Toyota has unveiled a new SUV model in Japan that carries the name of one of its most iconic and prestigious sedans: the Crown. The 2024 Toyota Crown Sport Hybrid is a midsize crossover that combines the luxury and performance of the Crown sedan with the versatility and efficiency of a hybrid powertrain. The new SUV is based on the Toyota Highlander but features a distinctive design and a range of advanced technologies that set it apart from its sibling.
History of the Crown
The Crown is one of Toyota's oldest and most respected nameplates, dating back to 1955. It was the first Japanese car to be exported to the US and has been used as a taxi, a police car, a diplomatic vehicle, and a presidential limousine in various countries. The Crown has also pioneered innovation, introducing features such as air conditioning, power steering, disc brakes, fuel injection, and hybrid systems to the Japanese market.
The Crown sedan has gone through 15 generations, with the latest one launched in 2018. However, due to the declining demand for sedans and the rising popularity of SUVs, Toyota decided to discontinue the Crown sedan in Japan after 2021 and replace it with the Crown Sport Hybrid SUV. The move was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics, some of whom lamented the loss of a legendary sedan, while others welcomed the evolution of the Crown name.
Design and Features of the Crown Sport Hybrid
The 2024 Toyota Crown Sport Hybrid is designed to appeal to both loyal Crown customers and new SUV buyers who value style, comfort, and performance. The exterior design is inspired by the Crown sedan but with a more muscular and dynamic stance. The front fascia features a large grille with a crown emblem, LED headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights, and a sculpted bumper with fog lamps. The side profile showcases a sloping roofline, chrome accents, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The rear end features LED taillights with a light bar, a roof spoiler, and dual exhaust tips.
The interior of the new Toyota Crown Sport Hybrid is spacious and luxurious, with seating for up to seven passengers. The cabin is adorned with leather upholstery, wood trim, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The dashboard features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 10-inch head-up display, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a wireless charging pad. The SUV also offers a host of safety and convenience features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, 360-degree camera, airbags, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+.