Here are the top key points of the Toyota Crown Sport:
- New crossover body style: The Crown Sport is a new crossover body style for the Toyota Crown nameplate. It is smaller than the Crown sedan and has a more hatchback-like design.
- Unique features: The Crown Sport features some unique features, such as rear-wheel steering and a “sound-regulating” roof.
- Two powertrain options: The Crown Sport is available in Japan with two powertrain options: a regular hybrid powertrain and a new plug-in hybrid setup.
- US availability unknown: Toyota has not announced whether the Crown Sport will be released in the US.
Toyota has done it again! Last year, they introduced the high-riding Crown sedan in the U.S., replacing the Avalon. And now, they’re expanding the Crown range even further. On Friday, they launched the Crown Sport in Japan, a crossover with a twist.
Crown Sport
At first glance, the Crown Sport seems more like a high-riding hatch than your typical crossover. It’s compact, measuring 185.8 inches in length with a wheelbase of 109 inches. That’s shorter than its sedan counterpart by roughly 10 inches in length and 3 inches in wheelbase.
Toyota has equipped the Crown Sport with a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a multi-link setup in the back. They’ve also thrown in rear-wheel steering and made 21-inch wheels standard.
Powertrain
Inside, the dashboard mirrors that of the sedan, with a dual 12.3-inch setup – one serving as a digital gauge cluster and the other as a touchscreen infotainment system. What caught my attention, however, was Toyota’s innovative “sound-regulating” roof. They designed the inside lining of the roof to reflect sounds, making it easier for everyone in the car to chat.
Now, let’s talk power. Japanese buyers can choose between two powertrains. The first is the familiar hybrid setup with a 2.5-litre inline-4, producing a combined 236 hp. But what’s creating a buzz is the new plug-in hybrid powertrain. While Toyota remains tight-lipped about its specifications, rumours suggest it might soon grace the U.S.-spec Crown.
A bit of nostalgia to wrap things up: Toyota first rolled out the Crown in 1955, marking their debut in fully Japanese-developed passenger cars. The U.S. bid it goodbye in the early 1970s, but now, the Crown is back and seems ready to make an impression.
Here are some pros and cons of the Toyota Crown Sport:
Pros:
- Unique and stylish design
- Sporty driving dynamics
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- Two fuel-efficient powertrain options
- Advanced safety and technology features
Cons:
- Smaller cargo space than some other crossovers
- Rear visibility may be limited due to the sloping roofline
- US availability unknown
In Conclusion:
The return of the Crown nameplate, bolstered by the introduction of the Crown Sport, is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to innovation and responding to market demands. With a blend of heritage and modernity, the Crown Sport promises to offer both performance and practicality.
As Toyota continues to evolve and diversify its lineup, one thing remains clear: they are intent on delivering vehicles that resonate with both historical enthusiasts and contemporary consumers. The coming months will surely be thrilling as we await the further expansion of the Crown series and, hopefully, its broader reach to global markets.
Stay tuned for more updates on Toyota’s exciting plans for the Crown series!
