Toyota moves Lexus ES to Japan, Kentucky to build 2 EV SUVs
Toyota pivots: Lexus ES to Japan; Kentucky to build Land Cruiser-inspired and three-row EV SUVs
Toyota moves Lexus ES to Japan, Kentucky to build 2 EV SUVs
Toyota will shift Lexus ES to Japan and retool Kentucky for two new electric SUVs: a Land Cruiser-inspired EV and a larger three-row RAV4-based model.
2025-09-12T08:20:02+03:00
2025-09-12T08:20:02+03:00
2025-09-12T08:20:02+03:00
Toyota has decided to move production of the Lexus ES from the United States back to Japan. In place of the sedan, the company plans to launch two all-new electric SUVs directly at its Kentucky plant. The shift comes across as a pragmatic reshuffle of capacity, aligning a major site with the brand’s next phase of electrification.One of the upcoming electric SUVs is most likely being developed on a Land Cruiser–based platform. Industry specialists already view the 2023 Land Cruiser SE concept as an ideal prototype for a future electric version, which suggests the company intends to preserve the defining traits of the iconic Japanese off-roader even after switching to electric power. That kind of continuity typically helps long-standing nameplates evolve without losing their identity.The second expected model appears to be a three-row, higher-capacity SUV derived from the well-known RAV4. If that prediction holds, the vehicle could become a serious competitor to other makers of eco-friendly vehicles, benefiting from the RAV4’s strong recognition while adding a seating configuration for more passengers. For buyers who value space and a familiar badge, that combination often lands in the sweet spot.
Toyota, Lexus ES production shift, Japan, Kentucky plant, electric SUVs, Land Cruiser EV, Land Cruiser SE concept, RAV4-based three-row SUV, electrification, EV platform, US manufacturing
2025
Michael Powers
news
Toyota pivots: Lexus ES to Japan; Kentucky to build Land Cruiser-inspired and three-row EV SUVs
Toyota will shift Lexus ES to Japan and retool Kentucky for two new electric SUVs: a Land Cruiser-inspired EV and a larger three-row RAV4-based model.
Michael Powers, Editor
Toyota has decided to move production of the Lexus ES from the United States back to Japan. In place of the sedan, the company plans to launch two all-new electric SUVs directly at its Kentucky plant. The shift comes across as a pragmatic reshuffle of capacity, aligning a major site with the brand’s next phase of electrification.
One of the upcoming electric SUVs is most likely being developed on a Land Cruiser–based platform. Industry specialists already view the 2023 Land Cruiser SE concept as an ideal prototype for a future electric version, which suggests the company intends to preserve the defining traits of the iconic Japanese off-roader even after switching to electric power. That kind of continuity typically helps long-standing nameplates evolve without losing their identity.
The second expected model appears to be a three-row, higher-capacity SUV derived from the well-known RAV4. If that prediction holds, the vehicle could become a serious competitor to other makers of eco-friendly vehicles, benefiting from the RAV4’s strong recognition while adding a seating configuration for more passengers. For buyers who value space and a familiar badge, that combination often lands in the sweet spot.
