- Lexus confirms a new electric SUV debut set for May 6.
- Teasers point to a Highlander-based three-row electric SUV.
- Earlier trademarks suggest it will adopt the TZ moniker.
The teaser drip has begun, as Lexus has confirmed a new SUV for May 6. The name remains withheld, though the smart money is on the Lexus TZ, a model expected to share its bones with the 2027 Toyota Highlander.
The dark teasers shared on social media reveal the silhouette of an SUV positioned as the zero-emission counterpart to the Lexus TX. The proportions read Highlander, but the roofline appears to taper more aggressively toward the rear.
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The bodywork is also expected to be redesigned, with a new lighting signature and a hood that leans slightly toward the rugged Lexus GX. Recent spy shots hint at split LED headlights, a covered singleframe grille, toned fenders, sculpted doors, and large alloy wheels. Still, the greenhouse and door handles appear to carry over from the Toyota sibling.
Inside, the cabin should rise to something more befitting the badge, even if certain components, the 14-inch infotainment screen among them, get carried across. A three-row layout is expected, possibly in six-seat configuration.
The footprint of the Lexus TZ will likely align closely with the Toyota Highlander EV. The latter stretches to 5,050 mm (198.8 inches) long, with a 3,050 mm (120.1 inches) wheelbase, riding on a modified version of the TNGA-K architecture.
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Lexus filed trademarks for TZ450e and TZ550e back in 2023, hinting at two electric powertrain options. The Toyota equivalent comes in front- and all-wheel-drive forms, rated at 221 hp and 338 hp respectively. Battery options include a base 77 kWh unit and a larger 95.8 kWh pack offering up to 320 miles (515 km) of range.
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Rivals include the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and Volvo EX90. Pricing will sit above the Highlander EV, which is expected to start in the low to mid $50,000s.
The unveiling will be broadcast on YouTube on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 10:30 am JST, which translates to Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 9:30 pm EDT. Besides North America, the model will also be sold in the Japanese market. As for production, some reports suggest it will be manufactured in the US, while others point to Japan.
