Toyota launches Crown Sport Crossover in Japan and expands lineup

The Crown Sport joins Toyota’s Crown lineup, bringing a unique blend of crossover styling and sedan practicality. This is the second body style following the high-riding Crown sedan released in the U.S. last year.

Toyota has unveiled the Crown Sport in Japan, expanding its Crown lineup beyond the high-riding sedan introduced in the U.S. last year. This new addition represents the second of four planned distinct body styles for the Crown nameplate, with a low-slung sedan and an SUV slated for release in Japan in the coming months. As of now, availability for these additional body styles outside of Japan has not been confirmed.

The Crown Sport adopts a design that leans more towards a high-riding hatch than a conventional crossover. It boasts smaller dimensions compared to its sedan counterpart, measuring 185.8 inches in length with a 109-inch wheelbase. This is approximately 10 inches shorter in length and three inches less in wheelbase compared to the sedan variant.

Underneath, the Crown Sport is equipped with a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear, complemented by 21-inch wheels as standard. Additionally, the model features rear-wheel steering for enhanced maneuverability.

Inside, the Crown Sport shares a similar dashboard design with the sedan. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is paired with a corresponding 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Due to its hatchback configuration, there is expected to be more rear passenger space, although specific dimensions have not been provided. Notably, Toyota has introduced a “sound-regulating” roof, designed to enhance in-cabin acoustics for improved communication among occupants.

In Japan, the Crown Sport offers two powertrain options. The first is the standard hybrid powertrain, which incorporates a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, the same featured in the U.S.-spec Crown, producing a combined output of 236 horsepower.

The second powertrain option is an all-new plug-in hybrid setup, rumored to be available in the U.S.-spec Crown as well. This system also utilizes a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine as its internal combustion component. Toyota has not released specific power figures for the plug-in hybrid powertrain, nor details regarding battery capacity or electric range.

The Crown nameplate was first introduced by Toyota in 1955, signifying the launch of its inaugural passenger car developed and manufactured entirely in Japan. Although the nameplate was discontinued in the U.S. in the early 1970s, the current Crown model marks its return to the American market.