Toyota and Lexus are going big with their first 3-row electric SUVs

The Toyota Highlander BEV and Lexus TZ will go on sale by the end of 2026, offering three rows of seating and 300 miles of range.

Toyota, Lexus prepare to launch first 3-row electric SUVs

It’s been a little over a month since Lexus unveiled the 2027 TZ, the luxury brand’s first purely electric three-row SUV.

Based on the same TNGA platform as the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander BEV, the TZ will be available with 76.96 kWh and 95.82 kWh lithium-ion battery packs, which Lexus said would provide a driving range of up to 300 miles.

In comparison, the electric Highlander is expected to deliver up to 320 miles of range with the larger (95.82 kWh) battery.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

While it sacrifices a bit of range, the Lexus TZ will be equipped with an upgraded DIRECT4 AWD system as standard across all trims. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup delivers a combined 420 horsepower and can tow up to 3,500 lbs.

Lexus said the “evolved” DIRECT4 AWD system distributes torque precisely between the front and rear motors based on road conditions to maximize performance and handling.

Torque ratios adjust from 60:40 to 0:100 (front:rear) during acceleration and 80:20 to 0:100 (front:rear) while cornering to optimize handling.

The TZ will include five drive modes to adjust drive settings: normal, sport, eco, range, and rear comfort.

Although it’s based on the same platform as the Highlander BEV, Lexus promises the three-row electric SUV will offer its signature driving experience with a reinforced body structure, dynamic rear steering, a fine-tuned suspension, and added aerodynamic reinforcements.

The interior introduces a new Driving Lounge concept that Lexus claims “redefines the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) three-row SUV” by blending lounge-like comfort with the luxury brand’s signature driving experience.

At the center of it all is the latest Lexus Interface multimedia system, which now offers customizable widgets, an improved “Hey Lexus” Voice Assistant, full-screen navigation on the digital cluster, plus new EV Charging functions, including EV Routing and EV Range Map.

The 2027 TZ also has the quietest cabin yet of any Lexus SUV, with added sound-absorbing materials, a reinforced body structure, and a modified suspension system.

Like Hyundai’s performance EVs, such as the IONIQ 5 N, the Lexus TZ features an Active Sound Control (ASC) system that replicates the feeling and sound of a traditional ICE engine shifting.

The front passenger and second-row captain’s seats offer ventilation and power-adjustable ottomans, a first for a Lexus SUV.

Measuring 200.8″ in length, 78.3″ in width, and 67.1″ in height, with a wheelbase of 120.1″, the 2027 Lexus TZ is about the same size as Hyundai’s three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, and the Volvo EX90.

With charging speeds up to 150 kW, the three-row electric SUV can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes.

Like the 2027 Highlander EV, the TZ has a built-in NACS port, allowing drivers to use Tesla Superchargers without a special adapter.

Toyota’s three-row electric SUV will be available in two grades: Limited or XLE, with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains.

The Highlander XLE will be available in FWD and AWD models. The Limited grade, on the other hand, comes with standard AWD and the larger (95.8 kWh) battery. Toyota’s AWD setup delivers 338 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque, while FWD models have 221 hp and 198 lb-ft of torque.

Inside, the 2027 Highlander BEV also features the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system, which includes a new 12.3″ driver display and a 14″ touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2027 Highlander EV and Lexus TZ will go on sale by the end of 2026, joining the new Toyota bZ, C-HR, bZ Woodland, and Lexus ES and RZ in Toyota’s EV lineup.

While the electric Highlander is expected to start at around $50,000, the 2027 Lexus TZ will likely be priced closer to $60,000 as a higher-end alternative.

With its official launch just around the corner, Lexus will showcase the 2027 TZ during a “Curated by Lexus” event at its showroom on Santana Row in San Jose, California. The three-row electric SUV will be on display alongside the new 2026 ES and RZ.

The immersive experience runs from June 11 to September 7, 2026. If you’re in the area, Lexus is offering guided driving tours and more information about EV charging solutions.

Which one would you buy? The Toyota Highlander BEV or the Lexus TZ? Or, would you still stick with another brand? Drop us your pick below in the comments.

If you don’t want to wait, Toyota is offering up to $5,500 off in lease cash incentives, or 0% APR financing for 72 months, plus an extra $1,500 cash incentive on new 2026 EV models. If you’re interested in seeing one in person, we can help you get started. You can click the links below to find local offers and available Lexus and Toyota models in your area.