2027 Rivian R1S vs 2027 Toyota Highlander EV | Ultimate 3-Row Electric SUV Showdown – Range, Performance, Tech & Price

2027 Rivian R1S vs 2027 Toyota Highlander EV - Tags: United States, Australia, Canada, Luxembourg, Marshal islands, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Brazil, New Zealand, Mexico, Italy, USA, UK, CA, Europe, Asia, Africa, Japan, Qatar, Dubai, Kuwait, Singapore, 2027 Rivian R1S, 2027 Toyota Highlander EV, Rivian R1S vs Highlander EV, Toyota Highlander EV vs Rivian R1S, 2027 electric SUV, Rivian R1S 2027, Toyota Highlander EV 2027, electric SUV comparison, best electric SUV 2027, three row electric SUV, 3 row electric SUV, Rivian electric SUV, Toyota electric SUV, R1S range, Highlander EV range, R1S performance, Highlander EV performance, R1S review, Highlander EV review, Rivian R1S range, Toyota Highlander EV range, luxury electric SUV, family electric SUV, adventure electric SUV, off road electric SUV, NACS electric SUV, EV charging, EV range, EV performance, electric SUV USA, electric SUV Canada, electric SUV Europe, electric SUV UK. 2027 Rivian R1S vs 2027 Toyota Highlander EV | Ultimate 3-Row Electric SUV Showdown – Range, Performance, Tech & Price

2027 Rivian R1S vs 2027 Toyota Highlander EV | Ultimate 3-Row Electric SUV Showdown – Range, Performance, Tech & Price

The three-row electric SUV market is entering a new chapter, and the 2027 Rivian R1S and 2027 Toyota Highlander EV represent two very different approaches to family-focused electric transportation. Rivian has updated the R1S for 2027 with a simpler Premium, Performance, and Quad trim structure, while Toyota is introducing the Highlander EV as its first three-row battery-electric vehicle for the U.S. market. The R1S continues to focus heavily on adventure, off-road capability, performance, towing, and long-distance range. Depending on configuration, the 2027 R1S offers dual-, tri-, or quad-motor powertrains, with the Premium Long Range version reaching up to an EPA-estimated 410 miles. Performance delivers 850 horsepower, while the Quad produces 1,025 horsepower. Toyota takes a more conventional family-SUV approach, offering XLE and Limited grades, FWD or AWD availability, seating for up to seven, and a maximum manufacturer-estimated range of 320 miles with the 95.8-kWh AWD configuration. That creates an interesting comparison for buyers across the USA, Canada, and Europe. The Rivian emphasizes adventure and capability, while the Toyota emphasizes family practicality, accessible technology, and everyday usability. In this video, we'll compare their design, interior, technology, performance, range, charging, practicality, pricing, and long-term ownership considerations.

DESIGN & EXTERIOR

The 2027 Rivian R1S continues with a distinctive adventure-oriented SUV design that separates it from many conventional electric crossovers. Its upright proportions, high ground clearance, short overhangs, large wheels, distinctive vertical lighting, and rugged bodywork communicate its off-road focus. The R1S measures approximately 200.8 inches long and 82 inches wide with its mirrors folded, with a wheelbase of 121.1 inches. Depending on configuration, Rivian lists up to 14.7 inches of maximum ground clearance, a 35.8-degree approach angle, and a 34.4-degree departure angle. For 2027, Rivian also introduces Esker Silver as the included paint option across the R1 lineup, replacing LA Silver. The Toyota Highlander EV takes a more aerodynamic and streamlined approach. Its exterior features broad fenders, full-width daytime running lights, clean surfaces, and semi-flush electronic door handles. Toyota lists dimensions of 198.8 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, 67.3 inches tall, and a 120.1-inch wheelbase. The difference is easy to understand visually. The Rivian looks engineered around outdoor exploration, while the Highlander EV has a sleeker family-crossover appearance designed for urban roads and everyday transportation. Both offer substantial dimensions and three-row practicality, but their exterior designs communicate different priorities. The R1S emphasizes rugged capability and adventure, while the Highlander emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency, modern styling, and family-friendly proportions.

