The Toyota Crown Crossover is headed to South Africa in limited numbers (at first, at least) and we’ve managed to unearth pricing for this exciting new-to-SA nameplate…

Though the original Toyota Crown debuted as long ago as 1955, it’s a nameplate that’s unfamiliar to most South Africans, having largely been limited to its domestic market of Japan (though some generations were offered in other major markets, such as North America). That’s about to change, with the first few examples of the completely redesigned Crown – now in its 16th generation – about to make local landfall as part of the brand’s major hybrid offensive.

Revealed in July 2022, the new flagship Crown has evolved from a conventional sedan into a range of 4 distinct body styles, each built on the TNGA-K platform: Crossover, Sport, Sedan and Estate. At launch, South Africa will receive only the Crown Crossover version, which the Japanese firm describes as the “fusing a sedan and an SUV” (so, something akin to a liftback).

Before we dive into the powertrain details, you’re probably wondering how much the newcomer will cost in South Africa. Well, we’ve confirmed with 2 independent sources that the line-up will comprise a pair of derivatives at launch.

Toyota pitches the Crown as half sedan, half SUV.

The Toyota Crown Crossover 2.5 E-Four CVT will start at R891400, while a bi-tone version will also be available, kicking off at R899600. From where we’re standing, that’s fairly keen pricing for what the automaker dubs its “luxury flagship”, as it sees the Crown Crossover positioned below top-spec versions of the Hilux, Fortuner, Land Cruiser 79 and Quantum, as well as the entire Land Cruiser Prado, GR Supra and Land Cruiser 300 ranges.

However, Toyota South Africa Motors told Cars.co.za its “allocation for this year has unfortunately been cut drastically” by the brand’s head office in Japan, suggesting very few units will be available at first. That said, the local division added it would be “requesting more volume for 2024 to introduce [the Crown Crossover] as a full-scale model in the line-up”.

Just how big is the Crown Crossover? Well, it measures 4 930 mm long, 1840 mm wide and stands 1540 mm tall, with 2850 mm separating its axles. That makes it a mite shorter from nose to tail than a Land Cruiser 300, though it shares the ladder-frame SUV’s wheelbase, which likely translates into appreciable cabin space.

Judging by the press images (and exterior dimensions), space in the rear is generous.

While local specifications for the Crown are thin on the ground, we do know a fair bit about its powertrain. Arriving as the latest model in Toyota SA Motors’ new-energy vehicle product rollout, the Crown Crossover is equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine as part of a hybrid system that incorporates a “newly developed bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery”. The result is what the company terms “class-leading fuel economy and quietness”, along with a “high-quality, incredibly smooth drive”.

According to Toyota, the system’s total power output stands at 176 kW, while the combined fuel consumption comes in at a mere 4.4 litres per 100 km. Drive is directed to all 4 wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). From what we can tell, this powertrain set-up is closely related to the version employed by the new Lexus RX 350h, which itself has just arrived in SA. For now, at least, the Crown’s more powerful turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol-electric engine won’t be offered locally.

We’ll keep our eyes open for more Crown Crossover details and share them with you as soon as we have them…

How much does the new Toyota Crown cost in South Africa?

Toyota Crown 2.5 E-Four CVT – R891 400Toyota Crown 2.5 E-Four CVT (bi-tone) – R899 600

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