Toyota is currently undergoing a significant transformation, injecting both sporty appeal and practicality into its vehicle lineup. Over the past decade, iconic models like the Supra, 86, and Land Cruiser have been successfully resurrected and are once again available in dealerships. Furthermore, as reported earlier this year, the beloved Celica and MR2 sports cars are also slated for a highly anticipated comeback within the next couple of years. This resurgence of classic nameplates signals Toyota’s commitment to its heritage while embracing modern automotive trends.
Adding to this exciting wave of revivals, credible sources from Japan’s leading automotive publication, Best Car, suggest that Toyota’s signature minivan, the Previa (known as the Estima in Japan), is poised for a comeback in 2026. This news has generated considerable buzz among automotive enthusiasts and families alike. The design direction for this new Previa could draw inspiration from the forward-thinking Toyota Fine Comfort Ride concept car unveiled in 2017, a radical minivan design that hints at the future aesthetic of the revived Previa.
A Blast from the Past: The Original Toyota Previa
The original Toyota Previa was introduced to the US market from 1990 to 1997, and around the same period in the UK. This first-generation, 2.4-liter Previa was imported from Japan to compete in the burgeoning minivan segment against dominant American models such as the Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country, and Plymouth Voyager. However, despite its innovative mid-engine design, the first-generation Previa struggled to capture significant market share from Chrysler. Several factors contributed to its lukewarm reception, including a higher price point, less favorable fuel economy compared to its rivals, and somewhat polarizing styling. The unique mid-engine layout, while innovative, also limited the possibility of incorporating larger, more powerful engines, which were preferred by many American consumers at the time. After reaching peak sales of approximately 52,000 units in 1991, annual sales of the Previa rapidly declined, plummeting to a mere 3,780 units in its final year, 1997.
Reviving a Classic: The 2026 Toyota Previa
For the all-new iteration, Toyota is aiming to reverse the fortunes of the Previa by adopting a versatile platform capable of supporting both fully electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. Initially, there was speculation that Toyota would utilize its state-of-the-art e-TNGA dedicated battery electric vehicle platform for the revived Previa minivan. However, inside sources within Toyota, as reported by Best Car, suggest that engineers are leaning towards the GA-K platform instead. This platform, which underpins popular models like the Crown, Camry, and RAV4, offers the flexibility to accommodate both BEV and PHEV systems. This strategic platform choice indicates Toyota’s intention to cater to a broader spectrum of consumer preferences and market demands.
The new Previa is expected to retain a seven-seat configuration and incorporate design elements reminiscent of its predecessor, particularly the distinctive “egg-design” styling characterized by its aerodynamic, egg-shaped silhouette. This design cue, while initially controversial, has become a recognizable feature of the Previa and could be reinterpreted in a modern context for the new model.
Electrification Strategy: PHEV and BEV Options
While Toyota has remained tight-lipped regarding specific powertrain details, informed speculation points towards potential BEV and PHEV options leveraging existing Toyota technology. A possible BEV configuration could involve adapting the electric drivetrain from Toyota’s current production BEV, the bZ4X. However, the bZ4X’s range, which is around 252 miles, might need to be improved for a minivan application where longer journeys are common.
For the plug-in hybrid variant, the advanced powertrain from the latest Prius Prime is a strong contender. The Prius Prime boasts a 220-horsepower 2.0-liter twin-motor system and has demonstrated impressive sales figures, with over 3,900 units sold in Q1 2024, representing a remarkable 293% increase. This robust PHEV system could provide a compelling balance of electric driving range and overall fuel efficiency for the new Previa.
From Fuel Cell to Electric: Adapting to Market Trends
According to Best Car, the next-generation Previa was initially conceived as a hydrogen-powered fuel cell model (FCEV), drawing inspiration from the Toyota Fine Comfort Ride FCEV concept car showcased at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. However, due to limited public interest in fuel cell vehicles and the significant challenges associated with developing hydrogen infrastructure, Toyota swiftly adjusted its course. The planned FCEV minivan was subsequently transitioned into a vehicle powered by EV and PHEV systems.
Toyota’s decision to offer both BEV and PHEV versions of the new Previa underscores the brand’s commitment to covering all bases in a rapidly evolving automotive market. The current market landscape reveals that while pure electric vehicles like the Toyota bZ4X face sales challenges, plug-in hybrids are experiencing strong consumer demand. For instance, in Q1 2024, Toyota sold approximately 1,897 EVs in the US, while plug-in hybrid sales during the same period exceeded 13,500 units. This sales disparity clearly indicates the current preference for PHEVs among consumers. Therefore, to ensure the success of the revived Previa minivan, offering a plug-in hybrid version appears to be a strategically crucial move for Toyota to capture significant sales volume in the minivan segment.
In conclusion, the potential revival of the Toyota Previa Minivan as an electrified model represents an exciting development in Toyota’s ongoing model renaissance. By embracing both plug-in hybrid and battery electric powertrains, Toyota aims to create a compelling and versatile minivan that caters to the evolving needs and preferences of modern families while potentially recapturing the innovative spirit of the original Previa in a contemporary context.
