- The Toyota Century SUV is now equipped as standard with dimming rear windows.
- Passengers can select among three levels of opacity – clear, semi-transparent, and opaque.
- The new feature has increased the starting price of the SUV to ¥27 million ($183,300).
If you were already thinking the Toyota Century SUV was as close to automotive royalty as you could get without actually being crowned, you were right. Now, Toyota has made it just a little more special with a new feature: dimming rear windows, standard across the 2025 model. Sure, it’s not the most groundbreaking update, but for a vehicle that’s already as posh as it gets, every little tweak matters.
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For the 2026MY, the main update to the Century SUV is a new three-stage dimming function for the rear door and rear quarter windows, which can shift between clear, semi-transparent, and fully opaque. Toyota achieved this by layering a special film between two panes of transparent laminated glass on both sides of the vehicle. The panoramic sunroof, however, doesn’t get the same treatment and sticks with a conventional electric sunshade instead.
Built for the Back Seat
Toyota’s goal with the dimming windows was to enhance privacy for the rear passengers, blocking the views from outside without sacrificing the soft natural light. In opaque mode, the atmosphere is reminiscent of a Japanese room.
After all, the Century SUV has been primarily designed as a chauffeured vehicle, with emphasis on the rear section of the cabin. We’re talking about electric retractable steps, wide-opening rear doors, assist grips, ambient lighting, retractable tables, antibacterial surfaces, coat hooks, and even a holder for your shoehorn. Yes, that’s right, a shoehorn holder.
Still not convinced? The rear seats come with retractable backrests and footrests that fold out into a fully flat position, perfect for a quick nap between meetings. Or pretending you have meetings. Rear passengers also get their own control panel and a dedicated entertainment system with individual displays, all tied into an 18-speaker premium audio setup, just in case your playlist needs to make a strong first impression.
Still Fresh, Still Custom
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There are no changes on the exterior or interior design of the Century SUV, which is still quite fresh, having been introduced in September 2023. At 5,205 mm (204.9 inches) long, it’s often called Japan’s answer to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and with an expansive menu of personalization options, including full bespoke builds, it earns that comparison.
More: Toyota Century SUV Convertible Is A Custom Parade Vehicle For Sumo Wrestling Champions
Under the hood, the Century SUV employs a 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid setup producing a total of 406 hp (303 kW / 412 PS). Power is delivered to all four wheels via the E-Four Advanced AWD system, while the battery provides an EV-only range of 69 km (43 miles). Toyota has officially confirmed there will be a GR Century SUV with performance enhancements from its Gazoo Racing division.
A Significant Bump in Pricing
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The new dimming glass feature bumps the starting price by ¥2 million ($13,600), bringing the total to ¥27 million ($183,300). Not that it matters to most people, since availability remains extremely limited. Orders are accepted only at select Japanese dealerships and primarily offered to existing Century sedan owners.
Naturally, Toyota isn’t the first to bring dimming glass to a production vehicle. Brands like Maybach, Mercedes, and McLaren have already been using smart glass tech in the sunroofs and side windows of their high-end models. Even Nissan has joined the club, recently adding an electrochromic sunroof option to the latest Leaf.