Toyota Century SUV May Receive Lexus TX's 3.5-Liter Plug-In Hybrid V6

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【Summary】The Toyota Century SUV will feature a 3.5-liter PHEV V6 engine instead of the initially expected four-cylinder engine. It will be built on Toyota's TNHGA-K architecture and share the same powertrain as the Lexus TX 550h+, producing 406 hp. The SUV will have a longer wheelbase and a more spacious cabin than the sedan. It is anticipated to be priced at around ¥15 million (~$105,000) and will be unveiled before the end of the year.

FutureCar Staff Aug 31, 2023 6:53 AM PT

Toyota Century SUV May Receive Lexus TX's 3.5-Liter Plug-In Hybrid V6

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

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

The new version of the Century is expected to be built on Toyota's TNHGA-K architecture, which is used by models like the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, Lexus LM, Toyota Highlander, and Lexus TX. However, the V8 engine of the Century sedan will not be retained. Instead, the SUV will receive the same powertrain as the flagship TX 550h+: a 3.5-liter plug-in hybrid V6 producing 406 hp and coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels.

Aside from its engine, we know that the Century SUV will be sold exclusively with two rows of seats and will have a wheelbase 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 the Century SUV with 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.