Toyota only builds a maximum of 50 per month and they are mostly hand built, so updates don't roll around too often. The Century name is about to go global as a true ultra-luxury sub-brand of its own, but before it does, Toyota is giving the OG Century Sedan some love with new updates for 2026.
A new infotainment screen for the front is an eight-inch unit, but the magic is in the pre-crash system update. There's a good reason for the underwhelming infotainment screen in the front, though.
Safety Upgrades Improve An Already-Great Package
The additions are all the latest developments in Toyota's excellent pre-crash safety system, which has been in development since 2002. The latest iteration uses radar and camera for the larger picture, then millimeter-wave radar sensors for precision.
For the Century, this means better proactive cyclist and pedestrian detection and avoidance, because nothing ruins a dignitary's day like running someone over, and motorcycle detection. More specifically, the system is now better able to deal with complex intersections, and has better slowdown and emergency steering support for the driver.
According to Toyota, more specifically when it comes to junctions, the system detects oncoming vehicles that go straight when the car is turning right (Japan is one of the few countries that drive on the left side of the road), and pedestrians and cyclists who cross when turning right and left. The first signal to the driver comes from an audible alert, then pre-crash brake and steering can kick in to support "collision avoidance or damage reduction."
A Good Sign For The Century Sedan
Given all the talk of Toyota spinning Century off as an ultra-luxury brand to compete with Rolls-Royce, it's a good sign that Toyota is updating the classic. Even if it's JDM only, it's a great thing that it exists, showing the world that bold looks, leather, giant screens, and nightclub lighting don't necessarily equal an ultra-luxury car. The good news is that if Century moves forward as a brand, it might bring the Century SUV to the rest of the world, including the US.
Understanding The Toyota Century Sedan's Place In The World
The Toyota Century sedan is designed for a chauffeur to drive then rear-passenger comfort and convenience as the focus, and with Japanese royalty in mind. There's no big flashy screen up front, because the driver only needs a sensible screen with navigation. The rear passengers get a 20-inch screen to control their environment, which includes a quality sound system, 100% wool-covered reclining and massaging seats, and if optioned, motorized intricately patterned lace privacy curtains.
Underneath the current generation of Century sedan, the technology mixes classic with modern. Toyota's super-smooth 5.0-liter V8 making 425 hp provides the bulk of the power, but it's part of the Hybrid Energy Drive system that brings fuel economy down to 32 mpg. And nothing beats modern electrically controlled air suspension and active noise control. Passenger safety is key, hence the Toyota Safety Sense P-series collision avoidance system is part of the current Century sedan.
