What’s Changing in Toyota’s Lineup Over the Next Few Years?
If you’ve been eyeing a Toyota or just curious about where the brand is headed, buckle up—there’s a lot happening. Toyota is rolling out a wave of new models and updates across North America, with some surprising twists. From electrified SUVs to a renewed focus on sedans, the company is making bold moves that could reshape what you see at your local dealership by 2028.
Is Toyota Really Bringing an Electric Highlander to the US?
This is the question on everyone’s mind, and the answer looks more promising than ever. While Toyota has already confirmed a range-extender Highlander for China, the North American market is likely to get a full battery electric version. According to reporting from Automotive News, the next-generation Highlander could debut before the end of this year and hit dealerships in early 2026.
Here’s why this matters: Highlander sales have taken a nosedive—down 50% year-over-year, with just 30,056 units sold so far in 2024. Meanwhile, the larger Grand Highlander is thriving, up nearly 20% with 65,419 units sold. It’s clear buyers want more space and, increasingly, electrification. Toyota’s decision to skip a hybrid Highlander in favor of a pure EV is a direct response to these shifting preferences.
The Grand Highlander, introduced in 2023, will stick with combustion engines for now but gets a facelift in 2027 to stay fresh. This two-pronged approach lets Toyota hedge its bets as the market decides how fast it wants to go electric.
What’s the Latest on Toyota’s Electric SUV Expansion?
Toyota isn’t stopping at the Highlander. The company is working on a three-row electric SUV about the size of the Grand Highlander, first teased as the bZ5X concept. Production has been delayed a few times, but the latest word is that it could start rolling out of the Georgetown, Kentucky plant by 2028.
And let’s not forget the RAV4. The 2026 model ushers in a new generation, building on its status as the world’s best-selling vehicle. The RAV4’s continued dominance shows that Toyota’s bread-and-butter is still the crossover, but the brand is clearly laying the groundwork for a broader EV lineup.
The Crown Signia, another recent addition, won’t see a facelift until at least 2028. Meanwhile, the rugged 4Runner and Land Cruiser are due for mid-cycle updates that same year, both sticking with their tried-and-true ladder-frame platforms.
Are Sedans Still Part of Toyota’s Future?
Absolutely. While many automakers are abandoning sedans, Toyota is doubling down. This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s strategy. With rivals pulling out, Toyota is scooping up buyers who still want a traditional car.
That said, the pace of updates is slowing. The Camry won’t get a facelift until 2028, and the hydrogen-powered Mirai will soldier on as-is for now. The Corolla sedan, freshened for 2026, is due for a full redesign soon, and the Crown fastback gets a refresh in 2026. The stylish Crown Sedan remains a Japan-only affair, at least for now.
Here’s where things get interesting: rumors point to a fully electric sedan joining the North American lineup in 2027. Details are scarce, but it could borrow design cues from China’s bZ7—a large, more affordable alternative to the Tesla Model S. If this pans out, Toyota’s EV portfolio will finally have a true sedan to complement its growing crossover and SUV offerings.
What About Trucks, Minivans, and Performance Cars?
Toyota’s truck game remains strong. The Tundra, refreshed for 2026, is set for a bigger update next year, likely alongside the Sequoia SUV. The Tacoma, which just got a redesign in 2023, will see a facelift in 2027.
But here’s the curveball: persistent rumors suggest a compact, unibody pickup—think Ford Maverick rival—could arrive around 2027, likely with a hybrid powertrain. If Toyota pulls this off, it could be a game-changer for buyers who want utility without the bulk (or price) of a full-size truck.
On the performance front, the GR Corolla hot hatch is getting a makeover for 2026, with sharper aerodynamics, a stiffer chassis, and more torque. Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division is cooking up even more, though it’s unclear which models will make it stateside. Enthusiasts are hoping for a new GR Celica, plus updates to the GR 86 and GR Supra.
The Prius, the poster child for hybrids, gets a facelift in 2026 but keeps its hybrid and plug-in options. The Sienna minivan is due for a major overhaul in 2027, and while a range-extended version is confirmed for China, it’s still up in the air for the US.
How Does Toyota’s Strategy Stack Up Against the Competition?
Toyota’s approach is all about balance. While some brands are going all-in on EVs and others are clinging to combustion engines, Toyota is taking a measured path. The company is expanding its electric offerings but isn’t abandoning hybrids or traditional models. This lets Toyota serve a wide range of buyers—those ready for an EV, those who want a hybrid, and those who just want a reliable gas-powered car.
It’s a smart play, especially as EV adoption in the US remains uneven. According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicles made up about 9% of new car sales in the US in 2023—a record, but still a minority. Toyota’s hybrid sales, meanwhile, have remained strong, giving the brand a cushion as the market transitions.
The big takeaway? Toyota’s lineup overhaul isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether you’re after an EV, a hybrid, or just a solid sedan, Toyota’s next chapter is shaping up to offer something for everyone—without forcing you to pick sides in the drivetrain wars.