Toyota to Launch American-Built Tundra and Highlander in Japan

Toyota City, Japan - Toyota Motor Corporation., an automotive manufacturer, has started bringing its U.S.-manufactured Tundra pickup and Highlander SUV to the Japanese market under a new sales structure launched on February 16, 2026. Sales began through Toyota Mobility Tokyo on April 2, with a broader nationwide rollout set for this summer.

The new framework enables U.S.-manufactured vehicles to be sold in Japan without requiring additional Japan-specific certification tests. Toyota has been evaluating this route for models built at its U.S. plants, and has now confirmed that the Tundra and Highlander have received approval under the system and will be introduced in the Japanese market.

The Camry, which is also being considered under the same framework, will go on sale once preparations are finalized. With the addition of these three U.S.-built models, Toyota aims to address a wider range of customer preferences while also supporting stronger Japan-U.S. automotive ties.

Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup inspired by American truck heritage, built with a strong ladder-frame platform for durability, reliability, and capable performance.

It features a bold exterior with the commanding presence of a traditional American pickup, measuring 5,930 mm in length, 2,030 mm in width, and 1,980 mm in height. Its wide and low stance enhances its powerful look, while the large three-dimensional front grille gives it a striking front-end design. The cargo bed is made from aluminum and high-strength SMC material, helping reduce weight while maintaining durability, and it is equipped with a power tailgate for added convenience.

Inside, the Tundra offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with a horizontally designed instrument panel that improves visibility and usability. It also comes with a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, a 12.3-inch TFT color display, and genuine leather seats, creating a premium interior experience.

Under the hood, the pickup is powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering strong low-end torque, high output, and responsive performance. Built on the TNGA-F ladder frame, it also provides excellent durability, off-road capability, improved quietness, and greater driving stability.

The Tundra is produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, with a planned base sales volume of 80 units per month following its nationwide launch.

Highlander

The Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV designed to handle both everyday city driving and outdoor journeys, combining a spacious cabin with confident all-road capability. Popular among families, the model has recorded cumulative U.S. sales of more than 3.6 million units since its debut in 2001.

It features a bold and modern exterior, highlighted by large-diameter tires, a wide stance, a prominent front grille, and sharp LED headlamps that give it a strong road presence. At the rear, horizontally extended combination lamps and a wide bumper add to its stable and refined look.

Inside, the Highlander offers a premium seven-seat cabin with three rows, along with features such as a panoramic roof, JBL premium audio system, and a color head-up display. The horizontally styled instrument panel enhances the sense of openness, while the third-row seats can be folded flat to create around 870 liters of luggage space for greater practicality.

Power comes from a high-efficiency 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined system output of 184 kW. All variants are equipped with E-Four, providing stable and confident performance across wet roads, snowy conditions, and highways. Drive Mode Select and TRAIL Mode further enhance adaptability by optimizing performance for different driving situations and helping maintain traction on rough surfaces.

The Highlander is produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, with a planned base sales volume of 40 units per month following its nationwide launch.

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