Toyota is finally hitting the accelerator on EVs—and it’s doing it on American soil. According to new reports, the automaker will begin producing two electric three-row SUVs in Kentucky as soon as next year.
Made in America, Built for the Future
In a move that signals Toyota’s long-awaited shift into EV manufacturing, the Japanese carmaker plans to assemble its first U.S.-built EVs at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant. That’s the same facility currently making the Lexus ES, though production of that sedan will soon shift back to Japan to make room for the electric newcomers.
According to sources close to the project, the new EVs will be inspired by the Land Cruiser and RAV4, two of Toyota’s most iconic nameplates. However, they won’t simply be electric versions of gas models—they’ll ride on the company’s dedicated e-TNGA electric platform.
What to Expect: Big, Bold, and Electric
While Toyota hasn’t revealed many specs, the new Land Cruiser EV will likely resemble the Land Cruiser Se concept shown in 2023. Despite the rugged badge, this three-row SUV is designed more for school runs than rock crawling. Think Toyota Grand Highlander size, with sleek, boxy styling and family-friendly functionality.
The RAV4-based EV will be a size class below, potentially replacing or complementing the hybrid RAV4. Specific details remain under wraps, but expect it to sit somewhere between the current RAV4 and the upcoming bZ models in terms of size and range.
Toyota’s EV Strategy: Slow but Strategic
Toyota has been criticized for its cautious EV rollout, with only the bZ4X currently on U.S. roads. But that’s changing. By the end of 2025, Toyota plans to have multiple EVs in market, including the C-HR EV, bZ Woodland, and now these two new three-row entries.
Rather than go all-in on battery electrics, Toyota is sticking to its strategy: offer a mix of hybrids, plug-ins, and full EVs to meet customer needs and reduce emissions.