INTERIOR & TECHNOLOGY

Inside, both SUVs combine three-row seating with modern electric-vehicle technology, but their cabin philosophies are noticeably different. The 2027 Rivian R1S continues to offer seating for seven with its second-row bench, while a new six-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs is now available. The captain's chairs create a center pass-through, making access to the third row easier without moving the second-row seats. Rivian says the seats are heated, fold flat, and retain child-seat attachment points. The R1S also features a 15.6-inch central display and 12.3-inch driver display, with software playing a major role in vehicle controls and functionality. Toyota takes a more traditional family-oriented technology approach. The 2027 Highlander EV comes standard with a 14-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch driver's display, Toyota Audio Multimedia, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, customizable ambient lighting, and charging capability throughout the cabin. An available fixed panoramic glass roof is also designed to make the interior feel brighter and more open. Toyota offers seating for up to seven, while the R1S provides the additional six-seat captain's-chair option. For cargo, Rivian lists 17.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 90.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. Toyota lists 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 45.6 cubic feet with that row folded. Both are designed for families, but the R1S adds a stronger adventure-oriented cabin and storage philosophy.

PERFORMANCE & RANGE

Performance is one of the biggest differences between these two electric SUVs. The 2027 Rivian R1S is available in three main configurations. Premium uses dual-motor all-wheel drive with 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque, with 0–60 mph acceleration as quick as 4.5 seconds. An optional power upgrade increases output to 665 horsepower and 829 lb-ft, reducing the estimated 0–60 time to 3.4 seconds. Premium Long Range can deliver up to an EPA-estimated 410 miles. The Performance trim uses three motors to produce 850 horsepower and 1,103 lb-ft of torque, with 0–60 mph in as little as 2.9 seconds and an EPA-estimated range of up to 371 miles. The Quad version produces 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft, with 0–60 mph in as little as 2.5 seconds and up to 374 miles of EPA-estimated range. Toyota's Highlander EV is considerably more focused on balanced family transportation. XLE FWD produces 221 horsepower, while AWD versions produce 338 combined horsepower. Toyota offers 77.0-kWh and 95.8-kWh batteries, with manufacturer-estimated ranges of 287 miles for XLE FWD, 270 miles for XLE AWD with the smaller battery, and 320 miles for the larger-battery AWD configurations. This comparison therefore isn't simply about acceleration. Rivian provides a much broader performance envelope, including serious off-road capability, while Toyota focuses on smooth electric power and practical range for everyday family driving.

CHARGING & REAL-WORLD PRACTICALITY

Charging and everyday usability are important considerations when comparing two large three-row EVs. The 2027 Rivian R1S comes with a native NACS charging port, giving owners access to Tesla Supercharger infrastructure with the appropriate Rivian-approved equipment and compatibility. Rivian also operates its Adventure Network, while the vehicle can use other public charging systems. Rivian's current official comparison information lists 10–80 percent charging times that vary by battery and configuration, so actual charging duration depends on the specific R1S, charger capability, battery temperature, and state of charge. The R1S also brings significant utility beyond charging. It can seat up to seven, offers a six-seat captain's-chair configuration, provides a front trunk, and has substantial cargo volume. Rivian lists a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The Toyota Highlander EV uses a NACS port as standard and supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging. Toyota estimates a 10–80 percent DC fast-charge time of around 30 minutes under ideal conditions, with battery preconditioning and Plug & Charge capability. Toyota also offers vehicle-to-load capability, allowing the Highlander EV to power external devices when the required bidirectional accessories are purchased. For road trips, camping, family vacations, and outdoor activities, the R1S provides additional capability and towing strength. The Highlander EV focuses more on straightforward family transportation and convenient charging. Real-world range for both vehicles will vary with temperature, speed, terrain, passengers, climate use, and wheel configuration.

PRICE & LONG-TERM VALUE

Price creates another important difference between these two electric SUVs, although the final ownership equation depends heavily on configuration and market. Rivian has already published U.S. pricing for the 2027 R1S, with Premium starting at $83,990. The lineup then moves into Performance and the higher-output Quad configuration, with pricing increasing according to powertrain and equipment. Rivian also offers a Premium Long Range configuration designed for buyers prioritizing maximum driving range, while the Performance and Quad trims emphasize output and capability. Toyota has announced the 2027 Highlander EV but has not yet published its U.S. MSRP, stating that pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle's on-sale date. Sales are expected to begin in late 2026 and continue into early 2027. That means an accurate price-to-price comparison will need to wait for Toyota's official MSRP and final equipment structure. Long-term ownership also involves more than the sticker price. Buyers should consider electricity rates, insurance, maintenance, tires, depreciation, battery warranty coverage, home-charging installation, public charging costs, and available incentives. The R1S may require particular attention to tire costs and energy consumption depending on wheel and off-road configuration. The Highlander EV's battery choices provide flexibility between range and configuration. In the USA, Canada, and Europe, local taxes, incentives, energy prices, and charging infrastructure can significantly change total ownership costs. Buyers should therefore compare similarly equipped vehicles rather than relying only on base MSRP.

