Forgotten Toyota Previa Could Return as a PHEV and EV.

There has been a few rumors of a new generation Toyota Previa (AKA Estima in Japan) coming up. It all started almost 2 years ago. The early rumor mentioned that both PHEV and EV versions would be available. The timeline back then was 2026.

Now we have another rumor from Japan mentioning Toyota could show a prototype early next year. With production starting later that year or early 2028. The rumor still mentions a PHEV powertrain as standard and the possibility of an EV version being available as well.

The new Previa would be logically be based on a version of the current GA-K platform. Which means it will of course not be a mid-engine like the first generation sold in the US was. 

The original Toyota Previa was sold over here from 1990 to 1997. Although it was available overseas until 2000. When it was replaced by a second generation we never had in the US. A third-generation Estima was introduced in Japan in 2006 and produced until 2019.

The Previa was replaced by the Toyota Sienna in North America starting in 1997. A much more conventional model based on a FWD platform instead of the innovative mid-engine layout of the original Previa.

The 4th generation Sienna was introduced in 2020, with a standard Hybrid powertrain.

The Japanese Estima minivan has always looked much more modern than our larger and much more conservative Sienna. However, it seems the US minivan market could be moving to more modern designs. The new VW ID.BUZZ is both very modern and retro and it seems this would be exactly what Toyota is going for with a new Estima/Previa. Hopefully, in a smaller size than the Sienna.

It sure would be nice to see a super cool van from Toyota over here instead of the Sienna we’ve seen for so many years. A standard PHEV and EV as options would be fine as well. something that could slot bellow the Sienna in size and price.

If Toyota is indeed working on a new Previa, it would really be a shame, not to send it over here, wouldn’t it..