TOYOTA

Toyota Crown: the sedan that is a crossover

In recent times, the unstoppable rise of SUVs has cannibalized other traditional segments, such as sedans and MPVs. There are manufacturers that have directly opted to stop producing classic sedans and others have adapted them to the new times, adding certain traits of crossovers to them. This last case is precisely what the Japanese brand did with the new Toyota Crown 2023, a luxury sedan with crossover airs.

The Toyota Crown is one of the most iconic models of the Japanese brand. A large luxury sedan dating back to 1955. Since then, the model has not stopped renewing itself, always introducing new design elements. This time, Toyota has decided to turn its sedan into a crossover, a decision that has only one commercial explanation: that the car will be successful in different markets outside Japan, such as the United States, where it left in 1972.

Starting with the aesthetic part, it is a large vehicle, measuring 4.98 meters in length, 1.84 meters in width and 1.54 meters in height. The front looks inspired by the Toyota bZ4X, and shows slender headlights integrated into the grille, which is largely closed.

The side view changes radically. This is where greater ground clearance, a higher waistline and wheel arch guards come into play. That is, elements characteristic of crossovers. Another feature is the drop from the roof to the rear, giving the Japanese sedan a coupe aesthetic. It is also worth highlighting the large shoulders, accentuating the muscular appearance of the vehicle. The aesthetic part is completed with 19 or 21 inch wheels.

Inside, there is a technological environment as expected in a luxury car today. The level of digitization is high, highlighting the instrument panel's 12.3-inch screen, as well as the Toyota Audio Multimedia multimedia system display, with cloud-based browser, wireless updates and voice assistant that responds to the 'Hey Toyota' order. 

The new Toyota Crown is available with two hybrid engines: the basic versions will feature the 4-cylinder 2.5-liter engine supported by two electric thrusters and a CVT continuously variable transmission. In this case, the battery is nickel hydride and the brand did not reveal details about power and performance.

On the other hand, there is the higher performance version for the Platinum finish: it has a 2.4-liter turbo engine along with an electric one that helps optimize torque delivery. Together, the power is 354 hp, sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

There's also a second version of this configuration with a second electric motor that drives the front wheels, while the Platinum finish includes an E-Four Advanced AWD system.

Safety equipment and driving aids include the latest evolution of Toyota Safety Sense. That means it has automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, traffic sign assistance, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and Toyota Safety Connect, among many other things.

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