Toyota teases a massive 3‑row electric SUV, expected in 2026, sparking excitement worldwide. Learn the latest details and stay tuned!
Toyota has just dropped a cryptic teaser of an upcoming three‑row electric SUV, igniting curiosity among auto enthusiasts worldwide. The blurry image, posted on the company’s social channels with the tagline “Something new is on the horizon,” showcases a full‑size crossover with a sleek, boxy silhouette and a striking LED rear‑light strip that runs the entire width of the vehicle.
What We Know So Far
While Toyota has kept the official name and specifications under wraps, industry insiders speculate the model could be dubbed the bZ5X, bZ Highlander or simply the Highlander EV. The vehicle appears to be based on the large‑size bZ concept unveiled in 2021, sharing similar rear‑end styling and a robust, square‑outlined body that promises seating for seven or eight passengers.
Production Plans
According to reports, the three‑row electric SUV will be built in the United States, with final assembly slated for Toyota’s plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. Battery packs are expected to be supplied by the company’s North Carolina battery facility, ensuring a domestic supply chain for the upcoming model.
Why This Matters
The move signals Toyota’s serious push into the highly competitive large‑electric‑SUV segment, where rivals such as Kia’s EV9, Hyundai’s Ioniq 9, Rivian, Volvo and Mercedes‑Benz already have offerings. Adding an electric Highlander‑type SUV would expand Toyota’s EV portfolio beyond the compact bZ4X and hybrid‑dominant lineup.
Timeline and Expectations
Although a formal launch date has not been announced, sources indicate a global unveiling could take place in February 2026 in California, followed by a phased rollout to the U.S. market and possibly Europe later that year. Pricing and trim details remain unknown, but analysts say the vehicle’s name and price point will be critical in gauging Toyota’s competitiveness in the booming EV SUV market.
Potential Impact
If Toyota confirms the “Highlander EV” badge, it would mark a pivotal shift for the iconic Highlander nameplate, traditionally known for gasoline and hybrid powertrains. An electric version could attract families looking for a spacious, zero‑emission alternative, further cementing Toyota’s transition toward an all‑electric future.
Stay tuned for more updates as Toyota prepares to reveal its next‑generation electric SUV.