Toyota has unveiled the Century SUV in Japan, pulling the sheets on a fresh design and a new powertrain. The new Toyota Century SUV is designed to whisk passengers to and fro with a chauffeur at the wheel. When it hits the market, the Century will rival the Cadillac Escalade.
The design of the new Toyota Century SUV presents a variety of horizontal and vertical styling elements. The front end incorporates an engraved phoenix emblem, as well as four horizontally oriented headlamps, a theme that’s repeated with the taillights.
Inside, the cabin in the new Toyota Century SUV was designed around the comfort of the passenger, but also gives consideration to the driver. The rear seats will fully recline, while the audio system includes “the finely honed auditory sensibilities and exemplary techniques of a musical instrument manufacturing master.” The rear doors open up at a 75-degree angle, while automatically retracting power steps aid ingress and egress. The driver’s seat provides several functions and features to support a professional driver.
As for what’s under the hood, the new Toyota Century SUV is motivated by a plug-in hybrid 3.5L V6 powertrain, which can run on purely electric power on short drives, and internal combustion for longer trips. The hybrid V6 connects to an electric continuously variable transmission. There’s also four-wheel steering.
Order books are open now, with plans to launch the new Toyota Century SUV before the end of the 2023 calendar year. Pricing starts at 25,000,000 yen, or about $169,000 USD at current exchange rates. The Century won’t be offered in North America.
We should also reiterate that, in our opinion at least, the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade IQ should offer a four-seat layout with a truly first-class second row to cater to those customers who prefer to be chauffeured. The Buick GL8 sold in China provides a great example of what we’re talking about when it comes to seating, and although the Executive Seating Package offered by the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ does come close, the all-new Buick GL8 Century may still have it beat.
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Comments
Looks like an evolution of GM B chassis station wagons. Slap some fake wood grain on it and you have a modern day wagon. If they bring it to the states, Escalade has nothing to worry about.
LOL. That’s what I was thinking. Slap some wood paneling on it and you have a 1970’s station wagon.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Maybe ole Clark Griswold would want to rent one of those pregnant roller skates when he takes the family to Japan.
Are basically ALL the SUV’s nothing more than slightly lifted wagons anyhow? They just raise them up and make them more butch to make everyone feel better about buying them.
Dan, yes they are basically the same. That’s why station wagons were so popular for families, and today you get a higher riding awd SUV. Think about loading your child in a car seat humped over in a station wagon. Much easier in a higher suv, cuv also loading grocery’s. The only thing children will miss is looking out the back window at the car behind you.
Looks like a hearse to me.
I personally think it looks great . Wood paneling im not surprised you would think that . You probably think the Cadillac Escalade is WOW .
It is hard to critique something with so little info & pictures. The frontend looks like a remake of my ’98 Sierra that is sitting in my driveway. I fail to see the need for power steps, the vehicle appears to be sitting on the ground already. The rear has no real eye-catching styling to it, just a rather bland SUV appearance. If it were to be brought to this country it would probably create confusion to someone pulling up behind it, thinking that they were behind a new Buick. I would have to agree with Al, that if it is released here the stately appearance of the Escalade would have no worries. This is opinion based on limited info.
Buicks are all very good looking, not sure where u are seeing a Buick styling cue. That Toyota is a disgrace.
I agree with you that Buicks are good looking. My comment was based on the name of that toyota, which is Century. That name was attached to a plethora of beautiful Buicks since the 30’s & now it is the badge on an obscene appearing vehicle. Sorry for the confusion.
Saying that Lincoln is a disgrace is going way overboard.
sierra, I was thinking 90’s Olds Custom Cruiser. Richard, yes WOW CADILLAC ESCALADE.
Al, now you are talking classy wagon, I had a buddy who had a Vista Cruiser & it was quite a luxurious machine.
Loved the Vista Cruise my old man had one.
They did not say, but I’m thinking smaller footprint than the slade. May do well in Japan. Streets are much much much tighter and even if smaller than the slade, the 4 wheel steering will be essential. I remember seeing those mirrors that grocery stores have to watch for shoplifting frequently at 4 way intersections. The buildings are so close you can’t see. Roads in Japan remind me of central districts in Europe but even narrower.
Shame to see that GM and Buick are saying nothing about the Century name on this SUV. I guess that they let the name lapse. Such a historical Buick name and models. Going back to 1937 when a car capable of doing a Century meant something.
I’m sure GM doesn’t own the copyright for Century in Japan. Toyota has used the name on a luxury sedan for decades.
Lurch: That is true, but isn’t this Toyota going to be sold here in the US? If so, Philip R has a really valid point.
But I will say who cares. GM gave us the middle finger when it comes to any sedans from Buick, so I say too bad. GM lost the rites to that name IMO.
From the article, “The Century won’t be offered in North America.”
Sorry, missed that. So Toyota can use that name all they want.
You can’t hold a name you aren’t actively using (at least in the states, no clue how Japan IP laws work)
No way will that ugly angry appliance looking thing ever see the US! If it does they’d better only send the number needed for Toyota employee company cars!
Not bad. The gray cladding looks out of place. The Escalade looks like a semi truck.
This isn’t a revial for the Tahoe, let alone Escalade. It’s a FWD-based tarted up Grand Highlander wanting to be a Bentley. It’s pathetic and Toyota ought to be ashamed of themselves.
The designers must have never left the studio or had communication with the outside world since the 1990s.
LOL – for whatever reason this reminds me of the taxis in London.
To me, it kind of looks like an inflated Lincoln SUV from the front.
A lot of taillight in the rear, which will be all red for the U.S.
Everyone here knows how much I hate Toyota. But I also give credit where credit is due. And Toyota understands their customers well. This thing will sell well to those buyers who must have a Toyota. To understand this, you must understand the Century “brand” over the many years within Toyota. When/if you do understand that, this vehicle makes a lot more sense.
Here’s what I do like about it: It’s formal looking and not trying to be tough like what so many “SUV’s:” try to be. I appreciate that they will fully paint the vehicle instead of plastering it with ugly black plastic, at least from the several articles/pics I’ve seen of it. Finally, I like that they have done a nice job here with the history and tradition of the Century’s of yore. It’s not for me and this will NOT appeal to the Cadillac Tahoe buyers. It’s not supposed to. This is about giving those very loyal Toyota buyers their version of the Chevrolet Escalade.
This is meant for the domestic market only, Japan. The article states it is not coming to NA.
Chevrolet Escalade?
sierra: I did that on purpose. What’s the difference other than 20 grand or more? The only reason anyone buys an Escalade is for the look at me factor. So yes, the Chevrolet Escalade or Cadillac Tahoe. Take your pick. haha.
Haha? You’ve got to be the smartest poster here Dan B.
“ the ONLY reason anyone buys an Escalade is for the look at me factor”…
this is known as PROJECTION…(can’t hide)
Really Tom? Care to expand on your wisdom there? Or maybe you don’t fully understand the “PROJECTION” that you speak about?
That is one ugly vehicle
I haven’t seen an explanation as to this being a replacement for the classy Century personal limo executive sedan or an addition to the Century line?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Personally I love it. I see a lot of 80s styling in it and I miss that era.
Not
Shouldn’t this be a Lexus product?
Only if it’s sold in the States. This is for local consumption, and Toyota has sold luxury models under its own marque forever.
Not a fan of all the plastic body cladding.
To me it looks like a car that would be more at home in a funeral procession.
These are only my opinions.
A lot of haters on here who probably can’t afford the car.
Didn’t they tease a convertible version? That would be awesome to have a great big convertible again.