Toyota Crown Sport crossover debuts in Japan

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Toyota has unveiled the Crown Sport crossover in Japan, adding to its diverse range of body styles for the Crown nameplate. This follows the introduction of the high-riding Crown sedan in the U.S. last year, which replaced the Avalon. The Crown Sport, with its unique design, is the second variant in the lineup, with more styles, including a low-slung sedan and SUV, scheduled for release in Japan in the coming months. However, the availability of these additional body styles outside Japan remains undisclosed.

In terms of design, the Crown Sport leans more towards a high-riding hatchback rather than a traditional crossover. Its dimensions are more compact compared to its sedan counterpart, measuring at 185.8 inches in length and featuring a 109-inch wheelbase, which is about 10 and three inches shorter, respectively, than the sedan.

Underneath, the chassis boasts a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear, with 21-inch wheels as standard. Notably, the Crown Sport incorporates rear-wheel steering.

Moving to the interior, the dashboard design closely mirrors that of the sedan, featuring a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster paired with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While specific details regarding the interior space have not been provided, the hatchback design suggests potentially more room in the rear. Toyota has also introduced a novel feature with a “sound-regulating” roof, designed to enhance cabin acoustics and facilitate communication among occupants.

The Crown Sport is available in Japan with two powertrain options. The first is the regular hybrid powertrain, equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, generating 236 hp combined, similar to its U.S. counterpart. The other powertrain is a new plug-in hybrid setup, rumored to be offered in the U.S.-spec Crown, featuring the same 2.5-liter inline-4 as its internal-combustion component. However, detailed power figures, battery size, and electric range for the plug-in hybrid variant have not been disclosed by Toyota.

The Crown nameplate, originally introduced in 1955, marked Toyota’s first passenger car developed and manufactured entirely in Japan. While it was discontinued in the U.S. during the early 1970s, the current Crown model represents its reintroduction in the American market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Crown Sport Crossover

More about Crown Sport Crossover

• Toyota’s Official Website
• Crown Model Overview
• Car and Driver – Toyota Crown Sport Crossover
• Motor1 – Toyota Crown Sport: A New Crossover for Japan
• Autoblog – Toyota Crown Sport unveiled in Japan