Toyota might be cooking up an electric Land Cruiser! As someone who’s been hooked on off-road rigs since my first muddy trail drive, this news from IAA Munich 2025’s sidelines got my pulse racing. Toyota’s reportedly gearing up to build two three-row all-electric SUVs at its Kentucky plant, with whispers pointing to a Land Cruiser and RAV4-inspired model hitting U.S. roads by mid-2027. With only the bZ4X in its EV lineup so far, joined by the bZ Woodland and C-HR in 2026, this could be a massive leap. Let’s unpack what’s brewing and why it’s got me excited.
Why an Electric Land Cruiser Feels Like a Big Win
Toyota’s known for stretching platforms across its lineup, and the current gas-powered Land Cruiser rides the TNGA-F (GA-F) chassis, shared with the 4Runner, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra, and Lexus GX/LX. If an electric version emerges, it might lean on a new EV platform—possibly hinting at that rumored electric pickup too. A body-on-frame design could keep its legendary off-road chops intact, maybe even boosting them with instant electric torque. I can already picture it conquering rocky trails with zero emissions—talk about a dream upgrade!
The RAV4 twist is curious. It’s not a three-row crossover now, but the third-gen RAV4 once offered a cramped third row. An electric version with a flat floor could make it more practical, though it’d likely stay a pinch-hitter seat. With the Highlander and Grand Highlander dominating larger segments (the former going electric, the latter hybrid), a stretched RAV4 EV seems unlikely—unless Toyota’s rethinking its lineup entirely. They’ve hinted every model might get an EV variant, so nothing’s off the table yet.
What’s Cooking in Kentucky?
Toyota’s latest move involves shifting production gears. The company told Reuters that the Grand Highlander will keep rolling out of Indiana’s west plant, with the east plant ramping up volume. But the real shift? Two new electric SUVs are slated for Kentucky, ditching earlier Indiana plans. Nikkei Asia suggests this ties to tariff pressures, pushing Lexus production consolidation to Indiana, possibly ending the Kentucky-built ES sedan. Toyota’s cagey—neither confirming nor denying—but the 2021 plan to make the next ES in Japan aligns with this pivot.
An insider tip to Reuters hints the ES will still export to the U.S., though tariffs might throw a wrench into that. It’s a fluid situation, and I’m keeping an eye on how this reshuffle impacts the electric Land Cruiser’s timeline. Kentucky’s big enough to handle this, and the buzz is electric—literally!
The Concept That Started It All
This isn’t out of the blue. The electric Land Cruiser concept debuted at the 2021 Japan Mobility Show, looking production-ready with its rugged vibe. If it morphs into a 2027 reality, it could join Toyota’s seven planned U.S. EV launches, including the bZ Woodland and C-HR. I’m thrilled at the prospect of a zero-emission off-roader that doesn’t skimp on capability—maybe even outdoing the gas model on tricky terrain.
My Take: A Bold Move Worth Watching
An electric Land Cruiser could redefine Toyota’s off-road legacy, blending eco-friendliness with that iconic toughness. The Kentucky shift and RAV4 rumors add layers to the story, and with Lexus tweaks in play, it’s a fascinating pivot. I’m rooting for that three-row EV to hit trails by 2027—imagine the adventures! What do you think—will Toyota nail this electric leap? Share your thoughts below!
Source-carbuzz.com
