- Toyota confirmed range-extender versions of the next Highlander and Sienna for China.
- It remains unclear if the new EREV setup will be offered outside of Chinese territories.
- The next-gen Highlander is expected in 2026, with a redesigned Sienna following in 2027.
Toyota’s lineup in China is about to get a powertrain shakeup, and two familiar family haulers are leading the charge. Both the Highlander SUV and Sienna minivan, which are nearly identical to their North American counterparts, are confirmed to be getting new generations with a range-extender electric powertrain option.
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More: 2025 Toyota Highlander Gets Minor Updates And A New Special Edition
The announcement came during the 2025 GAC Toyota Technology Day, where Toyota shared plans for a closer collaboration with its Chinese joint ventures, focusing on research and development of future models.
Highlander: More Electrons, Same Mission
First launched in 2019, the current fourth-generation Highlander has been a steady presence in Toyota’s global SUV lineup. In China, GAC Toyota offers it with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, while a near-identical sibling, named the Crown Kluger, is sold through FAW Toyota. For the upcoming fifth generation, a new range-extender electric vehicle (EREV) version is on the way, which Toyota says is better tailored to the preferences of Chinese buyers.
It’s still unclear whether this Highlander EREV will leave Chinese borders. We reached out to Toyota North America to ask if the new powertrain might be offered in the US, but a spokesperson simply said the company “cannot comment on future U.S. products.” Still, considering the growing demand for hybrids and plug-in hybrids, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if a similar offering was sold over here.
According to GAC Toyota, the fifth-gen Highlander will benefit from large-scale updates, possibly referring to a redesigned bodywork and a high-tech cabin. Still, chances are that the model will ride on an upgraded version of the TNGA-K underpinnings rather than using a new platform.
Last year, it was reported that the next-gen Highlander would arrive in 2026, transitioning to a fully electric powertrain. However, the market conditions may have prompted Toyota to change its plans and give a lease of life to the hybrid Highlander, albeit with a heavier dose of electrification. As for the larger Grand Highlander that is not available in China, it is expected to receive a mid-lifecycle update in 2027.
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What We Know About America’s Next Highlander
It’s been reported that the next-generation Highlander will debut in North America in 2026 as a fully electric model, possibly being the three-row EV Toyota has confirmed for its Kentucky and Indiana plants. Could it also be offered with a range-extender powertrain? It’s possible, but we haven’t seen any confirmation yet.
Given Toyota’s cautious approach to full electrification, a dual offering wouldn’t be out of character, especially if it helps bridge the gap for buyers not quite ready to go all-in on battery power. As for the larger Grand Highlander, which isn’t sold in China, it’s expected to receive a mid-cycle update in 2027.
Sienna Also Joining the EREV Club
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The Toyota Sienna minivan, which entered its current fourth generation in 2020, shares its underpinnings with the Highlander and Grand Highlander. In China, the model is assembled by GAC Toyota, while FAW Toyota offers a nearly identical version under the Granvia name.
More: 2025 Toyota Sienna Will Call Your Phone If You Leave Your Kids In The Back
While the fifth-generation Sienna has already been confirmed for China, the North American version is rumored to arrive in 2027 with major updates in both design and technology. As in the upcoming Highlander, the Chinese-market Sienna will adopt a range-extender powertrain, likely sharing the same underlying system.
How the Range-Extender Could Work
Toyota hasn’t released detailed specs for the new EREV system yet. Based on typical configurations, it’s expected to pair a small combustion engine with a large battery, where the engine acts solely as a generator. Propulsion should come entirely from the electric motors, which means drivers get the feel and benefits of a battery-electric vehicle, with extended range and less dependence on charging stations.
In addition to the EREV plans, Toyota confirmed that its sixth-generation hybrid system is in development. This new iteration aims to improve both fuel efficiency and performance. The company also highlighted upcoming enhancements to its Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 suite, including upgraded sensors and improved computing power.
Next Camry Gets a Mention
Beyond the Highlander and Sienna, Toyota also briefly referenced a new-generation Camry during the presentation. While details were limited, it’s likely that a replacement for the current model, which debuted in late 2023, will appear later this decade. Expect it to borrow features from the recently introduced Lexus ES, possibly in both design and tech.