Lexus TZ: Toyota’s Electric SUV Based On The Upcoming Highlander BEV Unveiled

Lexus has officially launched the TZ, its first all-electric three-row SUV, marking a significant expansion of the brand’s electrified lineup and reinforcing Toyota’s commitment to sustainable luxury mobility. Unveiled on May 7, 2026, the TZ is built on Lexus’ advanced TNGA platform and is designed to deliver a seamless blend of dynamic driving performance and lounge-like passenger comfort, setting a new benchmark for premium electric SUVs.

The TZ is positioned as a flagship model under Lexus’ “Driving Lounge” concept, which emphasizes creating a relaxing and spacious cabin environment for passengers. The SUV features a wide, slim and movable panoramic roof, along with a cabin designed to minimize the sense of vehicle size and encourage natural conversation among occupants. Lexus has also prioritized top-level quietness and ride comfort, leveraging sound directivity control to craft a natural acoustic ambiance.

Underpinning the TZ’s performance are two lithium-ion battery options: a 76.96 kWh unit and a larger 95.82 kWh battery. The vehicle comes standard with an evolved DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system, ensuring both handling stability and a composed ride. An enhanced body structure and advanced aerodynamics contribute to the SUV’s driving range and overall efficiency, while Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 provides state-of-the-art safety and convenience features.

Lexus has also incorporated sustainable materials into the TZ’s design, including “Forged Bamboo,” a decorative element made from Shikoku bamboo, which supports both eco-friendly craftsmanship and the preservation of traditional techniques. The SUV’s exterior balances powerful SUV styling with excellent aerodynamic performance, further enhancing its appeal to luxury consumers.

The TZ is the latest in Lexus’ “Beyond Zero” initiative, which aims to deliver innovative, zero-emission vehicles that cater to diverse lifestyles and life stages. The brand’s “DISCOVER LIMITLESS” theme for the TZ underscores its vision of freeing customers from everyday routines and enabling new experiences through mobility.

As part of Toyota’s broader strategy to expand its battery electric vehicle lineup in North America, the TZ will join the upcoming Toyota Highlander BEV, which is also set to debut as a three-row electric SUV. Both models reflect Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to achieving carbon neutrality and meeting the growing demand for premium electric vehicles.

Lexus has not yet announced pricing or exact market availability for the TZ, but the SUV is expected to go on sale in 2027, further solidifying the brand’s position at the forefront of the luxury electric vehicle market.