Yet Another Toyota SUV is Coming, Likely Based on Crown
Toyota today announced that a new AWD-equipped “hybrid electric mid-size SUV” will be coming to Canada and the U.S. shortly. The company wasn’t more specific but promised a vehicle that “goes beyond what's expected.”
So, you’re probably asking yourself: how can there be room for another SUV in a lineup that currently includes the Corolla Cross, RAV4, Venza, Highlander, Grand Highlander, 4Runner, Sequoia and soon the Land Cruiser? That’s a good question. The Venza, in particular, already serves as a hybrid midsize SUV.
- Also: Toyota Crown Sport is a Crossover We’d Love to Have
- Also: 2023 Toyota Crown: A Crown Without a Kingdom
The teaser released by Toyota shows part of the taillights and the first letter of the model’s name across the liftgate. It sure is reminiscent of the Estate (wagon) variant of the all-new Toyota Crown that we briefly saw last year:
The Japanese automaker said it had plans for global markets, and now we pretty much have confirmation that a second Crown body style will be offered in North America.
Look for a more conventional SUV than the athletic and sexy Crown Sport that debuted in the land of the rising sun recently. A unique headlight signature and available two-tone exterior with a contrasting black roof will be part of the package. As for powertrain options, they will likely be the same as the Crown sedan, with output rated at 236 horsepower in the lower grades and 340 horsepower in top trim.
We expect the Crown SUV to slot above the Venza in terms of pricing and luxury, and sort of bridge the gap between Toyota and Lexus vehicles. An official reveal should take place in the next few weeks, while sales will begin sometime in 2024. We’ll keep you posted.
