--- title: "Toyota Changes Plans, Will Build New SUV in Alabama" url: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2019/07/toyota-new-suv-alabama/" publisher: "Pickup Truck + SUV Talk" content_signal: "search=yes, ai-input=yes, ai-train=no" author: "Tim Esterdahl" published: "2019-07-11T13:56:05+00:00" modified: "2025-07-23T15:20:08+00:00" image: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/toyota-suv-thumb.jpg" --- # Toyota Changes Plans, Will Build New SUV in Alabama By Tim Esterdahl Published: 2019-07-11T13:56:05+00:00 Updated: 2025-07-23T15:20:08+00:00 ![Featured image]() ![]()Toyota announced it has changed production plans for the joint Mazda and Toyota plant being built in Huntsville, Alabama from the Corolla to a yet to be announced SUV. What could it be? [Embedded video]() In the video, we explain our best guess for the new SUV. Basically, considering Mazda will build a crossover SUV in that plant, we suspect Toyota will follow suit with a unibody SUV as well (sorry FJ Cruiser fans hoping for a rebirth). This new crossover Toyota then would seemingly fit between the Toyota C-HR and RAV4 and be like the recently revealed Mazda CX-30. While the Mazda CX-30 is expected to hit dealer lots in 2020 and the plant would be operational in 2021, we suspect Mazda will import some early models and then shift production. [Motor1.com]() says the CX-30 is “The CX-30 is a production high-riding vehicle positioned between the CX-3 and [CX-5]()in the marque’s [crossover/SUV]() lineup. It features somewhat more restrained looks than its CX brothers with a more conservative approach to the Kodo design language. The proportions are balanced and the machine appears to be slightly less aggressive than the CX-5 but, dare we say, that’s for good.” ![]() Toyota Venza While this is all speculation, our best guess is Toyota is looking at bringing back a Venza-type SUV on a shared TNGA platform with other models. That’s our guess. 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