2026 Toyota Century : The 2026 Toyota Century is no longer just a Japanese‑market secret; it is emerging as Toyota’s new ultra‑luxury flagship brand, quietly positioned above Lexus and eyeing a potential debut in the United States.
Known for decades as the “Japanese Rolls‑Royce,” the Century has traditionally served VIPs, corporate leaders, and dignitaries in Japan, but Toyota’s recent moves suggest it may finally step onto American soil as a halo sedan and SUV.
For U.S. buyers, the 2026 Century promises a blend of hand‑crafted refinement, hybrid power, and understated prestige that stands apart from flashier German and American luxury flagships.
Design: Quiet Presence Over Flash
Exterior styling on the 2026 Century stays true to its conservative, dignified roots. A tall, upright grille, vertical headlights, and a long, boxy silhouette give the sedan a stately, almost coach‑built look that prioritizes presence over aggression.
LED lighting, subtle chrome accents, and a clean side profile keep the design modern without straying into sporty territory, reinforcing the idea that this car is meant to be driven by a chauffeur rather than hustled around a racetrack.
The Century SUV variant, built on Toyota’s GA‑K platform, follows a similar philosophy but in crossover form.
It is slightly shorter than the sedan but still massive in footprint, with a high beltline, large glass area, and a gently sloping roof that hints at comfort and space rather than off‑road intent.
For American buyers, the SUV’s size and proportions feel more familiar than the sedan’s ultra‑formal stance, making it a logical entry point for a U.S. launch.
Powertrains and Performance
Under the hood, the 2026 Century sedan continues with a self‑charging hybrid system based on a 5.0‑liter V8 paired with an electric motor, delivering around 425 horsepower and sending power to the rear wheels through an e‑CVT.
The setup is tuned for smooth, silent progress rather than neck‑snapping acceleration, with the electric motor helping to mask gear changes and keep cabin noise to a minimum.
Fuel economy is modest by modern standards, but the emphasis is on effortless cruising and long‑distance comfort rather than efficiency‑chasing.
The Century SUV swaps the V8 for a 3.5‑liter V6 plug‑in hybrid powertrain, shared with the Grand Highlander and Lexus TX family, producing roughly 400–410 horsepower and offering up to about 40–70 miles of electric‑only range depending on the market.
An advanced E‑Four all‑wheel‑drive system and a 10‑speed automatic keep power delivery seamless, while the SUV’s tuning focuses on isolation and composure rather than sporty dynamics.
Interior: Hand‑Crafted Serenity
Inside, the 2026 Century feels less like a car and more like a mobile lounge. Seats are wrapped in soft leather with deep padding and extensive adjustability, while rear‑seat passengers enjoy near‑limousine levels of legroom, reclining backs, and individual climate and entertainment controls.
Wood trim, hand‑stitched panels, and thick sound‑insulation materials help create one of the quietest cabins Toyota has ever built, which is a key selling point for executives and celebrities who value privacy and calm.
The sedan keeps a relatively modest 8‑inch infotainment screen, which feels almost nostalgic compared with the giant displays in rival German sedans, but it is paired with a high‑end audio system and connected‑navigation features.
Digital gauges, a head‑up display, and a comprehensive suite of driver‑assistance tech—Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 or newer—round out the experience without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic.
Pricing, Availability, and U.S. Prospects
In Japan, the 2026 Century sedan starts around ¥23 million (roughly $145,000–$150,000), with the SUV variant priced higher at about ¥27 million ($170,000+).
Unofficial U.S.‑pricing estimates for a future import‑style launch suggest a starting point in the mid‑$180,000 range, with fully loaded versions approaching or exceeding $200,000, which would place it firmly in the territory of high‑end German and British flagships.
Production is tightly limited—around 30–50 units per month—so even if the Century arrives in America, it will remain a rare sight on U.S. roads.
Toyota has not yet confirmed a U.S. launch for the Century sedan, but industry watchers believe the Century SUV is the most likely candidate to reach North America, especially given the success of the Crown and the TX in the region.
If Toyota does bring the Century to the U.S., it will likely be positioned as a quiet, understated alternative to showy luxury brands, appealing to buyers who value discretion, craftsmanship, and long‑term reliability over badge‑driven status.
2026 Toyota Century
The 2026 Toyota Century is more than just a luxury car; it is Toyota’s statement about what “quiet prestige” can look like in an age of electrification and digital excess.
With its hand‑crafted interior, refined hybrid powertrains, and understated design, the Century offers a distinctly Japanese take on ultra‑luxury that contrasts with the louder, more aggressive flagships from Europe and America.
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For U.S. buyers, the arrival of the Century—whether as a sedan, SUV, or both—would open a new door into Toyota’s top‑tier lineup, giving them a chance to experience one of the world’s most exclusive and serene vehicles without leaving the comfort of familiar Toyota engineering and service networks.