With another nearly $1 billion in funding for its Kentucky plant, Toyota is gearing up to build its first three-row electric SUV in the US. However, it will not arrive as soon as planned. Here’s when you can expect to see it.
Toyota invests $1 billion in Kentucky ahead of 3-row SUV
Toyota is investing another $922 million to build a new paint shop at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant. Thursday’s news follows the $1.3 billion investment the company announced in February.
With over $2 billion in funding revealed this year alone, Toyota is gearing up to begin building its first three-row electric SUV.
Although the electric SUV was initially scheduled for production in 2025, Toyota is pushing back the start date until the first half of 2026. The delay comes after Toyota recently informed suppliers it was slowing the rollout of new EVs.
As its largest manufacturing facility globally, Toyota’s Kentucky plant will be key if Toyota wants to keep up as the US shifts to electric.
The new paint shop will open in 2027 and will use advanced technology to help “Toyota vehicles stand out.” Kerry Creech, president of Toyota Kentucky, said, “Not only will our customers get the dynamic and stylish exterior finishes they love, but Toyota’s commitment to advanced paint technologies goes beyond aesthetics.”
Toyota said its new paint shop will add 1 million sq ft while reducing carbon emissions by 30%. It will also cut water usage by 1.5 million gallons per year.
Although Toyota is delaying its larger electric SUV in the US, European customers can expect a new EV model soon.
In a separate release, Toyota introduced the new Land Cruiser EV on Thursday. The new Toyota Land Cruiser is a fully electric crossover SUV, slightly bigger than its Yaris Cross. It will launch in Europe next year based on Suzuki’s new EV platform.
