The Crown has been Toyota’s top-of-the-line model in Japan for many years (with the exception of the Century)
This model could be sold in North America for the 2024 model year
Patent images show it as a lifted sedan
Toyota confirmed it will officially launch the Crown SUV/sedan on July 15 before it goes on sale around the world in 2023 and in North America in 2024.
This new model is expected to replace the Avalon at the top of the brand’s lineup since it has been its top model in Japan for many decades, with the exception of the very exclusive Century, which is reserved for VIPs.
Unlike all of the previous generations of the Crown, this new model will not be a regular sedan but it will instead be lifted, which makes it halfway between a sedan and a crossover.
This has been seen on leaked patent images, which give a good idea of what to expect from the upcoming model.
According to these images, the Crown will share a strong resemblance with the new Toyota BZ4X electric SUV at the front, while the rear will be more reminiscent of the current Mirai and Venza due to its light bar taillamp.
2023 Toyota Crown Cross Patent Images | Photo: USPTO
The powertrains have not been confirmed, but most rumours call for the availability of both plug-in and traditional hybrids, in addition to a possible fully electric version.
This Crown EV might not be sold in North America, but it is too early to confirm since this model would arrive closer to 2025 or 2026 if it is indeed offered here.
Since it is set to replace the Avalon, the Crown will be a fairly large vehicle and it is expected to make use of the TNGA-K platform, which is already used by the Avalon, the Camry, the Highlander, and a number of Lexus vehicles.
Since the North American version is due to arrive for the 2024 model year, the Crown that will be shown next week will be the international version, but only minor changes are expected to be made to the model we will see here.
