Toyota expanded its Crown lineup with the launch of the Crown Sport in Japan. This new model joins the high-riding Crown sedan that was introduced in the U.S. last year as a replacement for the Avalon. The Crown Sport is just one of the four distinct body styles that Toyota plans for the nameplate.
The Crown Sport is a crossover that closely resembles a high-riding hatch rather than a conventional crossover. It has a smaller footprint compared to its sedan sibling, measuring 185.8 inches long with a wheelbase of 109 inches, both of which are about 10 and three inches shorter than the sedan, respectively.
Underneath, the Crown Sport features MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear, providing a comfortable and smooth ride. It is equipped with 21-inch wheels as standard, giving it a stylish and sporty appearance. The inclusion of rear-wheel steering enhances maneuverability and control.
Inside, the Crown Sport shares the same dash design as the sedan, creating a cohesive and premium interior. It is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering modern connectivity and convenience features. The hatch design of the Crown Sport is likely to provide more space at the rear, although specific specifications have not been provided by Toyota. One notable feature is the first application of a “sound-regulating” roof, which helps reflect sound within the cabin and facilitates better communication between occupants.
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The Crown Sport is available in Japan with two powertrain options. The first is a regular hybrid powertrain that is also featured in the U.S-spec Crown sedan. It includes a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine and delivers a combined horsepower of 236. This hybrid powertrain offers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
The second powertrain option for the Crown Sport is a new plug-in hybrid setup, which is rumored to be offered in the U.S-spec Crown as well. This powertrain also utilizes a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine as its internal-combustion component. However, Toyota has not provided specific details regarding the power output, battery size, or electric range of the plug-in hybrid system.
Toyota originally introduced the Crown nameplate in 1955 with its first passenger car developed and built entirely in Japan. However, the nameplate was discontinued in the U.S. in the early 1970s. The current Crown sedan marks its return to the U.S. market, offering consumers a premium and high-riding alternative to the Avalon.
The Crown lineup demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to offering a diverse range of vehicles to cater to different consumer preferences. With the addition of the Crown Sport and future planned body styles like a low-slung sedan and SUV, Toyota aims to provide options that appeal to a wider audience. While availability of these additional body styles outside Japan has not been announced, it is likely that Toyota will continue to expand the Crown lineup globally based on market demand.
In summary, the introduction of the Crown Sport in Japan adds to the growing Crown family, which already includes a high-riding sedan available in the U.S. market. With its unique crossover design and advanced features, the Crown Sport offers a compelling blend of style, performance, and versatility. Toyota’s expansion of the Crown lineup highlights its commitment to providing diverse options that meet the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.
