A single image of a large SUV has been released by Toyota North America, teasing 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, showing only a large SUV silhouette with a horizontal LED tail-light bar, was posted to Toyota North America’s media site alongside the words: “Something New is On the Horizon.”
A nine-second animation also reveals the vehicle’s tail-light design, integrated roof rails and shark-fin antenna, as well as large head restraints 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 rear windscreen’s horizontal demister lines.
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Toyota North America has previously confirmed it will build two three-row electric SUVs at its Georgetown, Kentucky manufacturing plant.
In 2023, it revealed the LandCruiser SE concept, a 5.15m-long unibody electric SUV, which last year Toyota appeared to confirm for a European launch. Toyota Australia has previously expressed interest in offering this model here.
The company also previewed what appeared to be an electric Kluger/Highlander counterpart in the bZ Large SUV concept, back in 2021.
Notably, these latest teasers didn’t appear on Toyota’s global media site, nor its European, UK or Australian channels, suggesting the model they show may be US-market specific – at least initially.
“Toyota Australia is constantly evaluating its local lineup, including sourcing location, to provide the best options for our Australian customers,” said a Toyota Australia spokesperson when asked about the teaser and its potential relevance for Australia.
US-built vehicles are already imported by Toyota Australia, with the Kluger sourced from its Indiana factory since 2013.
As potential global models, Toyota has also announced it will once again offer US-made vehicles in Japan from 2026, following pressure during tariff negotiations with US President Donald Trump to increase American vehicle exports.
Currently, Toyota offers just one electric vehicle (EV) in the US: the bZ4X – renamed simply ‘bZ’ for the North American market from the 2026 model year. It’ll be joined this year by the bZ Woodland high-riding wagon, as the bZ4X Touring will be known over there.
Toyota Australia currently offers the bZ4X and has confirmed the bZ4X Touring for a 2026 launch. The brand has also confirmed an electric HiLux for 2026 and an electric C-HR for 2027.
All of these vehicles bar the HiLux EV have twins sold by Subaru.
The Japanese automaker has faced criticism for being slower than some rivals to expand its EV lineup, instead prioritising hybrid powertrains.
However, that strategy has proven prudent, given the continued popularity of hybrids in both the US and Australia, with several automakers scaling back earlier EV targets in favour of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
This includes 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 since 2022 in vehicles such as the Qashqai – as well as Ford.
Ford’s significant financial losses on EVs, which have run into the billions, have led the company to delay or cancel several EV programs as it pivots toward extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).
Meanwhile, Toyota has confirmed the first LandCruiser Hybrid for Australia will arrive in early 2026, using a hybrid powertrain shared with the Toyota Tundra pickup – a rival to the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado.
