There’s not much missing from Toyota’s extensive U.S. model lineup, but it doesn’t have a three-row electric SUV. That’s set to change on February 10, when the brand reveals its first Kia EV9 rival. The EV was first teased last week, showing nothing much more than a full-width rear lighting bar. But Toyota has now shown off the interior for the first time, which gives us our best look yet at the new family hauler.
Airy Cabin Seats At Least Six
Toyota
The new interior teaser image reveals what appears to be a high-tech and spacious SUV. This example has a large glass roof and white upholstery, giving it a particularly airy look and feel. Second-row captain’s chairs with dedicated armrests should boost comfort in the back, and the third row is just about visible, too. In this configuration, it appears to seat six people, but there may be a seven-seater version too.
In front, there’s a large touchscreen, possibly even bigger than the 14-inch display in the new bZ Woodland. A digital driver’s display is mounted closer to the steering wheel than the one in the two-row bZ Woodland. It looks like second-row passengers have access to their own climate controls, too.
Toyota’s most comfortable three-row crossover is the Grand Highlander, so if this electric SUV matches that one’s interior, it will be a great family vehicle.
No Confirmed Name Yet
Toyota
Toyota has not said what the new SUV will be called or shared any other details, beyond touting its “big energy” and “bigger versatility.” Its name will likely start with “bZ”, though, marking it as part of the Toyota electric bZ family. Currently, the brand has the compact bZ and midsize bZ Woodland.
Considering that the bZ Woodland has dual motors, all-wheel drive, and 375 horsepower, we would not be surprised if the three-row model’s specifications match this. That should make it quicker than even the Grand Highlander with the 362-hp Hybrid Max powertrain. We do hope the range estimates are a bit better than the bZ Woodland’s maximum of 260 miles, though.
Why It Matters
Toyota
Any segment Toyota enters for the first time is a big deal. The Japanese marque has the brand clout to succeed almost anywhere, so this is a potentially significant threat to the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, two of the few three-row electric SUVs outside the luxury segment.
On the downside, many manufacturers are scaling back their EV plans just as Toyota is rolling out new fully electric models. This U.S.-built Toyota EV won’t benefit from the tax credit either, as that was scrapped at the end of September 2025. Looking at a rival like the EV9, its sales declined by 31.6% last year, despite it still being a fairly fresh product. Furthermore, Toyota’s first modern EV, the bZ (previously bZ4X), hasn’t exactly been a sales hit.
So, while the new SUV has a few odds stacked against it, we wouldn’t bet against Toyota generating significant interest in the electric three-row family-hauler segment.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog