Is the Toyota Highlander a plug in?
The Highlander is not a plug-in hybrid. In the United States, Toyota offers a gasoline-only version and a Hybrid (gasoline-electric) version, but there is no plug-in Highlander model available as of 2025.
Understanding this distinction matters for buyers who want the ability to charge a vehicle from an outlet and drive on electric power for extended ranges. Here’s what you need to know about the Highlander and how it compares to plug-in options in Toyota’s lineup.
What plug-in means for Toyota SUVs
“Plug-in” refers to a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or all-electric (BEV) vehicle that can be charged from an external power source. A plug-in hybrid runs on both electricity and gasoline, with a usable electric range before switching to the gasoline engine. A traditional hybrid, by contrast, charges its battery only through the engine and regenerative braking and cannot be charged from a wall outlet. The Highlander’s current powertrains do not include a PHEV variant in the U.S. lineup.
Current Highlander powertrain options
Below are the two main options Toyota already offers for the Highlander in most markets, including the U.S.:
- Gasoline-only engine
- Hybrid (gasoline-electric) with no external charging capability
Conclusion: The Highlander lineup does not include a plug-in hybrid variant, and the Hybrid cannot be charged via an external outlet. For buyers seeking plug-in capability, other Toyota models are available in the brand’s lineup.
Plug-in and all-electric alternatives to the Highlander
If a plug-in capability or full electric driving is important, consider these Toyota options that do offer external charging or electric operation:
- Toyota RAV4 Prime — plug-in hybrid with an electric-only driving mode and a usable electric range
- Toyota bZ4X — all-electric SUV with no gasoline range required for daily driving
- Prius Prime — plug-in hybrid with a smaller footprint than the Highlander
Note: Availability and incentives vary by region, and some models may occupy different segments or trims. Always verify current offerings with a local dealer.
Summary
In short, the Toyota Highlander itself is not a plug-in vehicle. It is available as a gasoline-only model or as a Hybrid, neither of which can be charged from an external outlet. For customers seeking plug-in capability or full electric driving from Toyota, options like the RAV4 Prime or the bZ4X provide those features, while remaining separate from the Highlander family.
Do you have to plug in a hybrid Highlander?
Highlander Hybrids never need to be plugged in and use innovations like regenerative braking to capture and transform energy into electricity and store it in the battery.
Does the Toyota Highlander come in a plug-in?
And traditional fuel-powered travel for longer journeys. Although the 2026 Highlander will be fully redesigned.
Which Toyota models are plug-in hybrid?
Toyota's main plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models are the Prius Plug-In Hybrid and the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid. Both vehicles offer an extended electric-only driving range, with the Prius Plug-In Hybrid being a five-seat hatchback and the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid being a more spacious SUV. These models were formerly known as the Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: 59sToyota WorldYouTube · Nov 14, 2025
- Prius Plug-In Hybrid: A five-seat hatchback that is sleek and maneuverable. For 2025, it offers an EPA-estimated 44 miles of electric driving range, 53/51 MPG (City/Highway), and 127 MPGe.
- RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: A five-seat SUV that is roomier and faster. For 2025, it provides an EPA-estimated 42 miles of electric driving range, 40/36 MPG (City/Highway), and 94 MPGe.
- Key difference: While both offer a blend of gasoline and electric power, the PHEVs have larger batteries and higher-capacity electric performance than standard hybrids, allowing for more electric-only driving.
What happens when a Toyota Highlander Hybrid runs out of gas?
If a Toyota Highlander Hybrid runs out of gas, it will not be able to continue running using the hybrid system. In such a case, the engine will shut off, and the vehicle will come to a stop. The driver will need to refuel the vehicle before it can be started and driven again.
