Lexus Unveils First Three-Row Electric SUV: The 2027 TZ Arrives with Advanced Features

Lexus has taken a minimalist approach to its latest electric vehicle (EV) launch, signaling a shift away from the elaborate fanfare typically associated with EV introductions. The luxury automaker officially unveiled the 2027 TZ, its first three-row electric SUV, in a low-key announcement that reflects a new era of understated EV rollouts.

The TZ is a badge-engineered version of the Toyota Grand Highlander, marking Lexus’s entry into the three-row electric family vehicle segment. Unlike Toyota, which discontinued the Highlander to make room for the TX—a hybrid and plug-in hybrid model introduced a few years ago—Lexus will continue offering the TZ alongside its existing lineup without sacrificing another model.

Lexus has provided preliminary specifications for the 2027 TZ but has not yet disclosed pricing. The SUV shares its platform and mechanical underpinnings with the Toyota Grand Highlander, offering a premium take on the same formula. Key highlights include:

• Battery options: A standard 77 kWh battery and an available 96 kWh battery, which is offered on the Select trim and higher.
• Range estimates: The larger 96 kWh battery is expected to deliver at least 300 miles of range, aligning closely with the 320-mile EPA rating of the Highlander XLE and Limited models. Lexus anticipates the TZ’s range will be comparable to the Highlander’s base 270-mile rating when equipped with all-wheel drive, which will be standard on the TZ.
• All-wheel-drive system: The TZ features Lexus’s Direct4 all-wheel-drive system, which uses software to independently control torque distribution to the front and rear axles. This system can send 100% of available power to the rear axle, though total power output may be reduced when torque is diverted. The system is entirely software-based, as there is no mechanical connection between the front and rear drive units.
• Rear-axle steering: An optional rear-axle steering package will enhance maneuverability in tight spaces and improve stability at cruising speeds. This feature is not currently planned for the Toyota Highlander.

Lexus also teased some of the TZ’s interior features, emphasizing comfort and luxury. The front passenger and second-row seats will be available with heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable ottomans. Additionally, the SUV will feature interior surfaces treated with forged bamboo materials.

The 2027 Lexus TZ is scheduled to go on sale later in 2024. Lexus has announced that full trim details and pricing will be revealed later this year.