A single image of a large SUV was released by Toyota North Americahinting at what could potentially be a three-row electric SUV expected in 2027.
This new model could therefore slot in above the bZ4X and take on the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.
The rear view image, which only shows a large SUV silhouette with a horizontal LED taillight bar, was posted on Toyota North America’s media site along with the words “Something new is on the horizon.”
A nine-second animation also reveals the vehicle’s taillight design, integrated roof rails and shark fin antenna, as well as large headrests and the blue hue of a central infotainment display on the dashboard.
The teaser appears to show a production-ready vehicle, right down to the horizontal demister lines on the rear window.
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Toyota North America has already confirmed that it will build two three-row electric SUVs at its production plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.
In 2023, the LandCruiser SE concept was introduced, a 5.15 m long electric SUV with a uniform body, whose launch was apparently confirmed by Toyota in Europe last year. Toyota Australia has already expressed interest in offering this model here.
The company also previewed what appears to be an electric Kluger/Highlander counterpart in the bZ Large SUV concept in 2021.
Notably, these latest teasers have not appeared on Toyota’s global media site, nor on its European, UK or Australian channels, suggesting that the model shown may be specific to the US market – at least initially.
“Toyota Australia is continually evaluating its local offering, including sourcing locations, to provide the best options for our Australian customers,” a Toyota Australia spokesperson said when asked about the teaser and its potential relevance to Australia.
US-built vehicles are already imported by Toyota Australia, with the Kluger coming from the Indiana factory since 2013.
As for potential global models, Toyota has also said it will again offer US-made vehicles in Japan from 2026, following pressure to increase American vehicle exports during tariff negotiations with US President Donald Trump.
Toyota currently offers only one electric vehicle (EV) in the United States: the bZ4X – renamed simply “bZ” for the North American market starting with the 2026 model year. This year there will also be the high-seat suit bZ Woodland, as the bZ4X Touring will be called there.
Toyota Australia currently offers the bZ4X and has confirmed the launch of the bZ4X Touring in 2026. The brand has also confirmed an electric HiLux for 2026 and an electric C-HR for 2027.
All of these vehicles except the HiLux EV have twins sold by Subaru.
The Japanese automaker has been criticized for being slower than some rivals to expand its electric vehicle offerings, instead prioritizing hybrid powertrains.
However, this strategy has proven prudent given the continued popularity of hybrid vehicles in both the US and Australia, with several automakers rolling back previous EV targets in favor of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
These include Nissan, whose global challenges have been exacerbated by its failure to introduce its e-Power hybrid models in the US – despite the technology being sold in Australia in vehicles such as the Qashqai since 2022 – and Ford.
Ford’s significant financial losses in electric vehicles, running into billions, have led the company to delay or cancel several electric vehicle programs while it focuses on extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).
Meanwhile, Toyota has confirmed the first LandCruiser Hybrid for Australia will launch in early 2026. It uses a hybrid powertrain shared with the Toyota Tundra pickup – a rival to the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado.
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