Next After Lightning - Toyota Highlander BEV?

[Lytning]

I am on my third Lexus RX, which shares the chassis and drivetrain with the Toyota Highlander. Both are excellent vehicles. Since I don't often need the use of the bed of my Lightning, I would seriously consider the Highlander BEV (or Lexus RX BEV when it becomes available) when it comes time to replace my Lightning. The Highlander is reported to be available late 2026 / early 2027 with prices starting at $55k to $60k.

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[DavidS]

pretty substandard tow capacity. If you can wait 3-4 years, buy an off lease base Porsche Cayenne EV. 7700 lbs towing capacity and charges twice as fast as a Lightning.

 

[RickLightning]

I am watching that also, but there's no new news that I have seen.

 

[Rice_classic]

MIL loves her BZ and so many buyers out there want a Toyota because of the reputation (whether it's still earned or not). Doing an EV on the popular Highlander platform makes pretty good sense.

 

[maverick129]

This is on my short list as well when my leases is up next summer.

 

[Nolander]

pretty substandard tow capacity. If you can wait 3-4 years, buy an off lease base Porsche Cayenne EV. 7700 lbs towing capacity and charges twice as fast as a Lightning.

And the Turbo version does 0-60 in 2.2 sec with launch control

 

[Adventureboy]

And the Turbo version does 0-60 in 2.2 sec with launch control

Yep, came across one a while back. Stepped on it at a light with one right behind me. He stuck with me like he was having a coffee, waiting for the Lightning to move out of the way.

 

[badger42]

Subaru Getaway will be the faster and (likely) cheaper version of the same car.

 

[The Weatherman]

Slate Pickup….. due for delivery April-June, 2027.

Don’t get me wrong, the Lightning (Ruby) is staying. She is just getting a little company. Emphases on ‘little.’

 

[Athrun88]

I would probably lean towards the Subaru version. We had a few fairly bad experiences dealing with Toyota and their dealer network fairly consistently. While most dealerships are usually willing to deal and negotiate, all of the Toyota dealerships we've ever visited were nothing but greedy. They all reminded me of that marketplace seller who doesn't budge on price because "I know what I got".

That being said, I would much rather Ford bring out an Expedition EV (or resurrect the Excursion as an EV) in the next 20 years so I can get one of those when I pass the Lightning off to my son!

 

[RickLightning]

I would probably lean towards the Subaru version. We had a few fairly bad experiences dealing with Toyota and their dealer network fairly consistently. While most dealerships are usually willing to deal and negotiate, all of the Toyota dealerships we've ever visited were nothing but greedy. They all reminded me of that marketplace seller who doesn't budge on price because "I know what I got".

That being said, I would much rather Ford bring out an Expedition EV (or resurrect the Excursion as an EV) in the next 20 years so I can get one of those when I pass the Lightning off to my son!

I wouldn't change brands because of dealerships refusing to deal...

My son bought a Subaru as his first new vehicle back close to 18 years ago. He "negotiated" with the Subaru dealership, and proudly gave me the price he was going to pay. I called a dealership 45 minutes away, and beat it significantly. Taught him a good lesson.

Fast forward to 2026. He relocated to the area, and wanted the Toyota Grand Highlander (his budget has increased in 18 years...). The local Toyota dealership not only refused to deal, but they tacked on a bunch of stuff. He, with experience under his belt, contacted other dealerships and bought 2 hours away. I dropped him off at the train station, he got off the train and he picked it up, and drove to work.

Surprise - the local Subaru dealership is the same ownership as the local Toyota dealership...

My perspective, without much knowledge, is that this is a Toyota, built in their plant. I see no reason to buy it as a Subaru.

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