Toyota Unveils the Ultimate SUV: GRMN Century Set to Hit the Market

By Jeff Gibbs

Toyota has confrmed plans to release a mass-market version of its exclusive GRMN Century SUV, previously only available to Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda. This upcoming model is poised to become the crown jewel of Toyota’s SUV lineup, surpassing even the revered LandCruiser and Prado in prestige and performance.

The GRMN Century, which currently exists as a single sedan model driven by Toyoda himself, will soon see a production version of the SUV variant for global markets. Toyoda announced this during a recent visit to China, where he introduced the Century SUV to the local market. When asked about the potential for a GRMN-branded version, Toyoda revealed his intentions: “The Century I own is the only GRMN there is for now. Next, I want to make a GRMN that many people from around the world can ride.”

However, enthusiasts will need to be patient, as

Toyoda indicated that the production model is still some time away from being ready for markets like China and Japan.

Century: The Pinnacle of Toyota’s SUV Lineup

The Century SUV, already a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, is built on the TNGA-K architecture, shared with models like the Camry, RAV4, and Kluger. This is a departure from the Century sedan, which is built on the Toyota N Platform, also used by the Lexus IS and RC. The SUV version currently houses a plugin hybrid 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine, delivering

303kW, while the sedan features a hybrid 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine with 317kW.

Details about the GRMN Century SUV’s enhancements remain under wraps, but Toyoda’s personal model, showcased at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, hints at what might be expected. This unique version includes an aggressive body kit, carbon-fbre exterior accents, 22-inch wheels, and sliding rear doors, signalling a blend of luxury and performance.

A Luxury SUV Like No Other

While the Century sedan and SUV share a prestigious nameplate, they differ signifcantly in design and underpinnings, making the GRMN

Century SUV a distinct and highly anticipated addition to Toyota’s lineup. Unfortunately for Australian fans, the Century – in both its sedan and SUV forms –is not currently available in Australia, where the Camry and LandCruiser 300 Series continue to dominate the passenger car and SUV markets.

As the world awaits the offcial release of the GRMN Century SUV, Toyota’s commitment to expanding its luxury and high-performance offerings is clear.

The GRMN Century is set to redefne the boundaries of what a Toyota SUV can be, combining the brand’s legendary reliability with cutting-edge luxury and performance features.