SUVs may be all the rage with the car-buying public, but there is still room in the market for big, luxury sedans. And that doesn’t just mean something grand from the likes of BMW or Mercedes. Toyota has been a player in that market for many years with its Crown model.

Debuting in 1955, the Crown is reaching its 16th generation and Toyota has unveiled the new range that will now include not only a sedan model, but a crossover fastback, as well ‘Sport’ and ‘Estate’ type SUV models.

Built on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, the all-wheel-drive Crown range will be available with a choice of two hybrid powertrain options: the HYBRID MAX System or the fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System.

The HYBRID MAX combines a 2.4-litre inline 4-cylinder turbo engine with a front electric motor and a rear eAxle, while the second option offers a 2.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine with a dual-motor set-up.

Available in three grades: XLE, Limited and Platinum, all will be luxurious with the top-of-the-range Platinum receiving all the goodies, including Adaptive Variable Suspension, six selectable drive modes, Toyota’s Advanced Park System and unique 21-inch machined 10-spoke alloy wheels with black accents.’

All Crown grades come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 which offers features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, of Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Hill Start Assist Control and much more.

Tech will be top-notch for comfort and infotainment too, with wireless Qi charging, USB-Type A, a USB-Type C terminals, and a 12V charging port. The Platinum grade comes standard with Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan.

There are 8-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats, dual zone climate control, and the Toyota Multimedia System with 12.3-inch touchscreen that can display a myriad of information including a Hybrid System Indicator showing the driver system output and regeneration status. The Crown Platinum and Limited grades include a standard panoramic moonroof.

There are reportedly no plans as yet to bring the Crown into Australia. We can but hope.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (August 2022) 

29 August 2022