Toyota has recently unveiled a new SUV model in Japan, the Crown Sport. This is part of the new Crown series, which consists of four different body styles: Sport, Crossover, Sedan, and Estate. The Crown Sport is the first to go on sale, with a hybrid powertrain and a starting price of around $40,000. A plug-in hybrid version will follow in December.
The Crown Sport is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which promises a sporty driving experience and easy ingress-egress. The SUV measures 185.8 inches long, 74 inches wide, and 61.6 inches tall, with a 109-inch wheelbase. It is shorter, wider, and taller than the Crown Crossover sold in the US, and features large 21-inch wheels and rear independent suspension. It also has rear-wheel steering for improved agility and stability.
The exterior design of the Crown Sport is striking and dynamic, with a concept that balances power and grace. The most distinctive element is the rear fenders that extend dramatically outward from the D pillars to the rear tires, creating a low and wide stance. The front fascia has a hammerhead shark-like appearance, with narrow-lens daytime running lamps and a wide grille. The SUV has a sporty and fearless expression that matches its name.
The interior of the Crown Sport is similar to that of the Crown Crossover, with a dual 12.3-inch screen setup for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with high-quality materials and advanced technology. The SUV also features Toyota’s first sound-regulating ceiling that reflects sounds within the cabin for a better acoustic environment.
The Crown Sport is powered by a 2.5-liter hybrid system that delivers smooth and efficient performance. The plug-in hybrid version will have a high-output density drive motor and a larger lithium-ion battery pack for more electric range. Toyota claims that the PHEV will not compromise interior space or cargo capacity.
The Crown Sport is equipped with the latest advanced safety equipment, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which offers enhanced functions such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Parking Support Brake, and Intelligent Clearance Sonar.
The Crown Sport is a new SUV that inherits the legacy of the Crown brand, which has been synonymous with quality and innovation for over six decades. The SUV offers a new form of fun to drive for customers who value individuality and diversity. Toyota expects to sell about 700 units of the Crown Sport per month in Japan. Customers can also opt for a KINTO subscription service from $450 per month instead of buying the SUV outright.
The Crown Sport is one of the four models that mark the second chapter of the Crown brand as a global brand originating in Japan. The other three models are the Crown Sedan, which will be launched in November; the Crown Estate, which will be launched before the end of this fiscal year; and the Crown Crossover, which is already available in the US. These models aim to offer different values and lifestyles for different customers around the world.
The Toyota Crown Sport is an SUV that combines beauty, performance, comfort, and safety in a new form. It is a worthy successor to the legendary name of Crown.
