Toyota Starts Japan Sales of U.S.-Built Tundra and Highlander

2026 Toyota Tundra 1794 | Photo: Toyota

Toyota began Tokyo sales of U.S.-built Tundra and Highlander on April 2, 2026.
New certification rules remove extra Japan-specific testing for eligible U.S.-manufactured vehicles.
Camry is next, with Japan launch timing still under preparation.

Toyota Motor Corp. has begun selling two U.S.-built vehicles in Japan under a newly introduced import certification system tied to Japan-U.S. negotiations. The automaker said the Tundra pickup and Highlander SUV went on sale through Toyota Mobility Tokyo Inc. on April 2, with a national rollout planned for summer 2026.

The program went live on February 16, 2026. It allows vehicles produced in the U.S. to be marketed in Japan without completing additional Japan-specific certification testing, provided they qualify under the new framework. Toyota said the Tundra and Highlander have now secured approval through that process.

This initiative creates a new channel for supplying Japan from its U.S. manufacturing base. It also marks a rare step for large North American-market vehicles entering Japan with relatively limited adaptation under the trade-linked regulatory pathway.

The Tundra will arrive as a niche offering from Texas. Toyota is targeting a reasonable 80 units delivered per month. The only grade announced is the 1794 Edition, priced at ¥12 million including consumption tax, excluding recycling fees.

The Highlander will be imported from Indiana. Toyota expects base monthly sales of only 40 units after the national launch. The model will be sold in Limited ZR Hybrid trim at ¥8.6 million, including tax, again excluding recycling fees. Unlike the Tundra, the Highlander was sold there as the Kluger from 2000 to 2007.

A third U.S.-built model is also in the pipeline. Camry sales in Japan will begin once preparations are complete. Toyota has not mentioned any projected sale numbers however it seems likely that it could reach Highlander-Tundra combined deliveries with little effort. Not only does the Camry carry a smaller footprint, but it should also be more affordable.