Toyota Crown Comes in Many Shapes and Sizes in Japan, but We Only Get One
The Toyota Crown is new to the U.S., but it’s certainly not new to the world. In fact, it’s the longest-running Toyota model in history. Though we now have the Toyota Crown here in the States, there’s still a healthy offering that we don’t get. In fact, the Crown namesake is represented as a separate brand in Japan and other countries. Let’s take a look at the entire Toyota Crown lineup and see what we’re missing out on!
The Toyota Crown Comes in Four Different Styles Overseas
The Toyota Crown sold here in the U.S. is the Crossover type from the overseas lineup. However, in addition, there’s a sedan, estate, and sport version available for other markets. According to the Toyota press release for the lineup, it seems that they share many of the same components.
They’re all offered as either a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. Each model uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine up front and an electric axle for the rear wheels. Furthermore, the press release specifies the use of a nickel-based electric battery. Those familiar with RC cars will know that a nickel-metal hydride battery has taken a back seat to lithium polymer packs. However, Toyota is sticking with the older tech. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
The Crown Crossover is a bit more representative of what one might expect when they hear the term. Rather than a small SUV, the Crown Crossover is a more sedan-like blend of the two formats. It’s sized more like a sedan but sits up high like an SUV. According to Toyota, this is a perfect way to get the sedan feel while providing easy entry and exit. Additionally, the higher stature gives drivers a solid field of view.
The Crown Sport and Estate are SUV offerings
On the other hand, the Crown Sport is more SUV than it is a sedan. Forgive us for saying this; it even has a bit of Ferrari Purosangue flavor to its styling. In addition, Toyota advertises that the Crown Sport is a wolf in sheep’s clothing of sorts. It may look like an SUV, but its intent is to provide a sporty and nimble driving experience.
Additionally, the Toyota Crown Estate is a full-blown SUV, not the wagon its name and the history of this model would suggest. That’s a bit of a shame. However, it is a pretty dang stylish entry to the lineup of Toyota SUVs. The hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrain is a great plus.
The Toyota Crown Sedan Type is way cooler than what we’ve got!
The Crown Sedan Type for the overseas market is incredibly stylish. Its exterior styling is more consistent with the namesake’s luxurious heritage. Furthermore, it looks far more aligned with Lexus releases than it is with Toyota. At least in comparison to the models we get in the U.S.
Overall, the lineup of crown vehicles we’re not allowed to have in the U.S. doesn’t exactly leave us aching. However, it would be interesting to see how these offerings would fair here in the States. It seems, much like Hyundai did with Genesis, the Crown spinoff brand is intended to expand the network of the parent company. So, who knows? Perhaps Toyota will bring the Crown lineup over here if it sells well enough overseas.