U.S.-Built Three-Row Electric SUV From Toyota Pushed Back to 2026
Toyota’s second battery-electric vehicle for the North American market will have to wait. Production at the Georgetown, Kentucky assembly plant has been pushed back from 2025 to the first half of 2026.
Following reports by Japanese newspaper Nikkei, which received tips from some Toyota suppliers, Automotive News was able to get a confirmation directly from the automaker.
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The reason for the delay is “production preparation issues” and not uncertain EV demand, Toyota insists. No specifics were provided.
The U.S.-built three-row electric SUV, a future rival of the Kia EV9, is now expected to hit the market no sooner than late 2026 as a 2027 model—unless Toyota’s plans change again. As a larger sibling to the bZ4X, it could be called bZ5X.
Remember, Subaru is supposed to get a spinoff, or clone—whichever term you prefer. That one will inevitably be delayed, as well.
By the way, batteries will be sourced from a new plant in North Carolina that’s scheduled to open in 2025.
In related news, Nikkei reported that Toyota no longer plans to build an electric Lexus crossover in North America and is looking to import one from Japan instead. However, that has yet to be confirmed by the automaker.
Toyota still aims to produce and sell 1.5 million battery EVs globally by 2026—provided consumer demand is strong enough—and 3.5 million units by 2030 thanks to 10 new models coming up, many of which will ride on a new platform while others will use a more advanced version of the current e-TNGA architecture.
