The all-new 2023 Toyota Crown will debut on July 15, the iconic automaker has confirmed. Toyota‘s worst-kept secret, the long-awaited new vehicle has been shrouded in speculation, with rumours of its arrival emerging as early as May this year. Now, the Japanese marque has officially confirmed the 2023 Crown is on its way, however, it will look and feel very different than fans may have initially envisioned.
2023 Toyota Crown Key Information
Brand: Toyota
Model: Crown
Premiere: July 15
Release date: TBC
Drivetrain: 2.5-litre hybrid, 2.4-litre turbo-four (Expected)
Pricing: TBC
Availability: Japan, US, China (Expected)
2023 Toyota Crown Design
In an official post through Toyota’s global newsroom, the automaker revealed the July 15 global premiere date, while directing fans to a dedicated microsite. From there, they were treated to an animated graphic that posed the question ‘Sedan? SUV?’, indicating that the much anticipated new release will employ a more versatile form function than originally expected. The speculation was all-but-confirmed when Car and Driver unearthed a series of leaked patent images that appear to show the 2023 Toyota Crown will be a “four-door sedan with SUV styling cues and a raised ride height”.
Excitingly, those patent images have been brought to life, with Kolesa‘s Nikita Chuiko creating a series of renders based on the leaked plans. While they took some liberties with the colour scheme and background, the renders paint an interesting picture of a unique vehicle with serious potential.
Judging by the first look images, the long-awaited new vehicle sees a resseruction of the old Sports Utility Sedan design, not unlike the classic Subaru Outback. Importantly, it heralds a departure from Toyota’s current lineup of sedan options, with the general silhouette appearing bulkier and more rigid than the existing Camry mid-sized vehicle. A true crossover release, the 2023 Toyota Crown is expected to land mid-way between SUV and sedan, prompting many to believe that a hybrid drivetrain is imminent.
2023 Toyota Crown Drivetrain
Japanese media is already reporting that the new release will arrive with a 2.5-litre hybrid, complete with four cylinders, connected to a CVT. Additionally, there will be a 2.4-litre turbo-four, working in concert with a six-speed automatic transmission, similar to that seen in the flagship 367-HP Lexus RX. As Auto Evolution rightly points out, the all-wheel-drive system may well be reserved for the upper specs, whereas lower grades should launch with two-wheel-drive.
Further speculation suggests that it will also be built around the TNGA-K platform. The unique framework is the same architecture employed by the RAV4, Sienna, Avalon, Camry, Venza, and Highlander.
2023 Toyota Crown Pricing & Availability
In terms of the 2023 Toyota Crown pricing, nothing has been confirmed yet, however, that is expected to change come July 15. That being said, we do anticipate that the new sports SUV sedan will be a touch more expensive than the existing Camry lineup, courtesy of the renewed drivetrain options and extended bodywork. For reference, you can pick up a 2022 Toyota Crown for around USD$57,000, provided you’re willing to do the dirty work and import it.
Crossover vehicles have proven to be major winners with consumers for decades, as evidenced by the success of large sedans such as the Dodge Charger and Nissan Maxima, however in recent times, automakers have firmly set their sights on small SUVs. In the US, Chevy has confirmed plans to extend its mid-size Blazer SUV lineup, while in Australia, Nissan has announced the 2023 Qashqai will be a key focus. Naturally, it makes sense that Toyota is walking the line between the two, giving consumers a mid-range option backed by a globally recognised and trusted brand.
As for when we’ll see the first Toyota Crowns roll off the line, it’s anyone’s guess. Japanese media is suggesting that the first models could launch in Spring, however, initial units are expected to arrive at dealers in North America before the end of the year. We do anticipate the new crossover vehicle will be sold in China, but there’s no word yet on whether it will land in Australia or Europe. Come July 15, all will be revealed.
General FAQs
While there is no official release date for the 2023 Toyota Crown, the automaker has confirmed that the car will debut at a world premiere on July 15.
To import a 2-22 Toyota Crown knto the US, it will cost around USD$57,000.
