Toyota Teases New Three-Row Electric SUV for 2027 Launch
Toyota North America has released an image and a short animation teasing a new electric SUV. Speculated to be a three-row model arriving in 2027, this vehicle is anticipated to be positioned above the bZ4X and compete directly with models like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.
Design Elements Point to Production Readiness
The teaser image displays a large SUV silhouette featuring a horizontal LED tail-light bar. The accompanying animation reveals additional design elements, including integrated roof rails, a shark-fin antenna, prominent head restraints, and a blue central infotainment display.
The design elements visible suggest the vehicle is near production readiness, down to details such as the rear windscreen's demister lines.
Production Plans and Past Concepts
Toyota North America previously confirmed plans to produce two three-row electric SUVs at its Georgetown, Kentucky manufacturing plant. In 2023, the company unveiled the LandCruiser SE concept, a 5.15-meter unibody electric SUV, which Toyota later indicated for a European launch. The company also presented the bZ Large SUV concept in 2021, which appeared to be an electric version of the Kluger/Highlander.
Initial Focus on the US Market
These recent teasers were not published on Toyota's global media site or its European, UK, or Australian channels, suggesting the teased model may initially target the US market.
Toyota Australia stated it continuously evaluates its local lineup, including sourcing, to provide optimal options for Australian customers, noting that US-built vehicles like the Kluger are already imported. Additionally, Toyota announced that US-made vehicles will be offered in Japan starting in 2026, a move influenced by past tariff negotiations.
Expanding EV Lineup
Currently, Toyota offers the bZ4X electric vehicle in the US, which will be rebranded as 'bZ' from the 2026 model year. It will be joined by the bZ Woodland high-riding wagon this year.
Toyota Australia offers the bZ4X and has confirmed the bZ4X Touring for a 2026 launch, an electric HiLux for 2026, and an electric C-HR for 2027.
Shifting EV Strategy Amidst Industry Trends
Toyota has faced criticism for its slower expansion of its EV lineup, prioritizing hybrid powertrains instead. However, this strategy has aligned with the sustained popularity of hybrids in markets like the US and Australia.
Several automakers, including Nissan and Ford, are revising earlier EV targets to focus more on hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Ford has reported significant financial losses from its EV division, leading to delays or cancellations of some EV programs as it shifts towards extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).
LandCruiser Hybrid Confirmed for Australia
Separately, Toyota has confirmed the first LandCruiser Hybrid for Australia will arrive in early 2026, utilizing a hybrid powertrain also found in the Toyota Tundra pickup.