New 2027 Lexus TZ electric family SUV unveiled as rival to 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9

A new luxury electric family SUV has broken cover, and it could be on the cards for Australia

The new Lexus TZ remains a possibility for Australia as the brand is currently considering its prospects Down Under. 

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This contrasts the statement from Toyota Australia following the announcement of the Highlander three-row SUV, which the TZ is based on.

The brand has already ruled out the Highlander for now, which would have been expected to wear a Kluger badge Down Under.

The TZ is a luxury version of the Highlander, with it likely to be targeted at the North American market, before launching globally. 

The TZ will launch in Japan around winter 2026, although the exact timing is still to be confirmed, according to Lexus.This adds further fuel it'll come to Australia, as Japan is another right-hand drive market.

The TZ shapes up as a competitor to Korean three-row EVs such as the Kia EV9 and the Hyundai Ioniq 9. 

Both have price tags around the $100K+ mark, so expect something similar from the TZ if it gets here. 

It will have a dual electric motor set-up, producing a total system output of 300kW, with a sprightly 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds. The car will come with an all-wheel drive system as standard. 

It has also been given a monster 96kWh battery, offering a driving range of 530km (WLTP).

DC charging from 10-80 per cent at 150kW takes roughly 35 minutes.

Measuring at 5100mm long, it is noticeably longer than the current Kluger on sale in Australia. 

The TZ comes with plenty of luxury features as standard, such as a panoramic glass sunroof. 

Seats are configured in what looks to be a 2-2-3 layout, with captain’s chairs in the second row and three-abreast seating in the back row, but there is also expected to be a six-seater option.

Pictures also show the car has a large tablet-like central touchscreen, with a digital driver display as well.

This could be the same 14.0-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver display as on the new Highlander.