The Toyota Century is a name that evokes respect and admiration in the automotive world. For over half a century, it has been the flagship model of Toyota, representing the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship, elegance, and innovation. The Toyota Century is not just a car but a symbol of status and prestige, reserved for Japan's most influential and powerful people and beyond.
The Toyota Century has always been a rare and exclusive vehicle, with only a few thousand units produced in each generation. The first generation debuted in 1967 and lasted until 1997, making it one of the longest-running models in history. It was powered by a V8 engine, the first for a Japanese car, and featured a classic design inspired by British and American luxury cars of the time.
The second generation was introduced in 1997 and marked a significant departure from its predecessor. It was the first and only Toyota production car to have a V12 engine, a 5.0-liter unit that delivered 276 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque. It also had a more modern and distinctive design, with a prominent grille, round headlights, and a long hood. The interior was lavishly appointed with leather, wood, and wool, and offered amenities such as a rear-seat entertainment system, massage function, and a refrigerator.
The third generation arrived in 2018, bringing the Century into the 21st century. It switched to a hybrid powertrain, combining a 5.0-liter V8 engine with an electric motor for a total output of 425 horsepower and 510 Nm of torque. It also adopted a more refined and elegant design, with LED headlights, chrome accents, and a sleeker profile. The interior was further enhanced with features such as a 20-speaker sound system, a 12-inch touchscreen, and a rear-seat control panel.
In 2023, Toyota has unveiled the latest addition to the Century family: the 2024 Toyota Century SUV. This is the first time that the Century name has been applied to an SUV, and it is also the first time that the Century will be sold outside Japan. The Century SUV is based on the same platform as the Highlander / Grand Highlander, but it is larger and more luxurious than its siblings. It measures 5.2 meters long, 1.95 meters wide, and 1.75 meters tall, making it one of the biggest SUVs on the market.
The Toyota Century SUV is powered by a plug-in hybrid system that consists of a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an electric motor that drives the rear axle. The combined output is 406 horsepower and an unspecified amount of torque. The battery capacity is also unknown, but Toyota claims that it can provide enough electric range for daily use. The eight-speed automatic transmission and the drive mode selector offer four options: Eco, Normal, Sport, and EV.
The Toyota Century sedan unmistakably inspires the design of the Toyota Century SUV, but with some adaptations to suit its SUV nature. The front end features the signature grille with the Toyota emblem in the center, flanked by LED headlights with daytime running lights. The hood is long and sculpted, while the bumper has large air intakes and fog lights. The side view reveals the massive proportions of the vehicle, with a high roofline, large windows, and chrome door handles. The rear end has LED taillights that span across the tailgate, which opens electronically to reveal a spacious cargo area. The bumper has dual exhaust tips and a diffuser.
The interior of the Toyota Century SUV is where the true luxury lies. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom for all passengers. The seats are upholstered in premium leather with diamond stitching and have heating, ventilation, massage, and memory functions. The driver's seat has an 18-way adjustment, while the front passenger's seat has a 14-way adjustment. The rear seats have a 10-way adjustment and can recline up to 45 degrees for maximum relaxation. The rear passengers also have access to a foldable table, a refrigerator, an entertainment system with dual screens, and a control panel that allows them to adjust various settings such as temperature, lighting, and audio.