Difference between EARLY MODEL and LATE MODEL｜TOYOTA 20CELSIOR

The 20CELSIOR EARLY MODEL was introduced in October 1994. The face of the new model was similar to that of the 10CELSIOR, but the model change was extremely conservative because the 10CELSIOR had been an explosive hit. This led to sluggish sales of the 20CELSIOR EARLY MODEL.

LEFT：LATE MODEL 20CELSIOR
RIGHT：EARLY MODEL 20CELSIOR

To break through this, the 20CELSIOR LATE MODEL was born in July 1997, undergoing the strongest minor change in its history. Not only was the style renewed, but the engine also evolved, achieving 280 hp, up 15 hp from the previous model. Torque was thickened, and acceleration was improved by increasing the low rpm range. Inside, the placement of anti-vibration materials and the thickness of the glass have been changed, and the quietness that is the pride of CELSIOR has also been enhanced.

At the time, there were so many complaints about this minor change from owners who bought the new EARLY MODEL. It is a well-known story that the term “Big Minor” was coined from the “Early Model” and “Late Model” of the 20 CELSIOR.

At that time, the LATE MODEL was overwhelmingly more popular, but that is not the case today. Many owners prefer the more gentle-looking EARLY MODEL. As time goes by, the evaluation of a car changes drastically. This is also interesting.

HEADLIGHT

The EARLY MODEL adopted the angular shape of the 10CELSIOR style. The later model changed to a rounded design. The lens surface has also become transparent, subtly showing off the two inner round eyes. Moreover, HID bulbs were introduced from LATE MODEL, and the brightness is dramatically different.

GRILL

Although similar at a glance, the grille is actually different between the EARLY MODEL and LATE MODEL; the LATE MODEL has a thicker chrome frame than the EARLY MODEL, and the number of horizontal bars has increased from seven to eight. Also, while the EARLY MODEL was closely attached to the headlights, the LATE MODEL has a gap between the headlights and the LATE MODEL, giving it a stylish and sleek look.

FRONT BUMPER

The design of the front bumper has also changed significantly between the Early Model and Late Model; the Late Model has fog lamps on the lower side of the bumper, giving it a sporty and luxurious look.

DOOR MIRRORS

The LATE MODEL’s door mirrors have a wide view and lines on them. In addition, a convenient feature was added to the later models: when the gear is put in reverse, the passenger-side mirror automatically turns down to make it easier to see the white line in a parking lot. And in August 1998, the same feature was added to the driver’s side.

TAIL LAMPS

The tail lamps of the 20CELSIOR EARLY MODEL are shorter in width than those of the 10CELSIOR; the LATE MODEL is slightly longer in width than the EARLY MODEL and also has a new lens with a glittering effect.

PRESS LINES

This press line is another famous difference between the EARLY MODEL and LATE MODEL of 20CELSIOR. Between the license plate and the tail lamp, there is nothing on the EARLY MODEL, but a faint press line has been added on the LATE MODEL.

SCUFF PLATES

As the flagship of TOYOTA at that time, every detail of the car was made to look luxurious. The scuff plates were also plated. The late model even featured the CELSIOR logo mark.

METER

The LATE MODEL features a multi-information display that shows a variety of information in text. Average vehicle speed, average fuel consumption, and other information can also be displayed.

MULTI-VISION

The LATE MODEL featured a 7-inch wide monitor, which was much talked about at the time for its improved readability, and the latest technology of the time, including D-GPS, which used FM multiplex broadcasts to improve positional accuracy.

READING LIGHTS AND HEADRESTS

The EARLY MODEL did not have headrests in the center seat, but they were added to the LATE MODEL. A reading light was also added to the C-pillar, improving rear-seat comfort.

In this issue, we thoroughly dissect the differences between the EARLY MODEL and LATE MODEL of the 20 CELSIOR. ALESS MAGAZINE will continue to publish articles on the differences between the EARLY MODEL and LATE MODEL of popular vehicles in an easy-to-understand manner. Please look forward to it. Also, the vehicles listed on this site can be purchased at ALESS. If you are interested, please check the official ALESS website.

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