 Highlander will feature Toyota’s latest-generation Audio Multimedia system, bringing updated entertainment, connectivity, and vehicle information into the cabin.

Toyota has announced several technology features:

• Standard 14-inch multimedia touchscreen
• Standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
• Dual wireless phone charging
• USB-C charging ports throughout all three rows
• Available 11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system on XLE AWD and Limited models

The multimedia system will also include customizable home-screen widgets and enhanced voice assistance for accessing supported functions.

Connected Features for Modern Families

Toyota has announced an enhanced Digital Key that will allow compatible smart devices to lock, unlock, and start the Highlander. Eligible users will also be able to share access with up to five additional drivers.

A standard built-in Drive Recorder will use exterior cameras to capture short video clips during selected events or manual activation.

Through the Toyota app and eligible Connected Services, drivers will also be able to check charging status and manage charging schedules.

Digital Key and certain connected features require compatible devices and active trials or subscriptions.

Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 and Driver Assistance

Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 will come standard on the 2028 Highlander, bringing updated hardware and detection capabilities to Toyota’s driver-assistance technology.

The suite includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Road Sign Assist
• Proactive Driving Assist

These systems are designed to provide assistance during various driving situations, including highway travel, changing traffic conditions, and lane monitoring. Drivers remain responsible for safely operating the vehicle.

Parking and Driver Awareness Technology

Beyond Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, the upcoming Highlander will include standard Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, and a rear-seat reminder system.

The Limited will add several available driver-assistance and convenience technologies:

• Panoramic View Monitor
• Advanced Park
• Front Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane Change Assist
• Traffic Jam Assist

Traffic Jam Assist requires an active Drive Connect trial or subscription and operates only under applicable conditions.

Stay Updated on the 2028 Highlander in Jacksonville, FL

The upcoming 2028 Toyota Highlander brings an exciting new direction to Toyota’s three-row SUV lineup. With all-electric performance, flexible seating, modern styling, advanced connectivity, and Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, this next-generation SUV offers Jacksonville families plenty to look forward to.

Contact Butler Toyota Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL, to ask about the upcoming 2028 Highlander, anticipated availability, and future pricing announcements. Our team can help you stay informed as Toyota releases additional details and prepare to explore the Highlander when it arrives.

Range figures are manufacturer estimates actual range varies with configuration, weather, driving habits, vehicle load, and other factors. Specifications, features, pricing, and availability are subject to change. Connected features may require compatible devices, network access, and an active trial or subscription.

*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.