Toyota Century SUV Lexus TX 3.5-Liter PHEV V6

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【Summary】Toyota is reportedly planning to launch the Century SUV with a 3.5-liter PHEV V6 engine, instead of the initially expected four-cylinder. The SUV will be built on Toyota's TNHGA-K architecture and will feature a long wheelbase and spacious cabin. It is expected to be priced around ¥15 million and unveiled before the end of the year.

FutureCar Staff Aug 31, 2023 5:03 PM PT

Toyota Century SUV Lexus TX 3.5-Liter PHEV V6

The Toyota Century SUV is set to launch with a 3.5-liter PHEV V6, according to a new report from Japan. Initially, it was expected to come with a four-cylinder engine.

Toyota's chief branding officer, Simon Humphries, announced the Century SUV during a presentation for the new Alphard and Vellfire in June. Although attendees were only shown a teaser image, they noticed that the dimensions of the new model are similar to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

The new version of the Century will likely be built on Toyota's TNHGA-K architecture, which is used for the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, Lexus LM, Toyota Highlander, and Lexus TX. The V8 engine of the Century sedan will not be used in the SUV, and it is expected to have the same powertrain as the flagship TX 550h+. This means a 3.5-liter plug-in hybrid V6 engine producing 406 hp, coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The Century SUV will be sold exclusively with two rows of seats and will have a wheelbase that is 50 mm (1.9 inches) longer than the Lexus TX, measuring 3,000 mm (118 inches). This longer wheelbase, along with the high roof line, will provide a more spacious cabin compared to the sedan.

CarScoops reports that the Century SUV could start at around ¥15 million (~$105,000), making it cheaper than the Century sedan, which starts at ¥20 million (~$140,000). It is expected to be unveiled before the end of this year and will likely be available in various markets outside of Japan.