Electric Cars

Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to launch a significantly enhanced version of its entry-level crossover, the GLA, for the 2027 model year. The redesigned GLA will be constructed on the brand’s cutting-edge Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, which is already a cornerstone for other innovative models such as the new CLA. This strategic shift to a more advanced platform enables the 2027 GLA to grow in size, expanding from its current length of 173.6 inches to over 177 inches, thereby providing a more spacious cabin for passengers and a larger cargo area. This increase in dimensions underscores Mercedes-Benz's commitment to improving the practicality and utility of its subcompact luxury SUV lineup, ensuring it meets the evolving demands of consumers seeking both elegance and everyday functionality.

The introduction of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA represents a forward-thinking evolution in the automotive industry, offering consumers advanced options that blend luxury with environmental consciousness. This strategic move by Mercedes-Benz to embrace both electric and hybrid technologies not only provides greater choice but also reinforces a commitment to sustainable mobility. By delivering enhanced space, cutting-edge technology, and diverse power options, the new GLA is poised to offer a driving experience that is both practical and exhilarating, setting a positive example for future vehicle development.

Despite Toyota's extensive product offerings in the United States, a selection of its most innovative and desirable vehicles from other international markets remain inaccessible to American buyers. These include high-performance compact cars, opulent sport utility vehicles, and lavish minivans, representing some of the brand's most distinctive creations. This situation often leads to a sense of missed opportunity among American automotive enthusiasts, who are keen to experience these exceptional models firsthand.

Details of Toyota's Exclusive Global Models

In the vibrant automotive landscape of 2026, Toyota continues to be a dominant force globally, offering a wide array of vehicles that cater to diverse preferences. However, a closer look at its international portfolio reveals several models that, despite their allure, are not available to the American public.

Among these coveted vehicles is the Toyota GR Yaris, a rally-inspired hot hatch that embodies pure driving excitement. This compact powerhouse, weighing a mere 2,822 pounds, is propelled by a spirited 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine generating 221 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Its dynamic GR-Four all-wheel-drive system ensures exceptional handling, making it a thrilling choice for driving enthusiasts. While its two-door design proudly declares its performance credentials, the declining demand for small hatchbacks in the US market has kept this engaging model off American shores.

Shifting from spirited performance to ultimate luxury, the Toyota Century SUV represents the pinnacle of Toyota's premium offerings. Launched in 2023, this opulent SUV, which marked the repositioning of the Century nameplate into an ultra-luxury brand, rivals prestigious marques like Bentley and Maybach. Designed primarily for discerning clients in Japan and China who prefer to be chauffeured, it features lavish interiors with fully reclining rear seats and rear doors that open to a wide 75-degree angle, ensuring dignified ingress and egress. Powered by a 406-horsepower plug-in hybrid system, it promises serene and effortless journeys. With a starting price of approximately $170,000 in Japan, it stands as Toyota's most expensive model in that region, highlighting its exclusivity.

Bridging the gap between mainstream and ultra-luxury, the Toyota Crown Sport is a standout within the Crown family. Unlike the more conventional Crown sedan and the wagon-inspired Crown Signia available in North America, the Crown Sport boasts a strikingly athletic and sleek profile. Its design philosophy emphasized "outstanding beauty," resulting in a distinctive appearance from its 'hammerhead shark' front fascia to its uniquely flared rear fenders. This aesthetic prowess positions it as a formidable competitor against luxury SUVs from brands such as Volvo and Genesis. Equipped with an efficient 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain and features like Dynamic Rear Steering, the Crown Sport is engineered for an engaging driving experience beyond the typical SUV. Market considerations, however, prevent its introduction to the US.

For those seeking unparalleled luxury in a minivan, the Toyota Vellfire from Japan's lineup offers a stark contrast to the utilitarian Sienna minivan available in the US. The Vellfire elevates minivan travel to an art form, featuring exquisite materials and a rear seating area designed for ultimate comfort, including fully reclining seats. The top-tier Executive Lounge model offers plush seating for six, along with advanced amenities such as multiple entertainment screens, power-adjustable seats with heating, cooling, and massage functions, electric blinds, and power-sliding doors. This level of sophistication, usually reserved for luxury sedans, underscores why such a vehicle is unlikely to find a market in the US, where minivans are generally perceived differently.

Finally, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 remains a source of frustration for American off-road enthusiasts. While the smaller Land Cruiser 250 is available in the US, the more substantial 300 series is withheld, partly due to the presence of the Lexus LX and the American preference for luxury-branded SUVs in this segment. The Land Cruiser 300 is a marvel of engineering, shedding over 400 pounds from its predecessor while offering powerful engine options, including a twin-turbocharged V6 that matches the performance of older models with improved efficiency. A robust diesel variant provides 516 lb-ft of torque, and a new hybrid version boasts 457 horsepower, making it the most potent Land Cruiser to date. Its GR Sport trim further enhances its appeal, while all 300 models maintain their reputation as unstoppable off-road vehicles. Its absence from the US market is a significant disappointment for those who appreciate its rugged capability and refined power.

The extensive global reach and diverse model range of Toyota are truly impressive, affirming its position as a leading global automaker in 2025. From economical subcompacts to the ultra-luxurious Century sub-brand, Toyota's influence spans nearly every segment of the automotive industry. It is, however, a source of lament for enthusiasts in specific markets, such as the United States, that some of the company's most distinctive and innovative vehicles remain out of reach. While American models like the Grand Highlander and Tundra are certainly desirable in other regions, the allure of the GR Yaris or the sophisticated Crown Sport often tempts many to consider trading their current vehicles for these exclusive offerings, highlighting a universal desire for unique and exceptional automotive experiences.