2023 Toyota Crown range revealed, "no plans" for Australia

Toyota’s iconic Crown has undergone a major transformation in both look and purpose, with four body styles on offer and a massive global sales expansion on the cards.

An Australian revival for Toyota's second-oldest nameplate is already looking unlikely, however, with the brand confirming it has "no plans" for the Crown in our market.

The 16th-generation 2023 Toyota Crown will include a traditional four-door sedan aimed at chauffeurs, and three additional models: the Crown Crossover liftback, Crown Sport smaller SUV, and Crown Estate larger SUV.

Toyota is not expected to offer the Crown locally, but the brand has confirmed the Crown will be “rolled out in 40 countries and regions”.

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It plans to sell 200,000 units per year globally, with a return to the United States after a 50-year hiatus.

Locally, the Toyota Crown was last sold between 1967 and 1988, with production initially taking place in Port Melbourne by Australian Motor Industries (AMI) using complete knock-down kits.

Later generations were fully imported from Japan.

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The brand says the Crown Sport “offers a sporty driving experience”, while the Crown Estate is “a functional SUV with ample driving space”.

If the Crown Sport crossover looks familiar, that is because it first debuted as the ‘Crossover EV concept’ at Toyota’s electric vehicle showcase in late 2021 – potentially hinting at the availability of an all-electric variant for the first time in the 68-year history of the Crown.

A filing for the Crown nameplate was submitted to the Australian trademark office earlier this year.

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Crown Crossover

The first model to launch globally will be the Crown Crossover set to begin production later this year.

In a similar fashion to a Polestar 2, the Crossover blurs the line between a traditional four-door sedan and a SUV, with a “higher ride-height design”.

The part SUV, part sedan will be the only Crown offered in the US, with Toyota emblems, to replace the Avalon as the marque’s flagship sedan.

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Unlike all previous rear-wheel-drive generations, the Crown Crossover is based on Toyota’s front-drive GA-K architecture shared with the Toyota Camry and Lexus RX, amongst others.

It is 25 millimetres longer than a Camry, but a substantial 95mm taller, at 4930mm long, 1540mm high and 1840mm wide, on a 2850mm wheelbase.

Hybrid powertrains shared with the Lexus RX are offered, starting with a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors producing 176kW, sending power to all wheels through an electrically-assisted continuously variable transmission (e-CVT).

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A more-powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol-electric engine is standard on flagship variants, with 254kW of power, a conventional six-speed automatic, and a more-advanced all-wheel-drive system that can send up to 80 per cent of power to the rear wheels.

Adaptive dampers are standard on the range-topping variant in the United States, which is claimed to minimise body roll and improve agility.

The design of the Crown Crossover shares elements with the BZ4X electric SUV, with slim LED headlights, a full-width rear light bar, and plastic body cladding.

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Up to seven body colour options will be available, with a black contrasting finish available for the bonnet, roof and bootlid on select colours.

Inside, it adopts the brand’s latest technology, including; a 12.3-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ‘Hey, Toyota’ voice functionality, over-the-air software updates, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a digital rear-view mirror.

A digital key – allowing owners to unlock the vehicle with a smartphone – is offered, while Japanese variants are expected to sport convenient features for rear passengers, such as electric window shades and a tablet for audio and climate controls.

Toyota will offer a full suite of active safety technology across the Crown range.

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Crown Crossover with Modellista parts

GR Parts and Modellista kits

Toyota is providing multiple ways to customise the Crown Crossover in Japan, with styling kits available from GR Parts and Modellista – both featuring two-tone 21-inch alloy wheels.

Both in-house tuners will offer the Crown Crossover with unique styling, with a sports focus from GR Parts and luxury for Modellista.

The changes provided by Gazoo Racing include modified front and rear bumpers, bulkier side skirts, and Yamaha-branded dampers, while Modellista will fit garnishes for the front grille, mirrors, and doors.