Quick Read
- Toyota’s upcoming three-row electric SUV, set to launch in 2026, promises to compete with the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 7.
- Produced in the U.S., it marks a significant shift in Toyota’s EV strategy, focusing on family-oriented design, enhanced range, and sustainability.
Toyota, a name synonymous with reliability and innovation in the automotive industry, is set to make waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The company recently announced plans to introduce an all-new three-row electric SUV by 2026, marking a significant pivot towards electrification. With production based in the United States, this vehicle aims to rival heavyweights like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 7, catering to families looking for sustainable yet spacious transportation solutions.
Toyota’s Bold Entry into the Three-Row Electric SUV Market
On February 6, 2024, Toyota confirmed its intentions to produce a new three-row battery-electric SUV at its Georgetown, Kentucky, facility. This announcement followed a USD 1.3 billion investment in the plant, underscoring the automaker’s commitment to strengthening its EV lineup in North America. According to Topelectricsuv, the vehicle is designed to meet the growing demand for larger, family-oriented electric vehicles.
Another model, potentially called the Highlander Electric, is set to be produced at Toyota’s Princeton, Indiana, plant. Both SUVs are expected to share a focus on family-centric design, enhanced range, and competitive pricing. While Toyota has yet to confirm the names, these vehicles symbolize a strategic shift to compete directly with established players in the EV market.
What to Expect from Toyota’s Three-Row Electric SUV
The upcoming three-row electric SUV is expected to feature spacious interiors, advanced technology, and an impressive electric range. Based on Toyota’s recent EV announcements, the vehicle will likely incorporate lessons learned from the bZ4X and other models. The bZ4X, Toyota’s first mass-market EV, faced criticism for its limited range and slow charging times. However, these shortcomings have spurred the company to enhance its future offerings.
According to Consumerreports, Toyota’s new three-row SUV could adopt a larger battery pack to improve range and performance. The vehicle is also expected to offer all-wheel drive as standard, catering to families seeking versatile and reliable transportation. Industry insiders anticipate a starting price of around USD 55,000, making it competitive with the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 7.
Production Plans Rooted in U.S. Manufacturing
Toyota’s decision to produce its three-row electric SUVs in Kentucky and Indiana highlights its commitment to local manufacturing. By building these vehicles in the United States, Toyota aims to reduce production costs and ensure quicker delivery times for American customers. Additionally, this move aligns with the Biden administration’s push for domestic EV production to boost the U.S. automotive industry.
According to Gearpatrol, the Princeton, Indiana, plant will produce the Highlander Electric alongside its internal combustion counterparts. This approach allows Toyota to optimize production efficiency while transitioning towards a more sustainable future. Meanwhile, the Kentucky facility will focus on a separate three-row SUV model, possibly under a different branding.
The Broader Implications for Toyota’s EV Strategy
Toyota has historically been slow to embrace fully electric vehicles, focusing instead on hybrid technology. However, the announcement of these three-row SUVs signals a significant shift in the company’s strategy. By expanding its EV lineup, Toyota aims to capture a larger share of the growing electric vehicle market, which is expected to reach 54 million units globally by 2030.
These SUVs will also help Toyota compete with rivals like Tesla, Hyundai, and Kia, which have been more aggressive in their EV rollouts. The introduction of family-oriented models demonstrates Toyota’s understanding of consumer demand for spacious, practical, and sustainable vehicles.
With its upcoming three-row electric SUVs, Toyota is poised to redefine its position in the EV market. By focusing on family-friendly design, competitive pricing, and local production, the automaker aims to meet the evolving needs of modern consumers while contributing to a sustainable future.