Is this the new Toyota Tarago? Iconic people mover to return as electric and plug-in hybrid rival to Kia Carnival, Volkswagen ID.Buzz, XPeng X9 and Hyundai Staria: Report

Four years after Japan axed the Estima, Australia lost one of its unique and much-loved Toyota nameplates: Tarago. 

From a ground-breaking mid-engined minivan released in 1990, the Tarago (or Previa, in other English-speaking markets) would transport humans for nearly 30 years. The Granvia replaced it in theory, but not in spirit. Rather than a clever people-mover, it was a fancy van. 

Japanese magazine BestCar reports that since the Estima (as Tarago is known at home) ended production in 2015, there have been discussions about a reboot. Now, it looks like it could be back as an electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid as early as 2027. 

It all comes down to Toyota’s investments in new, efficient and compact combustion engines revealed earlier this year at the multi-pathway workshop. 

In the new Tarago’s case, BestCar reports it will use a version of the GA-K platform (from Camry, RAV4, Kluger and more) allied to a 1.5-litre petrol-based range extender hybrid. 

Much like BestCar has discussed before with a mooted next-gen Corolla hatch and RAV4 medium SUV, the plug-in electrified version of the Tarago is thought to be capable of travelling over 1000km between charges and fill-ups with around 220kW and 400Nm. 

Reportedly, there is a battery electric model in development as well, featuring Toyota’s next generation ‘bipolar’ lithium-ion battery technology. Expect twin-motor AWD and around 650km of electric-only driving range. 

One of the Tarago’s calling cards was its eight-seat capacity. It remains to be seen whether that will be rejuvenated, but for now BestCar is estimating the new Tarago will measure 4900mm long, 1850mm wide, 1750mm tall and ride on a 3000mm wheelbase. 

2027 Toyota Tarago render (image: BestCar)

The render image you see here by BestCar’s designers captures the original egg-shaped Tarago’s design. It has twin sliding doors and a sleek, aerodynamic shape.

The report suggests it will sit alongside the larger Alphard, with a more chic form factor that ought to help it steal some sales from the likes of the Kia Carnival, Volkswagen Multivan and ID.Buzz. How it deals with the deluge of ultra-luxe Chinese minivans, we’ll have to wait and see. 

2027 Toyota Tarago render (image: BestCar)

A new take on the Tarago was previewed way back in 2017, with the Fine Comfort Ride concept at the Tokyo motor show. It was said to be a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle like the Mirai, however FCEVs have yet to take off in earnest. It seems Toyota parked that project.

Following the lukewarm reception of the bZ4X, it seems like Toyota has changed tack, looking for dynamic platforms that make it easy to switch from plug-in hybrid to combustion and to battery electric vehicles. 

2017 Toyota Fine Comfort Ride concept

The brand’s latest model, the Urban Cruiser twinned with the Suzuki e Vitara, is built on a converted combustion car platform developed by Suzuki, for example. It also helps streamline tooling, if combustion and battery-electric vehicles can be built in the same factories. 

Discussion about the new Tarago remains purely speculative for now, but with a raft of new options sailing out of China, it could be the perfect time for Toyota to reboot its ground-breaking people mover.