After 28 years off the map, the legendary Cressida nameplate storms back for 2026 as a full-size, rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan that finally gives Toyota a true flagship. Bigger than a Crown, quieter than a Lexus LS, and packed with next-level tech, the new Cressida is here to remind the world that Toyota can do proper, old-school luxury with a modern soul.
Design: Understated Elegance That Turns Heads Quietly
The 2026 Cressida wears its size with confidence. At over 200 inches long, it has the long-hood, short-deck proportions of a classic luxury cruiser, but wrapped in clean, razor-sharp lines. The front end carries a massive yet tasteful spindle grille outlined in satin chrome, flanked by ultra-slim LED matrix headlights that look like jewelry at night.
The profile is pure elegance: a flowing roofline that arcs gently into a sculpted trunk, frameless doors, and available 21-inch multi-spoke wheels that fill the arches perfectly. Out back, a full-width LED light bar glows with a subtle 3D pattern. It’s the kind of car that looks expensive parked in front of a five-star hotel, yet never screams for attention.
- Available two-tone paint (black roof standard on Platinum trim) gives it yacht-like presence.
- Flush door handles and an illuminated Cressida script on the trunk add that final touch of class.
Powertrain: Silky Smooth and Surprisingly Quick
Under the long hood sits an all-new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 making 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, paired with a buttery 10-speed automatic and standard rear-wheel drive. For the first time ever on a Toyota sedan, an optional E-Axle adds a rear electric motor for all-wheel drive and a total system output of 482 hp in the hybrid Platinum model.
Zero to 60 arrives in under 5 seconds in RWD form, but the real magic is how effortlessly it gathers speed. There’s no drama, no turbo lag, just endless, linear thrust that makes highway merges feel like a non-event.
- Combined fuel economy tops out at 34 mpg highway on the hybrid – unheard-of for something this big and fast.
- Air suspension with adaptive dampers is standard, delivering a ride that floats over expansion joints yet stays composed in corners.
Interior: A Rolling Sanctuary
Open the soft-close doors and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels hand-crafted. Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats are wrapped in semi-aniline leather with contrast stitching. The rear bench is the real star: reclining outboard seats with power leg rests, individual climate zones, and a fixed center console with touchscreen controls for everything from seat heat to sunshades.
Real wood trim flows across the dash and doors, accented by ambient lighting with 64 colors and themed patterns that pulse gently to the music. Even the headliner is suede-like material. It’s Lexus-level attention to detail, but with Toyota’s legendary long-term durability.
- A 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system with 3D surround that rivals a concert hall.
- Rear passengers get dual 11.6-inch entertainment screens and a removable Samsung tablet for the center console.
Technology: The Smartest Toyota Ever Built
The entire dash is dominated by a seamless 48-inch curved display that stretches from pillar to pillar – 14 inches for the driver, 34 inches of touchscreen across the center and passenger side. It runs Toyota’s new Arene OS with over-the-air updates, built-in Spotify and Netflix, and a “Hey Toyota” assistant that actually understands natural conversation.
- Standard Level 2+ hands-free driving with automatic lane changes and traffic jam pilot.
- Digital rear-view mirror, 360-degree cameras with see-through chassis view, and remote parking via your phone.
Every Cressida also comes with a built-in dashcam, 5 years of free connected services, and a fingerprint sensor that loads your exact seat, mirror, and climate preferences the moment you touch the door handle.
On the Road: Whisper-Quiet Grandeur
Press the crystal-like start button and the cabin is almost eerily silent – Toyota claims best-in-class NVH levels. At highway speeds you hear almost nothing except the faint whoosh of air and the occasional thump of a tire over a seam. Yet prod the throttle and the twin-turbo V6 wakes with a refined growl that never invades the cabin.
The steering is light but precise, the brakes progressive, and the air suspension irons out the world beneath you. It’s not a sports sedan – it’s a luxury express that makes 500-mile days feel like 50.
Pricing and Trims
Toyota kept the Cressida shockingly attainable for what it offers:
| Trim | Starting Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury | $58,900 | RWD, 19-inch wheels, leather, 48-inch screen |
| Platinum | $68,500 | Hybrid AWD, air suspension, massaging seats |
| Platinum Black Label | $76,800 | Two-tone paint, 21-inch wheels, suede headliner |
Even fully loaded, you’re under $80K – thousands less than a comparable Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5 Series.
The 2026 Toyota Cressida isn’t chasing trends. It’s a throwback to when luxury meant space, silence, and effortless performance – updated with technology that actually makes life easier. This is the sedan Toyota owners have begged for decades to see again: a proper, rear-drive flagship that combines bulletproof reliability with genuine opulence. In a world of crossover everything, the Cressida is a glorious reminder that great sedans can still rule the road.
FAQs
Q: Is it bigger than the Lexus LS?
A: Yes – it’s 4 inches longer overall with a longer wheelbase, offering more rear legroom than even the long-wheelbase LS.
Q: Will there be a V8?
A: No. The twin-turbo V6 hybrid outperforms the old LS 460’s V8 while delivering far better efficiency.
Q: Is the name officially “Cressida” again?
A: Yes – Toyota trademarked it years ago and brought it back as a global flagship above Crown.
Q: Any plans for a wagon or coupe?
A: Nothing confirmed, but Toyota has hinted at possible body styles if the sedan succeeds.
Q: How does it compare to the Crown?
A: The Cressida is larger, more powerful, quieter, and significantly more luxurious – think of Crown as the entry luxury, Cressida as the true flagship.
The king is back. And this time, it’s wearing a crown made of pure comfort.
