- Toyota has released a teaser image showing the tailgate of a new mid-size SUV that we think is the Crown SUV.
- Along with a hybrid badge on its rump, the letter “C” can be seen where the model name goes—fueling our belief it’s a Crown.
- The automaker previously revealed a Toyota Crown global lineup, and we think it may have included the mysterious mid-sizer.
The Toyota Crown nameplate is well-known in the Japanese market where it’s been around since 1955. While it was sold on our shores between 1958 and 1972, it only recently returned to U.S. with the debut of the 2023 Toyota Crown that purposely pushed the boundaries of what qualifies as a sedan. Now Toyota looks to expand the Crown family by offering an SUV version in North America, and today it released a teaser photo of that vehicle.
Mid-Size Crown SUV
In addition to the single photo, Toyota writes: “With All-Wheel Drive, this hybrid electric mid-size SUV goes beyond what’s expected.” Obviously, that sentence is riddled with hyperbole courtesy of the automaker’s marketing team, especially since we’re not sure who doesn’t expect a mid-size SUV without all-wheel drive, but that’s beside the point. The point is Toyota has clearly confirmed the mysterious SUV will have mid-size dimensions, a hybrid powertrain, and all-wheel drive.
A quick glance at the image Toyota released doesn’t get the imaginative juices going. After all, the close-up shot of a tailgate with an all-wheel-drive and hybrid badges could be a handful of Toyota models. However, closer inspection reveals the letter “C” at the start of the model name above the rear license holder. It’s true that the Corolla Cross is another SUV that starts with “C,” but we’re convinced it’s a new Crown model. We also might now what it will look like.
Crown SUV Design
More than a year ago, Toyota revealed a litter of new global Crown models with designs that are more traditional than the high-riding sedan that’s currently on sale in America. Among the three concepts, the yellow one that the company referred to as a wagon has proportions similar to a mid-size SUV.
The Crown in question has very short overhangs, a blacked out roof and forward pillars, large wheels, and a front lighting signature that looks like it was cribbed from the Ferrari Purosangue. If we’re not mistaken, the tailgate in the teaser is very similar to the concept’s, with slim taillights and matching creases around the license-plate holder and bumper section. We’ll just have to hold tight until Toyota pulls the cover back.
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Senior Editor
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
