by Start of Sales for American Toyotas in Japan
Starting this month, Japanese buyers will be able to get behind the wheel of a Toyota with an unusual origin story. The company is beginning to import vehicles manufactured in the USA to its home market, starting with the full-size Tundra pickup and the Highlander crossover.
Political Context and Limited Volumes
Rumors about Toyota’s plans to supply American cars to Japan have been circulating since last year. Many see this move as an attempt to appease the administration of former US President Donald Trump and his “America First” policy. Both models can be sold on the local market without additional certification procedures, simplifying the launch. The US-made Camry sedan is also set to join them soon.
However, there is one obvious condition to this initiative. None of these models will be converted to right-hand drive.
Don’t expect these cars to suddenly fill the narrow streets of Tokyo. Toyota is taking a very cautious approach, planning to sell only 80 Tundra pickups and 40 Highlander crossovers per month.
Technical Features and Trim Levels
In the Japanese market, the Tundra pickup will be offered only in the 1794 Edition version. It is equipped with a 3.4-liter bi-turbocharged gasoline V6 i-Force engine. Although exact power figures for the Japanese market have not been announced, in the US this unit produces 389 hp and 649 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The Japanese Tundra retains all the dimensions of its American sibling, so it will stand out sharply among the compact Kei cars that dominate local roads. The price starts from 12 million yen (approximately $75,200), which is quite close to the American starting price of $71,305 for the same 1794 Edition version.
Return of the Highlander and Its Characteristics
As for the Highlander, in Japan it will be sold exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. It combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with electric motors, delivering 247 hp and driving all four wheels. The only available trim, the Limited ZR Hybrid, includes three rows of seats, a panoramic glass roof, a JBL audio system, and a head-up display.
Toyota already sold the Highlander in Japan between 2000 and 2007, but back then the model was known as the Kluger. The price for the new model will start from 8.6 million yen ($53,800), which is also close to the American market price.
Market Implications and Competitors’ Plans
This move by Toyota could be the start of a new trend. Later this year, Honda plans to start selling the Acura Integra Type S sports sedan and the Honda Passport TrailSport Elite crossover in Japan, both manufactured in the USA. Nissan has also announced its intention to export the Murano crossover, produced in Tennessee, back to Japan starting in 2027.
These initiatives demonstrate how global automakers are adapting to political and economic realities, finding new ways to balance production and sales between key markets. The limited sales of left-hand-drive American models in Japan are likely aimed at a niche audience of US automotive enthusiasts and those who appreciate the uniqueness of such cars. This may also serve as a symbolic gesture in trade relations between the two countries, even if the practical impact on overall sales volumes will be minimal.
