Update: Toyota has officially validated what we had suspected when they provided a sneak peek of their upcoming addition a couple of weeks ago. The new model, known as the Crown Estate in Japan, will introduce itself to the North American market on November 14, just ahead of the LA Auto Show, as the “Crown SUV.”
This name choice may seem a bit unusual, especially considering that Toyota’s Crown lineup in Japan also features a Sport SUV model. However, it could be attributed to America’s inclination towards SUVs and aversion to anything wagon or estate related, even if it’s merely a name.
Originally described as an “all-wheel-drive hybrid electric mid-size SUV” that will soon be available in the US market, the new crossover is the production version of the Crown Estate concept that had previously been confirmed for a debut in Japan next year.
The two teaser photos Toyota has released so far focus on the SUV’s rear end. Fortunately, these images provide ample evidence to align it with the near-production study. The horizontally mounted full-width LED taillights, as well as the lines of the tailgate and bumper, closely resemble those of the Toyota Crown Estate prototype, which was initially showcased in July 2022 along with the extended family of Crown-series models.
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The rear badging provides confirmation that the US- and Canadian-spec version of the model will feature a self-charging hybrid powertrain and come equipped with AWD capabilities. It’s highly probable that this setup will involve either a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter or a turbocharged 2.4-liter gasoline engine paired with dual electric motors, following the pattern seen in other Toyota models. In Japan, the Toyota Crown Estate will additionally offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain option.
The production version of the Toyota Crown Estate will maintain a footprint very close to, if not identical to, the prototype, with dimensions of 4,930 mm (194.1 inches) in length, 1,880 mm (74 inches) in width, and 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) in height. This places it considerably larger than the RAV4 and slightly smaller than the Highlander.
Besides the exterior of the SUV that closely follows Toyota’s latest styling language, we have also seen the almost production-ready interior. The cabin will have a five-seater layout with a flat-folding rear bench adding to the practicality. The dashboard is expected to look very similar to the Toyota Crown Crossover, featuring the same digital cockpit with dual 12.3-inch displays, alongside many other carry-over components.
Although an official sale date has yet to be confirmed, it’s anticipated that the release will likely occur in the first half of 2024. Once it becomes a part of Toyota’s lineup, it will be the second Crown-badged vehicle available in the US market. Japanese customers, on the other hand, have access to the full range, which includes the Crown Crossover, Crown Sport SUV, Crown Estate SUV, and Crown Sedan.