Photo credit: The Drive
Toyota’s 2026 Century SUV rolls out as a flagship that redefines luxury. Exclusive to Japan (for now), this SUV is Toyota’s grandest take on opulence with a standout technology: electrochromic windows.
The Century name carries a hefty legacy. The SUV was first launched in 2023 and refined for 2026. Clocking in at about 205 inches long, it matches the Lexus LX in size but feels cozier, its look a masterclass in quiet elegance. “The Century SUV embodies harmony and dignity,” says Toyota’s chief designer Simon Humphries.
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Inside, there’s plenty of hand-stitched leather, while riders in the rear seats get to enjoy reclining captain’s chairs with massage functions, fold-out footrests, and a touchscreen. The latter lets you fine-tune climate, lighting, as well as music. A wide panoramic sunroof floods the space with natural light, yet the electrochromic windows take center stage, delivering privacy with just a tap. Toyota calls the interior “a sanctuary where the outside world melts away,” and stepping in, you’d believe it.
Electrochromic glass, dubbed smart glass, is the Century SUV’s signature trick. Unlike regular tinted windows or pull-down shades, this setup layers a special film between two panes of laminated glass in the rear door and quarter windows. With a nudge, the glass slides from clear to semi-see-through to fully dark in seconds, blocking peeks while letting light trickle in. Borrowed from posh buildings and private jets, it’s now snugly fit into a car. “We aimed to craft a space where folks feel safe yet enjoy natural light’s beauty,” a Toyota rep shares. The three-step dimming lets passengers pick their vibe—soft glow or total privacy.
Ditching physical shades cuts down on moving parts, easing upkeep and shedding weight. The glass also tames cabin heat and glare, a lifesaver in Tokyo’s sticky summers. Early reviewers rave about it, with one saying, “The Century’s windows feel like a fortress with a view.” It’s a sly flex: privacy without fuss, luxury without flash. The panoramic sunroof, though, sticks with a basic electric shade.
This 5,000-pound SUV runs on a plug-in hybrid mix of a 3.5-liter V6 and an electric motor, pumping out 406 horsepower. It’s smooth, not speedy, built for easy cruising. The E-Four Advanced all-wheel-drive grips any weather, while air suspension keeps the ride silky, even on Tokyo’s bumpy roads. Fuel economy sits around 20 mpg combined, and the 8.8-kWh battery offers a modest 43-mile electric range—perfect for city hops. “Performance takes a back seat to presence,” Humphries adds. “The Century SUV glides with intent, not force.”
For 2026, Toyota changes up the recipe. Electrochromic windows are now standard across all trims, answering customer buzz. A new three-step dimming replaces the old on-off setup, fine-tuning the feel. The infotainment includes what you expect, such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but pairs it with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. As for safety, there’s adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera. Pricing kicks off at about ¥25 million ($170,000 USD).
