Wait, what’s the Century SUV?

If you’re not familiar with the Century name, it’s a big deal in Japan — known as the go-to luxury ride for government officials, CEOs, and VIPs. It’s traditionally been a high-end sedan, but now Toyota’s giving it an SUV makeover to match today’s demand for larger, more versatile vehicles. The look? Bold, boxy, and refined — built to make a statement without trying too hard. And for the car fanatics out there: it’s based on the same platform as some Lexus models, so you know it’s solid.

Sliding doors: Gimmick or Genius?

At first, you might think, “Sliding doors? Isn’t that just... for minivans?”But Toyota took it next-level. The Century’s optional sliding rear doors aren’t your typical clunky minivan setup. They’re powered by this slick, rail-free mechanism from Aisin, which means they glide open smoothly without messing up the clean, luxury look of the SUV. No ugly tracks. No awkward clunk. Just pure genius for city life and tight parking spaces.

A backseat that’s basically first class

Inside, the Century SUV is ridiculously extra — but in the best way. It’s built for people who would rather be driven than drive themselves (but if you get to drive it, congrats, you're living the dream). Highlights include: Plus, there’s even a glass partition between the back and the trunk to keep things ultra-quiet. And a special “Rear Comfort” mode that smooths out bumps so you can nap without getting jolted awake. It's like a mobile VIP lounge. Powering this beast is a 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid setup, good for about 406 horsepower. You can even cruise around town in electric-only mode for up to 43 miles. And thanks to four-wheel steering, it handles tight spaces with way more precision than most full-size SUVs. The price tag? About $170,000. Yeah, it’s a flex. But compared to a Rolls-Royce Cullinan? It's basically a bargain. And Toyota’s letting buyers customize the heck out of it — from paint colors to the interior materials and door setups. They even have special “Century Meisters” who will personally help you design your perfect ride.

The Toyota Century SUV is definitely a surprise for American car fans — not just because of its high-end price tag, but because of bold choices like the sliding rear doors. For now, it’s only available in Japan, but here’s hoping it eventually makes its way to the U.S. market. This is one SUV we’d love to see up close.

Michaella Malone

Michaella Malone is a content specialist and full-time freelancer with 5+ years of experience working with small businesses on online platforms. She is a graduate of Florida State University (Go Noles!) and avid traveller, having visited over 25 countries and counting. In addition to blogging, ghostwriting, and social media content, she has contributed to the development of English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculums for international programs.