The Toyota Crown was the first Japanese vehicle to be sold in the country, but after 14 years, sales were stopped. The Crown lived on in other countries after dying in America, becoming something rather unusual because the Japanese version had rear-wheel drive and a potent hybrid powertrain. The vehicle is now triumphantly returning to America, but it's not the Crown as many had anticipated. Toyota instead chose to redesign the full-size sedan for the crossover era. the 2023 Crown crossover sedan that was revealed for North America.
At the car's Japanese debut, Toyota gave a sneak peek at an enlarged lineup with three new models in various body types.
Along with the Crown "Crossover Type," which will obfuscate the distinction between crossovers and sedans when it debuts in Japan in Autumn 2022 and in the US market in late 2022, Toyota also displayed an SUV, a Sedan, and a big SUV, all of which appeared to be concepts.
The future of the Crown is still unknown, although the car has a bZ4X-inspired front fascia with narrow headlamps and a big intake that is mostly covered. The plastic body wrapping and 19- or 21-inch wheels can be seen further back.
A sloping roof, a flowing shoulder line, and a subtle rear spoiler are additional features of the car. A almost full-width light bar and a sleek rear bumper without exhaust holes complete the highlights.
All four vehicles are equipped with Crown emblems, however it's unclear if they'll be swapped out for the Toyota insignia in other markets like the 2023 Toyota Crown in the US. Additionally, they use styling cues from the bZ series, such as the front full-LED lights that blend in with the thin grilles, the sporty bumper intakes, the big wheels, and the contoured bodies. The interior will be revealed later, but the windows are completely tinted to conceal it.
The Japanese carmaker didn't provide any information regarding the other vehicles that would probably be based on the same TNGA platform as the rest of the Toyota portfolio, save from the JDM-spec Crown Crossover Type that was described in the presentation.
The Crown has dimensions of 4,928 mm in length, 1,839 mm in width, and 1,539 mm in height, with a 2,850 mm-long wheelbase.
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, and a newly created high-output bipolar nickel-metal hydride battery are all included in the vehicle's basic hybrid powertrain. Toyota hasn't yet released any performance details.
Customers who upgrade to the Crown Platinum will receive a brand-new Hybrid Max powertrain as compensation. It has a front electric motor, a six-speed direct-shift automatic transmission with a novel hydraulic multi-plate wet start clutch, and a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The vehicle has a combined output of about 340 horsepower thanks to this configuration. An electronic on-demand all-wheel drive system with a rear-mounted electric motor is standard on all versions. The Crown Platinum, on the other hand, has a pricier E-Four Advanced AWD system that can direct as much as 80% of the vehicle's power to the back wheels.
Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes are available on the XLE and Limited models, while Custom, Comfort, and Sport+ options are available on the Platinum.
The TNGA-K platform, which also supports our beloved Avalon as well as the Camry, Highlander, RAV4, and Venza, serves as the foundation for the Crown. It has freshly created multi-link rear suspension as well as MacPherson struts up front.
Inside, the new Crown has a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia entertainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Speaking of equipment, the base Crown XLE has fabric and Softex upholstery, heated front seats, and an eight-way power adjustment. A wireless phone charger, a dual-zone climate control system, and a six-speaker music system connect them.
The Crown Limited, which is the next model level up, has heated and ventilated leather front seats in addition to heated rear seats. Other notable features include an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, fixed panoramic glass roof, and rain-sensing wipers.
The Platinum model, which sits at the top of the line, has an Adaptive Variable Suspension and distinctive 21-inch wheels with black accents.
The Crown has the most recent lineup of Toyota's driver aid technologies. Highlights include a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, and Automatic High Beams. A Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Rear Seat Reminder, Lane Tracing Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are added to them.
Toyota Safety Connect, which offers emergency help, roadside assistance, automatic collision warning, and a stolen car locator service, is also included with a one-year trial subscription with the Crown.
Later this year, the 2023 Toyota Crown will reach American dealers, and closer to the introduction, the price will likely be disclosed.