Toyota has officially introduced the Crown Estate to the Japanese market, marking the completion of the reimagined Crown lineup. This launch in Japan follows the debut of the strikingly similar Crown Signia in North America over a year prior. The Crown Estate presents a compelling fusion of wagon and SUV characteristics, offering consumers the choice between a conventional hybrid (HEV) and a more advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. With the addition of the Estate model, the Toyota Crown series in Japan now encompasses four distinct variants: the Crossover, the Sport, the Sedan, and the newly launched Estate. Among these options, the Estate stands out as the most practical choice for those prioritizing cargo space and versatility.
In terms of exterior design, the Japanese-spec Crown Estate bears a very close resemblance to its North American counterpart, the Crown Signia. Both models feature Toyota's distinctive "hammerhead" front-end styling, which has become a signature element of the modern Crown family. The primary visual distinctions between the two versions are the absence of amber indicator lights on the Japanese model and subtle differences in the rear badging. The Crown Estate measures 4,930 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,625 mm in height, positioning it neatly within Toyota's Japanese SUV range, slotting between the compact RAV4 and the slightly larger Harrier. This positioning suggests that Toyota views the Crown Estate as a mid-size offering, catering to customers seeking a balance between spaciousness and maneuverability.
Stepping inside the Crown Estate, occupants are greeted by a modern and familiar digital cockpit. The dashboard is dominated by dual 12.3-inch displays, one serving as the instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment touchscreen. The steering wheel proudly features the Crown emblem, signifying its place within Toyota's premium lineup. The SUV offers a comfortable five-seater configuration, making it suitable for families and those who frequently travel with passengers. A key highlight of the Crown Estate is its generous cargo capacity, boasting a substantial 570-liter boot. For situations requiring even more storage space, the rear seats can be folded completely flat, expanding the cargo area to an impressive 1,470 liters. Enhancing its practicality for outdoor enthusiasts, the Japanese market Crown Estate offers optional features such as a pull-out deck chair and table, perfect for picnics or camping trips. These features, along with an available soft luggage mat, are not offered on the North American Crown Signia, highlighting regional differences in market preferences. Japanese customers also have the option of a sporty body kit and eye-catching 21-inch wheels designed by Modellista, further allowing for personalization of the vehicle's appearance. The color palette for the Crown Estate includes five solid exterior paint options, as well as five two-tone finishes, providing a variety of aesthetic choices. Notably, the exclusive Precious Metal and Massive Gray two-tone combination is reserved for the Crown Estate PHEV variant, which also comes equipped with distinct 21-inch alloy wheels. Inside, Toyota offers three upholstery options: Black, Saddle Tan, and a unique Grayish Blue with vintage-style cloud patterns, adding a touch of retro-inspired elegance to the cabin.
Underpinning the Crown Estate, like the rest of the Crown lineup, is Toyota's modular TNGA-K architecture. This platform is known for its ability to deliver a comfortable and refined driving experience. To further enhance ride quality and handling, the Crown Estate is equipped with an adaptive variable suspension system and Dynamic Rear Steering, which contributes to greater comfort and improved maneuverability, particularly in urban environments. A significant difference between the Japanese-spec Crown Estate and the North American Crown Signia lies in the powertrain options. While the Crown Signia is exclusively available with a self-charging hybrid system, the Crown Estate offers the additional choice of a more powerful plug-in hybrid setup.
Both the HEV and PHEV versions of the Crown Estate utilize a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter gasoline engine, which is complemented by dual electric motors to provide all-wheel-drive capability (Toyota's E-Four system). In the hybrid variant, the gasoline engine produces 188 horsepower, while in the plug-in hybrid, it generates 174 horsepower. The front electric motor delivers approximately 180 horsepower, which is about 50% more power than the front motor used in the Crown Crossover and Crown Sport models. The rear electric motor contributes an additional 53 horsepower, resulting in a combined system output of 302 horsepower for both the HEV and PHEV variants. The key differentiator between the two powertrains is the battery technology. The plug-in hybrid version is equipped with a larger 51 Ah lithium-ion battery, allowing for an impressive electric-only driving range of up to 89 kilometers, according to the WLTC testing standards. The battery pack is strategically mounted under the floor of the vehicle, ensuring that interior space is not compromised compared to the standard hybrid model. In terms of fuel efficiency, Toyota claims figures of 5 liters per 100 kilometers for the HEV and 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers for the PHEV, highlighting the economical nature of both powertrain options.
The Toyota Crown Estate is now available for order in Japan, with pricing for the hybrid version starting at ¥6,700,000, which is approximately $42,900 based on current exchange rates. The plug-in hybrid variant is priced at ¥8,400,000, or about $54,700. For comparison, the North American Toyota Crown Signia, which is only offered as a hybrid, has a starting price of $43,590. This pricing structure suggests that Toyota is positioning the Crown Estate as a premium offering within its lineup, particularly the plug-in hybrid version, which commands a higher price due to its advanced technology and extended electric driving range. The availability of the Crown Estate in Japan completes the diverse Crown family, providing customers with a range of body styles and powertrain options to suit their individual needs and preferences.