Toyota has recently launched its all-new Crown Sport PHEV model in Japan, adding a new option to its Crown series of vehicles. The Crown Sport PHEV is a sport-type SUV with a beautiful design, a fun driving experience, and superb environmental performance. Now, we will take a closer look at the features and specifications of the Toyota Crown Sport PHEV and compare it with some of its competitors in the hybrid SUV market.
What is the Crown Sport PHEV?
The Toyota Crown Sport is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that uses a 2.5-liter series-parallel hybrid system. This system consists of a gasoline engine, a high-output density drive motor, and a large-capacity lithium-ion battery. The system can produce a maximum output of 225 kW (306 PS), and deliver a seamless and powerful acceleration. The battery can be charged from an external power source and provides a BEV-mode cruising range of 90 kilometers. This means that the Crown Sport PHEV can operate in BEV mode for most everyday driving without gasoline. When the battery is depleted, the vehicle can switch to hybrid mode, using both the engine and the motor, and achieve a fuel economy of 20.3 km/L. The gasoline tank capacity is 55 L, which gives the Crown Sport PHEV a total cruising range of 1,200 kilometers or more.
The Crown Sport PHEV is also equipped with some high-performance technologies that enhance its driving stability and handling. For example, it has an E-Four electric 4WD system, which distributes the power between all four wheels and improves the traction and cornering performance. It also has a Dynamic Rear Steering system, which adjusts the rear wheel steering angle according to the driving speed and conditions and improves the agility and responsiveness of the vehicle. Furthermore, it has a Sport Z grade suspension, which has been optimized for rigidity and damping force and provides a smooth and comfortable ride.
The Crown Sport PHEV is based on the Crown Sport HEV model, which is another sport-type SUV in the Crown series. However, the Crown Sport PHEV has some exclusive features that distinguish it from the Crown Sport HEV. For example, it has a unique front grille design with a black mesh pattern and a blue accent. It also has a dedicated emblem on the front and rear and a PHEV logo on the fenders. The interior of the Crown Sport PHEV is also different from the Crown Sport HEV, as it has blue illumination on the instrument panel and the center console, and a PHEV-specific display on the multi-information display and the navigation screen.
How does the Crown Sport PHEV compare with its competitors?
The Crown Sport PHEV is a new challenger in the hybrid SUV market, which is a growing and competitive segment. According to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the sales of hybrid vehicles in Japan increased by 17.9% in 2023, compared to 2022, and accounted for 28.6% of the total passenger car sales. Among the hybrid vehicles, the SUV category was the most popular, with a market share of 38.7%. Some of the best-selling hybrid SUVs in Japan in 2023 were the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Mitsubishi Outlander.
We can compare some of their key specifications and features to see how the Crown Sport PHEV stacks up against these competitors, as shown in the table below.
| Model | Crown Sport PHEV | RAV4 PHEV | CR-V Hybrid | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (JPY) | 6,900,000 | 4,690,000 | 3,380,000 | 4,199,000 |
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 2.4L 4-cylinder |
| Motor | 134 kW | 134 kW | 135 kW | 60 kW x 2 |
| Battery | 18.1 kWh | 18.1 kWh | 1.4 kWh | 13.8 kWh |
| System Output (kW/PS) | 225/306 | 225/306 | 145/197 | 157/214 |
| BEV Range (km) | 90 | 95 | N/A | 57 |
| Fuel Economy (km/L) | 20.3 | 22.2 | 25.8 | 16.4 |
| Total Range (km) | 1,200+ | 1,300+ | 880 | 600 |
| E-Four | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Dynamic Rear Steering | Yes | No | No | No |
| Sport Z Grade | Yes | No | No | No |
As we can see from the table, the Crown Sport PHEV has some advantages and disadvantages over its competitors. On the one hand, it has the highest price, which reflects its premium positioning and features. It also has a system output and BEV range similar to the RAV4 PHEV, which is its closest rival in terms of performance. However, it has a lower fuel economy than the RAV4 PHEV and the CR-V Hybrid, which means that it consumes more gasoline in hybrid mode. On the other hand, it has some unique features that none of its competitors have, such as the Dynamic Rear Steering and the Sport Z Grade suspension, which enhance its driving dynamics and comfort. It also has a longer total range than the RAV4 PHEV, the CR-V Hybrid, and the Outlander PHEV, which means that it can travel farther without refueling or recharging.
What are the benefits of choosing the Crown Sport PHEV?
The Crown Sport PHEV is a vehicle that offers a balance of fun, beauty, and eco-friendliness. By choosing the Crown Sport PHEV, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- You can experience the joy of driving a sport-type SUV, with powerful acceleration, stable handling, and a smooth ride.
- You can appreciate the beauty of design of a Crown vehicle, with a sporty and dynamic appearance, a refined and spacious interior, and a blue accent that symbolizes its PHEV identity.
- You can contribute to the environmental performance of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, with a BEV-mode cruising range suitable for everyday use, a hybrid-mode fuel economy that reduces gasoline consumption, and a large-capacity battery that can be charged from renewable energy sources.
The Crown Sport PHEV is a vehicle that suits diverse needs and lifestyles, as it can adapt to different driving modes and situations. Whether you want to drive in BEV mode for short trips, in hybrid mode for long journeys, or in sport mode for fun, the Crown Sport PHEV can accommodate your preferences and preferences. The Crown Sport PHEV is also a vehicle that supports the realization of a carbon-neutral society, as it is part of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonization. By expanding its line-up of electrified vehicles, Toyota aims to promote the widespread uptake of these vehicles and achieve its carbon neutrality goal by 2050.
Conclusion
The Crown Sport PHEV is a new addition to the Crown series, a global brand originating in Japan. The Crown Sport PHEV is a sport-type SUV with a beautiful design, a fun driving experience, and a superb environmental performance. The Crown Sport PHEV is a new challenger in the hybrid SUV market, which is a growing and competitive segment. The Crown Sport PHEV has advantages and disadvantages over its competitors, such as the Toyota RAV4 PHEV, the Honda CR-V Hybrid, and the Toyota Outlander PHEV. The Crown Sport PHEV offers a balance of fun, beauty, and eco-friendliness and suits diverse needs and lifestyles. The Crown Sport PHEV also supports realizing a carbon-neutral society, as it is part of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonization.
The Crown Sport PHEV is a vehicle that appeals to customers who value the joy of driving, the beauty of design, and the environmental performance of a plug-in hybrid vehicle. If you are interested in the Crown Sport PHEV, you can visit the official website for more information or contact your nearest Toyota dealer for inquiries and reservations.
