When Toyota said “something new” was coming last week teasing its latest new model, the rumor mill was abuzz. Some thought it was an SUV, while others claimed it could be a response to recent trends and be a new smaller pickup.

The company has provided a bit more clarity with its latest release which seemingly confirms the new model will be a large three-row SUV which also raises more questions than answers.

A Highlander replacement?

The newest teaser image shows off a new three-row interior confirming that the SUV will be one of the bigger ones Toyota will be launching this year. The cabin comes with second-row captain’s chairs and a massive glass roof with white hued materials being contrasted by black elements. A large infotainment screen is visibly present too and it’s clear that tech will be the buzz word in this model.

The core dimensions are also similar to the Highlander and some have suggested this model could replace the venerable Highlander in showrooms. We don’t see this happening. Familiarity provides the fuel for most car sales at the dealer model and with the Highlander moniker still having a strong level of loyalty from buyers, we suspect Toyota doesn’t want to rock the boat too much with a name change. Instead, it might feature the delightfully weird bZ moniker and give the electrified lineup a larger entry to please large families (if this is indeed an all-electric model.)

Concept might have previewed it

Some elements of his new model are similar to what we saw prior with the bZ Large Concept which debuted back in 2021. The rear light bar is similar and the rear end is also similar to the concept’s.

The main difference between the show vehicle and this one is some of the concessions that would have to be made for safety. The concept featured slick camera mirrors and dainty door handles but U.S. safety regulations would force the company to swap those out for traditional mirrors and bigger door handles. Otherwise expect the rest of the exterior styling to mirror what’s seen in these patent images with the exterior getting a futuristic look that also embodies what we have seen in other recent Toyota models.