Highlander EV is here? Toyota confirms mass production of the all-new three-row electric SUV in 2026

[PCauto] Toyota has recently unveiled a teaser image of its upcoming all-electric, three-row SUV on social media. As for the name of the new car, Toyota has yet to officially announce it.

Some reports indicate it could follow the bZ series nomenclature and be dubbed the bZ5X, while others speculate Toyota may opt for a simpler name like Highlander EV.

Regardless of the name, this vehicle is very important. It represents not only Toyota's first three-row EV for North America but also positions it squarely against rivals like the Tesla Model X, Kia EV9, and Hyundai Ioniq 7.

In terms of design, the SUV sports bold, angular lines, sharing some styling cues with the current Highlander and Grand Highlander. The full-width taillight bar and the large steering wheel are also nods to Toyota’s latest family design language.

The cabin and tech features are also poised to be major highlights. The dashboard is set to feature a large freestanding touchscreen, which is likely to debut Toyota’s next-generation Arene operating system. Coupled with the distinctive electric motor sound effect hinted at in the teaser, the overall driving experience is poised to feel distinctly electric, setting it apart from the character of a conventional SUV.

Furthermore, following the typical pattern of Toyota-Subaru collaboration, a Subaru-badged variant produced at the same plant is also anticipated.

Against its rivals, this Toyota’s key advantage is expected to be its practical and comfortable three-row seating. The most eye-catching feature is the oversized panoramic sunroof that extends to the third row, ensuring children sitting there won't feel cramped.

These independent middle-row seats, along with the generous cabin passageway and expansive panoramic sunroof, are expected to deliver a level of practicality that surpasses many in the segment.

Significantly, the new vehicle will also support the Tesla NACS charging standard, underscoring its strong overall product proposition.

On the performance front, the SUV is anticipated to feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup. This, combined with its Tesla NACS charging port—granting direct access to the extensive Supercharger network—rounds out a compelling technical package.

Official range figures have yet to be released, but estimates suggest it will surpass 500 kilometres on the EPA test cycle. Power output is anticipated to be in the region of 350 to 400 horsepower, which should be more than adequate for a vehicle of this size and purpose.

Strategically, this three-row, fully electric SUV carries considerable weight for Toyota. It embodies the execution of the brand’s North American electrification strategy while simultaneously marking its serious entry into the competitive three-row EV segment.

At the press conference on February 10th, its final nameplate and further technical specifications will be revealed. Based on what we know so far, whether your priority is range, space, or family practicality, this vehicle is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated electric SUVs of the year.