2027 Rivian R1S vs 2027 Toyota Highlander EV | Ultimate 3-Row Electric SUV Showdown – Range, Performance, Tech & Price

PROS & CONS

The 2027 Rivian R1S has several notable strengths. Its advantages include standard all-wheel-drive capability, three-row seating, a new six-seat captain's-chair option, substantial cargo capacity, strong towing capability, impressive ground clearance, multiple powertrain choices, and very high performance potential. Premium Long Range can reach up to an EPA-estimated 410 miles, while Performance and Quad deliver 850 and 1,025 horsepower respectively. Potential considerations include its higher starting price compared with many mainstream SUVs, substantial vehicle dimensions, and the possibility of higher tire and energy costs depending on configuration and driving conditions. The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV offers its own set of strengths, including seating for up to seven, FWD or AWD availability, two battery sizes, up to a manufacturer-estimated 320-mile range, a 14-inch touchscreen, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, NACS charging, battery preconditioning, Plug & Charge, and vehicle-to-load capability. Its potential considerations include a lower maximum range figure than the R1S Premium Long Range and less emphasis on extreme performance or off-road hardware. Toyota's official U.S. MSRP is also still pending. For both vehicles, actual range can change significantly with temperature, speed, terrain, wheel choice, payload, and climate use. The important distinction is that Rivian offers a wider range of performance and adventure-oriented configurations, while Toyota focuses on flexible family transportation and everyday usability.

FINAL VERDICT

The 2027 Rivian R1S and 2027 Toyota Highlander EV show how different the three-row electric SUV category can be. Rivian has built the R1S around adventure, all-wheel-drive capability, high performance, towing, off-road hardware, and long-distance range. Its 2027 Premium Long Range configuration reaches up to 410 miles EPA-estimated, while Performance and Quad versions bring 850 and 1,025 horsepower respectively. Toyota's new Highlander EV takes a more family-oriented route, with seating for up to seven, multiple battery choices, FWD or AWD availability, a maximum manufacturer-estimated range of 320 miles, a 14-inch touchscreen, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, NACS charging, and vehicle-to-load functionality. For buyers in the USA, Canada, and Europe, the differences come down to how the vehicle will actually be used. The R1S provides a broader set of adventure and performance capabilities, while the Highlander EV is designed around everyday family transportation, passenger capacity, efficiency, and Toyota's established approach to usability. Price is another key factor because Rivian's 2027 R1S pricing is already published, while Toyota's Highlander EV MSRP remains to be announced. Rather than treating one vehicle as universally better, consider the priorities that matter most: maximum range, towing, off-road capability, acceleration, passenger flexibility, charging access, purchase price, and long-term operating costs. As both vehicles enter the market, final local pricing and real-world testing will provide additional information for buyers.

Description:

2027 Rivian R1S vs 2027 Toyota Highlander EV — two very different three-row electric SUVs compared head-to-head.

In this full EV SUV comparison, we look at the 2027 Rivian R1S and 2027 Toyota Highlander EV across range, performance, design, interior, technology, charging, practicality, price, and long-term ownership.

The 2027 Rivian R1S brings multiple powertrain choices, up to 410 miles of EPA-estimated range in Premium Long Range configuration, up to 1,025 horsepower in Quad trim, three-row seating, available captain's chairs, strong towing capability, and serious adventure-oriented hardware.

The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV offers up to seven seats, FWD or AWD, 77.0-kWh and 95.8-kWh battery options, up to a 320-mile manufacturer-estimated range, a 14-inch touchscreen, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, NACS charging, Plug & Charge, and vehicle-to-load capability.

We'll compare Range, Performance, Interior, Technology, Charging, Real-World Practicality, Price, Long-Term Value, Pros & Cons and more.

Specifications and pricing can vary by market. Toyota's final U.S. MSRP is still pending.

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