October 9th 2023
Toyota‘s nomenclature for its latest Crown lineup can be perplexing, especially when you consider that the elevated sedan sold in the United States carries the name “Crown Crossover” in Japan. Shown here is the brand-new Crown Sport crossover for the Japanese market. Alongside it, there’s the Crown Estate, but don’t be fooled; it’s not a wagon—it adopts the form of a larger SUV compared to the Sport model. However, the traditional Crown Sedan remains true to its roots.
While the notion of a Crown model diverging from the classic sedan might initially raise eyebrows, it’s worth remembering that the previous 15 generations of the Crown offered a wide array of body styles. This included wagons, coupes, vans, and even pickups. Thus, there are no strict boundaries when it comes to what type of vehicle earns the prestigious Crown badge. Initially, this new variant is available exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, with a PHEV version set to join the lineup in December.
Toyota Crown Sport Preview
Dimensions
Measuring in at 185.8 inches in length, 74 inches in width, and 61.6 inches in height, the Crown Sport differs from the 2024 Crown sold in the US (which stands at 196.1 inches in length, 72.4 inches in width, and 60.6 inches in height). Its wheelbase spans 109 inches, making it slightly more compact than the standard model. It rides on substantial 21-inch wheels and benefits from rear independent suspension, as well as rear-wheel steering meticulously calibrated for this particular application.
Powertrain
Motivation still comes from the same 2.5-litre hybrid setup, but that PHEV we mentioned is receiving a “high-output density drive motor.” The Crown Sport, equipped with a charging port, will also boast a larger lithium-ion battery pack to extend its electric range, and Toyota assures us it won’t compromise interior space.
Interior
Regarding the interior, this new crossover introduces Toyota’s first sound-regulating ceiling, designed to “enhance cabin acoustics.” As expected, the interior remains largely consistent, with necessary alterations following the shift from a sedan to a crossover body style. It retains the same dual 12.3-inch screens and all the tech features found in the North American variant.
Price
Toyota has set the price for the 2024 Crown Sport at 5,900,000 yen, which translates to approximately $39,600 at current exchange rates. Instead of an outright purchase, you can gain access to it through a KINTO subscription service, starting as low as 66,550 yen per month ($447). However, opting for this subscription entails a total cost of 7,900,200 yen ($53,000) over the seven-year subscription period, including monthly fees and annual charges of 165,000 yen ($1,108). Toyota anticipates monthly sales of around 700 units.
Moving forward, the aforementioned Crown Sedan is next in line, set to hit the Japanese market in November, while the larger Crown Estate SUV will debut before the fiscal year’s end.
Source and Images: Motor1