Toyota has offered the first official look inside its upcoming three-row electric SUV, ahead of its full unveiling in the US on February 10.
The newly released images confirm the brand’s next flagship electric SUV will feature a seven-seat layout, placing it at the top of Toyota’s global EV range.
Seven-seat layout with premium touches
The interior teaser shows three rows of seating, with the showcased vehicle appearing to feature second-row captain’s chairs, suggesting this is a higher-grade variant.
Light-coloured leather and leatherette trim is used across the seats, dashboard, centre console, steering wheel, and door panels. Perforated seat upholstery and electric blue ambient lighting add to the premium feel.
A panoramic glass roof is also visible, reinforcing the SUV’s family-focused positioning.
New-generation digital cabin
Ahead of the driver sits a fully digital instrument cluster, while the dashboard is dominated by a large central infotainment touchscreen.
The screen is framed by a physical volume knob and power button, with what appear to be capacitive climate controls integrated into the surround. A small row of physical buttons sits beneath the screen, balancing touch controls with traditional inputs.
The SUV also appears to offer a three-zone climate control system.
Likely to wear the Highlander name overseas
Read more: Toyota teaser hints at large electric SUV for Australia
While Toyota has not confirmed the vehicle’s name, industry speculation suggests it could be sold in the US as the bZ Highlander, following Toyota’s recent shift away from numerical EV naming.
This would mirror recent changes, including the bZ4X being renamed simply bZ, and the longer bZ4X Touring sold in the US as the bZ Woodland.
With its three-row layout, the new electric SUV is expected to be longer than the bZ Woodland, which measures around 4.85 metres.
What could this mean for Australia?
In Australia, the petrol and hybrid Highlander is sold as the Toyota Kluger, sourced from the US. The new electric SUV will reportedly be built alongside the Highlander/Kluger in the US, though production timing has been pushed back to prioritise petrol and hybrid models.
Toyota has not confirmed whether the electric SUV will be produced in right-hand drive or offered in Australia. Even if it does arrive locally, it would likely wear a different name, as Highlander is already used by Hyundai as a trim designation in Australia.
There is also speculation the model could spawn a Subaru-branded sibling, following the existing bZ4X/Solterra partnership.
Full details coming soon
Toyota is expected to reveal full specifications, naming, and powertrain details when the three-row electric SUV makes its official debut on February 10.
If launched locally, it would become Toyota’s largest electric SUV yet, and a potential electric alternative to the Kluger for Australian families.
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