- The Toyota Previa was the automaker’s minivan within the ’90s
- Toyota may deliver again the Previa nameplate
- The resurrected Previa may characteristic electrified powertrains
With its aerodynamic form and mid-mounted engine, the Toyota Previa minivan stays one of many Japanese automaker’s most daring designs. And it would return with plug-in powertrains.
In response to a report in Japan’s Greatest Automotive journal noticed by Forbes, a brand new Previa is slated for a 2026 launch utilizing the TNGA-Okay platform that underpins the Toyota Camry, Crown, and RAV4, amongst others, with the intention of accommodating each plug-in hybrid and all-electric powertrains. A hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain was additionally reportedly thought of however the discarded.
This report, which is predicated on conversations with an nameless Toyota supply, does not point out the U.S. market. However the truth that the TNGA-Okay platform is already homologated to be used right here in so many different fashions may maybe give Toyota a head begin on making the new Previa U.S.-ready.
1991 Toyota Previa
Granted, the unique Previa wasn’t very profitable within the U.S. Whereas it gave Toyota an up-to-date entry within the then-booming minivan section, gross sales steadily tapered off from its introduction in 1990 to its discontinuation in 1997. Simply 3,780 had been bought in that last 12 months, Forbes notes, earlier than the Previa was changed by the extra standard Toyota Sienna.
The Previa stood out because of its rounded exterior, typically described as egg-like in interval. The brand new Previa will reportedly characteristic comparable styling, whereas providing seating for as much as seven. If it reaches the U.S., it is going to be a counterpoint to the Sienna, which is now hybrid-only, however nonetheless extra conservative in design.
1991 Toyota Previa
Amongst U.S.-market minivans, all however the Honda Odyssey have switched to hybrid powertrains. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has been a plug-in hybrid for years and as we have seen, can go greater than 30 miles with out the engine.
For the U.S., the Volkswagen ID.Buzz is the primary time the minivan—or passenger van—has gone all-electric. However it may not be alone quickly. Kia has teased one other quirky risk within the PV5, certainly one of a sequence of electrical vans primarily based on an especially modular structure. And an all-electric Chrysler minivan is within the works—doubtlessly as quickly as 2027.
