Toyota hints at a new 7‑seat SUV, fueling rumors of a compact pickup or electric crossover slated for a 2026 release. Discover the details and timeline.
Japanese automaker Toyota posted a mysterious rear‑view photograph on its social channels, accompanied only by the caption “Something new is coming soon.” The blurry image, showing a sloping rear end, narrow LED taillights and a vertical rear window, has set the internet abuzz.
What the picture suggests
The design cues point toward a vehicle that sits somewhere between a traditional SUV and a crossover. The upright stance, roof‑line and modest overhangs could also be interpreted as a compact pickup, a segment Toyota has hinted at for years as a challenger to Ford’s Maverick.
Which Toyota models could it be?
- New Highlander or Grand Highlander – a refreshed three‑row SUV would fit the visual profile.
- RAV4 EV with a fresh look – an electric variant could explain the sleek LED treatment.
- Compact pickup – the narrow taillights and straight‑line rear glass resemble a small truck.
- All‑electric three‑row crossover – rumors suggest a US‑built, Kentucky‑manufactured electric SUV slated for a 2026 launch.
Timeline and production
Initial reports placed the electric three‑row SUV’s debut in 2025, but Toyota has now pushed the target to the first half of 2026. If the guess is correct, the model would be assembled at Toyota’s Kentucky plant, marking a major step in the company’s US electrification strategy.
What’s next?
Toyota is expected to reveal one or more new vehicles at its upcoming California showcase in February. Whether the mysterious rear‑view photo turns out to be a production concept or just a bold design tease, the automotive community will be watching closely.
Stay tuned for official announcements and be among the first to learn about Toyota’s next‑generation SUV.