What’s GOING ON with Toyota’s new Highlander!?

#toyota #highlander #rav4 #hybrid Toyota has delayed the launch of its **first U.S.-built electric vehicle**, a three-row Highlander-based SUV, from late 2026 to **2027 at the earliest**. Production at Toyota’s Kentucky plant was originally scheduled to begin in fall 2026 but has now been pushed back roughly four months, with manufacturing expected to start in **January 2027 or later**. Toyota says the delay is related to additional **final production checks**, rather than weakening demand for electric vehicles. The company has already notified suppliers about the revised schedule. The postponement comes as the broader U.S. EV market faces headwinds. EV sales in the United States fell **21% year over year during the April-June quarter**, influenced in part by the elimination of the federal EV purchase tax credit. Despite the industry slowdown, Toyota’s EV sales have performed strongly, **more than tripling** during the same period, according to Cox Automotive data. Toyota has traditionally emphasized **hybrid vehicles** and entered the EV market relatively late compared with several competitors. The automaker has nevertheless expanded its electrified lineup with several new models. The delayed Highlander-based EV will represent an important step in Toyota’s U.S. EV strategy while also making the Kentucky facility a key part of the company’s American electric-vehicle production plans. Toyota is preparing to invest **$3.6 billion over four years** to expand Tacoma production in San Antonio, creating an opportunity to significantly grow its factory-installed accessories business. The article argues Toyota should follow Stellantis’ example by establishing a dedicated customization center near the plant to outfit Tacoma and Tundra pickups before they reach dealerships. Factory-installed accessories benefit all three sides of the business. Toyota gains additional revenue, dealers reduce labor demands and service-bay congestion, while customers receive accessories covered by the vehicle’s factory warranty and eligible for financing through the vehicle’s window sticker. Toyota’s accessory sales have reached records every year since 2021, with annual revenue more than doubling during that period. About **40% of Tacoma accessories and 30% of Tundra accessories** were installed during vehicle assembly last year. Popular Tacoma accessories include running boards, all-weather floor liners and suspension kits, while Tundra buyers favor bed steps, running boards and suspension upgrades. Stellantis provides a model Toyota could emulate, operating seven customization centers across North America. Its Toledo facility can install complex equipment such as bedliners, winches, decals and snorkels. With Tacoma production returning to San Antonio alongside Tundra and Sequoia, Toyota could expand factory upfits while helping dealers sell more personalized trucks without overwhelming their service departments. 00:00 - What's happening to Highlander? 08:43 - Refreshed Sienna 10:55 - Toyota accessories 14:36 - Honda in deep trouble https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/electric-vehicles/toyota-delays-launch-of-highlander-ev-its-first-us-made-electric https://www.autonews.com/toyota/an-toyota-truck-accessories-0829/ https://global.toyota/jp/newsroom/toyota/44794014.html https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/honda-tells-suppliers-cut-costs-9-billion-push-fend-off-china-documents-show-2026-09-02/ 🚗 LASFIT premium car mats: https://lddy.no/1nufu 🚲Radio Flyer E-Bikes and Wagons: https://alnk.to/8ENkKzg ⚡️Buy my Level 2 EV Charger: https://amzn.to/4h2dyY2 🚗Buy my Car and Driveway Power Washer: https://amzn.to/45bCwjK 🚗Buy my Car Vacuum: https://amzn.to/4dWmdtB 🚗Buy my Car Dryer: https://amzn.to/3TcaoWn 📷 Buy my Camera: https://amzn.to/3ONQ9NS 🎥 Buy my BIG Camera: https://amzn.to/43lhk71 👣Like my daily drivers? Get 10% off with “10KIRKCARS” @ https://bit.ly/3mvVXiQ 🏎️ Buy my Youtube Gear: https://www.amazon.com/shop/kirkkreifels 🔥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirk_kreifels/

Added 6 Sept 2026