Toyota Kluger successor delayed

Toyota Kluger successor delayed reports that the start of production for the all-new, pure-electric Toyota Highlander in the United States has been pushed back, as Toyota makes “additional adjustments” before launch, according to Cars.com quoting a Toyota Motor North America spokesperson. The delay affects the 2027 Highlander, which in the US replaces the name used there while Australia and Japan rely on Kluger branding for the current model. Cars.com says the top-spec all-wheel-drive 2027 Highlander uses two electric motors generating 252kW/438Nm, with 77kWh (462km) and 96kWh (515km) battery options. A “minimum eight week delay” to production ramp-up means the EV may not reach North American showrooms until early 2027. Meanwhile, Toyota is keeping the current 2026 Highlander in production through year-end. The article notes Australian Kluger sales were down 46.3% in the first half of this year, and that a Kluger EV is not currently planned for Australia. It also flags that plans for Lexus TZ and Subaru Getaway could be impacted.