The beloved Estima, Toyota’s “genius egg,” is finally showing signs of a comeback, roughly eight years after production ceased in October 2019. The new Estima is expected to be released around 2027, and there’s a growing possibility that it will emerge as a new-generation minivan centered around electrification technology. If you’re currently considering buying a minivan, should you wait? In this article, we’ll provide you with the latest information on the new Estima, including its release date and expected specs.
Background to the revival of the new Estima
Growing demand for minivans in the global market
The reasons behind Toyota’s decision to develop the new Estima are as follows:
- Rising demand for minivans in Asia and Oceania
- Growing demand for electric minivans in the European market
- Strategic decision based on the future potential of the Indian market
- Current demand for lower positions for Alphard and Lexus LM
While the luxury minivans Alphard and Lexus LM are doing well, the revival of the Estima is planned to fill the void in the minivan segment below them.
Toyota’s Multi-Pathway Strategy
The new Estima is being developed based on Toyota’s “Multi-Pathway Strategy,” and multiple powertrains will be available to suit regional needs.
Expected release date of the new Estima
2027 release likely
According to multiple sources, the release dates for the new Estima are expected to be as follows:
- Most likely: 2027
- Early: Late 2026
- Possible concept unveiling at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show
Development Schedule
- 2025 : Concept exhibit at the Japan Mobility Show (forecast)
- 2026 : Prototype unveiled and detailed specifications released
- 2027 : Mass production and sales start
New Estima powertrain forecast
Three electrification-based options
The new Estima is expected to be equipped with the following powertrains:
Toyota’s 1.5L inline 4-cylinder engine under development
1. Hybrid model
- Engine : Newly developed 1.5L inline-4 or 2.0L inline-4 naturally aspirated engine
- System : Latest THS (Toyota Hybrid System)
- Estimated fuel economy : 25.0km/L (WLTC)
- Price range : from late 4 million yen
2. Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
- Engine : 1.5L inline 4 + electric motor
- System output : 300ps/40.8kgm
- EV range : 100km
- Drive system : 4WD
- Price range : from 5 million yen
3. Battery EV (electric vehicle)
- FWD vehicle : 1 electric motor, output 204ps
- 4WD vehicle : 2 electric motors, total system output 218ps
- Range : 650km
- Price range : From 6 million yen
The platform is GA-K
The new Estima will likely use the GA-K platform , which also powers the current Alphard and Lexus LM , giving it the flexibility to accommodate all three powertrains.
Body size and design predictions
Body size
- Total length : 4,850mm
- Overall width : 1,880mm
- Overall height : 1,660mm
- Wheelbase : 2,950mm
It is expected to be more compact than the current Alphard (4,950 x 1,850 x 1,950 mm), while still maintaining practicality.
Design Concept
The design of the new Estima is expected to be based on the “Fine-Comfort Ride” concept unveiled at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show :
- Inheritance of the distinctive triangular headlights
- Diamond Cabin
- The evolution of the smooth egg-shaped form
- Equipped with sequential turn lights
Safety equipment and advanced technology
Toyota Safety Sense latest version
The new Estima will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense (3rd generation) :
- Pre-crash safety (supports daytime bicycle and nighttime pedestrian detection)
- Radar cruise control
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
Other advanced features
- Advanced Park (automated parking assistance)
- Digital inner mirror
- 12.3-inch digital meter
- 14-inch display audio
- Toyota Teammate Advanced Drive (Advanced driving assistance)
Current position in the minivan market
Comparison with rival models
New Estima’s expected rivals and price range:
| Car model | Price range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| New Estima | 4 million to 6 million yen | Electrification/advanced technology |
| Honda Odyssey | 3.8 million yen to 4.5 million yen | Low-floor and sporty |
| Nissan Elgrand | 4 million to 5 million yen | Luxury-oriented |
| Toyota Alphard | 5.4 million yen to 7.5 million yen | Premium |
Market positioning
The new Estima is positioned as an ” entry-level model for premium minivans ” and is expected to be a strategic product aimed at boosting demand for those upgrading to the Alphard.
Should you wait for the new Estima?
Characteristics of people you should wait for
The new Estima is worth waiting for if:
- Those who place importance on electrification technology
- Environmental performance is our top priority
- Interested in cutting-edge technology
- Those who have an attachment to the Estima brand
- Past Estima owners
- I like unique designs
- Those who are happy with their current car until 2027
- Non-urgent replacement
- I want to try the latest technology
Characteristics of people who should consider purchasing now
However, the following people might want to consider one of the minivans currently on sale:
- Those who need a minivan immediately
- My vehicle inspection is about to expire
- Urgent due to changes in family structure
- Those who prioritize price
- The new Estima is expected to start at 6 million yen
- The current model is more affordable
- Those who value performance
- There are many unknowns about the new model
- Reliability is our number one priority
Precautions and risks for the new Estima
Uncertainty about release date
- Since the COVID-19 pandemic, automakers’ development schedules have become fluid
- Possible delays due to semiconductor shortages
- There is a risk of changes to the plan until the official announcement
Possible price increase
- Electrification technology makes it more expensive than the previous model
- Further price increases due to rising component costs
- Early models tend to be expensive
Risk of initial defects
- New technology adopted, possibility of initial defects
- It’s safe to wait and see for 1-2 years after release
- You can also wait for an improved model
Summary: Should you wait for the new Estima?
Comprehensively judging the information on the new Toyota Estima’s 2027 release, we come to the following conclusions:
Someone to wait for
- Those who value electrification technology and prioritize environmental performance
- Those who have a strong attachment to the Estima brand and are looking for a unique design
- Those who are satisfied with their current car until 2027 and want to experience the latest technology
Who should buy now?
- Those who need a minivan immediately and can’t wait 2-3 years for it to be released
- Those who prioritize price and have a tight budget of 6 million yen or more
- Those who value results and want to avoid the uncertainty of new models
The new Estima is expected to be an attractive minivan equipped with electrification technology and advanced safety features, but there is still some time until its release and many uncertainties. Please carefully consider your own situation and priorities to make the best choice.
For the latest information, we recommend checking Toyota’s official announcements and follow-up reports from various media outlets.
