The Toyota Century and Lexus lineups represent the pinnacle of Japanese luxury. While Lexus has built a global reputation for refinement, technology, and performance, the Century remains Japan’s most prestigious automobile — a symbol of craftsmanship and exclusivity reserved for top executives and dignitaries.
In 2025, both Toyota’s Century SUV and sedan stand toe-to-toe with Lexus flagships like the LS, LX, and LM, showcasing how Toyota balances tradition with innovation. But what truly separates the Century from Lexus models? Let’s explore the top 7 features that define their differences and shared brilliance.
1. Heritage and Philosophy — Tradition vs. Modern Luxury
Toyota Century – The Crown Jewel of Japanese Craftsmanship
The Toyota Century isn’t just another luxury car — it’s a cultural icon. First introduced in 1967 to celebrate Toyota’s founder, it was designed as the ultimate chauffeur-driven vehicle for Japan’s elite. Every model since has been handcrafted by master artisans, known as Takumi, ensuring that no two Centurys are ever truly identical.
Unlike most luxury cars that focus on the driver, the Century emphasizes the rear passenger experience, reflecting Japanese values of respect, quietness, and precision.
Lexus – Modern Performance Meets Global Elegance
In contrast, Lexus was created to rival European luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. From the LS sedan to the sporty LC coupe, Lexus models focus on performance, design, and technology. They are globally available and represent modern, dynamic luxury rather than reserved, ceremonial comfort.
In short — the Century is luxury for Japan’s top 1%, while Lexus offers luxury for the world.
2. Powertrain and Performance — Hybrid Elegance vs. Dynamic Power
Toyota Century: Refined Hybrid Power
The 2025 Toyota Century SUV and sedan come equipped with a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with electric motors, producing around 406 horsepower. But raw power isn’t the focus — it’s about smoothness and silence.
The hybrid setup prioritizes quiet operation, ideal for chauffeur driving. The car glides effortlessly, minimizing engine vibration, road noise, and gear shifts — a testament to Toyota’s perfectionism.
Lexus Models: Power Meets Precision
Meanwhile, Lexus models like the LS 500h, LX 600, and LC 500 prioritize driving engagement. The LS 500h hybrid focuses on balance and efficiency, while the LC 500’s 5.0-liter V8 provides pure, high-revving performance. Lexus integrates Drive Mode Select systems, adaptive suspension, and rear-wheel steering, offering a more athletic experience compared to the Century’s calm demeanor.
In short — Century delivers serenity, while Lexus delivers speed and precision.
3. Interior Design — Artisanal Craft vs. High-Tech Luxury
Toyota Century – A Masterpiece of Handcrafting
Step inside the Toyota Century, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a private executive suite. Every surface is wrapped in wool or premium leather, depending on the customer’s preference — a tradition rarely seen in modern vehicles.
The wood paneling is crafted from real Japanese Sen wood, hand-polished to perfection. Each seat offers massage functions, full recline, and even footrests, mimicking a first-class airline cabin. Rear passengers control everything from lighting to curtains via an integrated tablet.
It’s not about flash — it’s about peace, silence, and elegance.
Lexus – Futuristic Technology and Comfort
In contrast, Lexus cabins emphasize modernity and digital sophistication. The 2025 LS and LX feature large 14-inch infotainment systems, Mark Levinson premium sound, ambient lighting, and semi-autonomous driving aids.
Materials like leather, aluminum, and carbon fiber give Lexus a sportier, global appeal. Where the Century whispers luxury, Lexus proudly displays it with technology and flair.
4. Ride Comfort and Handling — The Zen of Movement
Toyota Century: Smoothness Above All
The Century’s suspension system is tuned to eliminate every bump and vibration. Toyota uses air suspension, adaptive damping, and sound insulation to create an ultra-silent ride — even the door mechanisms are engineered to close with a perfect hush.
Drivers describe it as “gliding on air.” It’s a vehicle that prioritizes the comfort of passengers above all else.
Lexus: Precision and Balance
Lexus, meanwhile, focuses on dynamic performance and driver engagement. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) adjusts damping in milliseconds, ensuring both stability and agility.
In models like the Lexus LC or IS F Sport, the handling is sharp, confident, and designed for enthusiasts. Lexus vehicles deliver excitement, while the Century delivers calm.
5. Technology and Features — Discreet Luxury vs. Digital Mastery
Toyota Century – Invisible Innovation
While the Century doesn’t flaunt screens or flashy graphics, it hides technology beneath traditional elegance. Features like active noise control, air purification, automatic ride height adjustment, and rear-seat control tablets enhance convenience discreetly.
Everything is designed to operate silently and subtly — the mark of Japanese luxury at its purest form.
Lexus – Tech-Forward Experience
Lexus models, in contrast, proudly showcase their innovation. From Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, head-up displays, and voice-controlled assistants, to 360-degree cameras and AI-enhanced navigation, Lexus cars are built for digital comfort.
While the Century hides its tech, Lexus displays it — both achieving luxury in their own unique ways.
6. Exclusivity and Price — Rare Prestige vs. Global Accessibility
Toyota Century – Japan’s Most Exclusive Car
The Toyota Century is hand-built in limited numbers at the Higashi-Fuji plant. Only a few hundred units are made each year, and most are reserved for government officials and business magnates. The price starts around $170,000–$180,000 USD, but customization can raise it much higher.
Buyers can even specify hand-painted emblems and personalized interiors, making each car truly one of a kind.
Lexus – Luxury for the World
Lexus, by comparison, is mass-produced for a global audience. Whether you’re buying an ES sedan or an LX SUV, you get the same attention to quality, but at a much more accessible price range — typically between $50,000 and $120,000.
Lexus represents attainable luxury, while the Century represents untouchable prestige.
7. The Future – Tradition Meets Innovation
Both Toyota Century and Lexus are embracing the future of electrification and sustainability. Toyota plans to expand its hydrogen and plug-in hybrid systems, ensuring the Century remains eco-conscious while retaining its signature refinement.
Meanwhile, Lexus is moving toward becoming a fully electric brand by 2035, showcasing concepts like the LF-ZL and RZ 450e that blend performance with sustainability.
Together, they reflect Toyota’s dual philosophy:
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Century = timeless elegance for Japan’s elite.
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Lexus = forward-thinking luxury for global drivers.
Final Thoughts — Two Faces of Japanese Excellence
In comparing the Toyota Century and Lexus models, it’s clear they share the same DNA but serve different purposes.
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The Century is about dignity, silence, and hand-built perfection — the car of emperors and CEOs.
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The Lexus lineup represents innovation, performance, and modern luxury — the car of global professionals and enthusiasts.
Whether you prefer the discreet sophistication of the Century or the advanced technology of Lexus, one thing remains certain — Toyota continues to redefine what luxury means in the modern age.
