Toyota Crown sedan to reportedly spawn US-bound SUV variant

We might be on the verge of the largest shakeup of the Toyota Crown because the nameplate was first launched all the best way again in 1955.

The Crown is a big sedan at the moment into its fifteenth technology, with the newest technology carefully associated to the Toyota Mirai and Lexus LS. Whereas it is not supplied within the U.S., it serves as Toyota’s mainstream flagship (the automaker additionally has the unique Century sedan that sells for Bentley cash) and has significance as the unique Crown was the primary passenger automotive developed and constructed totally in Japan.

Citing nameless sources, Reuters reported on Thursday that Toyota plans to launch a redesigned Crown sedan this summer season and can launch a brand new Crown SUV a yr later. The SUV will reportedly have hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrical choices, and be exported to North America and China. The hybrid variations are anticipated to be obtainable on the mid-2023 launch, and the electrical model early the next yr. In keeping with the sources, export plans for the electrical Crown SUV have not been determined.

Manufacturing of each the sedan and SUV will reportedly happen at crops in Toyota Metropolis, in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture.

At its peak in 1990, annual Crown gross sales had been greater than 200,000 models. Final yr, Toyota bought simply 21,000 models in Japan, which is the primary marketplace for the sedan. Including a extra widespread SUV physique model and new markets ought to assist make sure the Crown nameplate sticks round for years to return.

It is potential the Crown SUV will likely be associated to a brand new Lexus SUV to sit down alongside the LS and LC in Lexus’ flagship vary, probably carrying an LQ badge. The Lexus LF-1 Limitless idea from 2018 is assumed to preview the brand new Lexus SUV.

Be aware, each Toyota and Lexus plan to launch U.S.-built three-row SUVs within the close to future. These will likely be constructed at a plant in Princeton, Indiana. The Toyota is anticipated to be known as a Grand Highlander, and the Lexus a TX. Keep tuned.