On Tuesday, Toyota unveiled a preview image of what the company characterizes as a mid-size hybrid SUV equipped with all-wheel drive, slated for the U.S. market. While the automaker has been sparse with further details, the teaser image seems to indicate that the vehicle under consideration is a production-ready variant of the Crown Estate concept unveiled in 2022.
Last year, Toyota introduced the elevated 2023 Crown sedan in the United States, positioning it as the successor to the Avalon. This sedan is merely one in a quartet of separate body configurations that Toyota intends for the Crown lineup. The Crown Sport crossover, characterized by its sporty design, was recently released in Japan. Two additional body forms—an aerodynamic sedan and a conventional SUV—are also in the pipeline. Although Toyota has not formally confirmed the launch of these additional body variants in the U.S., the recent teaser strongly hints at the conventional SUV making its way to American showrooms. An official debut is anticipated to occur at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show scheduled for next month.
Table of Contents
Design Elements Link to Crown Estate Concept
The design of the taillights visible in the teaser image aligns with the design features showcased on the Crown Estate concept vehicle. Additionally, the conspicuous “C” emblem observed in the image bears a stylistic resemblance to the “C” that constitutes the Crown brand insignia on the rear of the 2023 Crown sedan.
Powertrain Options Reflect Current Offerings
It is highly probable that the upcoming Crown SUV will inherit its powertrain options from the 2023 Crown sedan. The latter is presently available with two distinct hybrid powertrains, both featuring a through-the-road all-wheel-drive system in which an electric motor energizes the rear axle. The standard setup employs a 2.5-liter inline-4 for its internal combustion engine, while a more powerful alternative includes a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4. These powertrains offer output ratings of 236 and 340 horsepower, respectively.
Future Possibilities Include Electrification
While not yet confirmed, there is the potential for a plug-in hybrid variant to be introduced at a later stage, and possibly even a fully electric option. Notably, the Crown Sport crossover was recently launched in Japan, and it comes with an available plug-in hybrid system that also utilizes the 2.5-liter inline-4 engine. However, performance metrics for this configuration have not been disclosed by Toyota.
Further information is expected to emerge as we approach the commencement of the L.A. Auto Show, which is set to kick off on November 17.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Toyota Crown SUV U.S. Launch
What is the main focus of the article?
The article primarily discusses the anticipation surrounding Toyota’s forthcoming Crown SUV for the U.S. market. It covers details revealed through a teaser image, the vehicle’s potential design and powertrain options, and speculates on its official debut at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.
What types of body styles are planned for the Toyota Crown lineup?
Toyota plans to offer the Crown in four distinct body styles: an elevated sedan, a sporty crossover, an aerodynamic low-slung sedan, and a conventional SUV. The elevated sedan has already been introduced in the U.S., and the sporty crossover was recently launched in Japan.
The teaser image released by Toyota showcases a mid-size hybrid SUV with all-wheel drive. While further details have not been provided, the design elements such as the taillights and the “C” emblem suggest that the vehicle is likely to be a production version of the Crown Estate concept that was unveiled in 2022.
What powertrain options are expected for the upcoming Crown SUV?
It is anticipated that the Crown SUV will share its powertrain options with the 2023 Crown sedan. Currently, the sedan offers two hybrid powertrains with through-the-road all-wheel-drive systems. One employs a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, and the other a more powerful turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4, with horsepower ratings of 236 and 340 respectively.
Is there a possibility for a plug-in hybrid or fully electric variant of the Crown SUV?
While not officially confirmed, there is potential for a plug-in hybrid model to be introduced at a later stage, and possibly even a fully electric option. The Crown Sport crossover, which was recently launched in Japan, does offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain using the 2.5-liter inline-4 engine.
When and where is the official debut of the Crown SUV expected?
The official debut of the Toyota Crown SUV is expected to take place at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, scheduled to commence on November 17. Further details are likely to be revealed in the lead-up to the event.
More about Toyota Crown SUV U.S. Launch
- Toyota Official Website
- 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show
- Toyota Crown Estate Concept
- 2023 Toyota Crown Sedan U.S. Launch
- Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains
- All-Wheel Drive Systems Explained
7 comments
Finally some good news! Cant wait for LA Auto Show to get the full specs. its about time Toyota spiced up the Crown lineup.
4 body styles is ambitious, not gonna lie. but if anyone can pull it off, it’s Toyota.
So, the SUV’s gonna have the same powertrain as the sedan, huh? Wonder how that’ll impact fuel efficiency.
That 340hp option sounds promising. But will it be enough to stand out in the crowded SUV market? Time will tell I guess.
Wow, didn’t expect Toyota to bring Crown into the SUV game. This could be a game changer folks!
Hybrid powertrains? count me in. Hope they roll out the electric option sooner than later though.
Always loved the Crown sedans. Interesting to see Toyota expanding it to a whole lineup. lets see how it stacks up against the competition.