Transforming what it means to wear the crown

The Crown Crossover special edition RS “Landscape” has been lifted by 25 mm in terms of minimum ground clearance and overall height. The tires are specially developed all-terrain types, which are covered by bolted (wind) over wings and mudguards. It is also said to be equipped with a towing hitch under the rear bumper, which allows a towing load of up to 750 kg.

But despite the outdoor-oriented name Landscape and its wild looks, the ride was quite comfortable.

The car is equipped with 225/60R18 tires, which are thicker than the standard 225/45R21 specified for regular Crown Crossovers in this class nowadays. This special tire has a deep pattern not only on the tread side but also on the sidewall side, and although it has a rather rugged shape, road noise on the pavement is well insulated and there is no unpleasant bumping up at road joints, allowing the driver to enjoy a very refined driving feel.

On the other hand, the suspension, which has been lifted by 25 mm, might affect the handling on paved roads, but at least as long as you drive at speeds within the bounds of common sense around curves on the Metropolitan Highway, you won’t even feel any signs of breakdown, and in fact, the car enjoyably performs corner work.

While there is no doubt that the actual chassis rigidity is at a considerable level, the core is stiff but supple, rather than emphasizing rigidity as in German cars. The image of Toyota’s new-generation Crown can be felt in the suspension tuning, which does not neglect both comfort and agility.

The RS “Landscape” is the first Crown crossover for the Japanese market to offer a 60:40 boot-through function, but like the standard version, it abandons the hatch gate that integrates the rear window and boot lid. The reason for this is that the comfort of the rear seat occupants was of paramount importance.

4-door saloon despite its wild appearance

What this test drive has revealed is that even if it is a landscape version with a wild appearance, the essence of the Crown Crossover is that it is a ‘four-door saloon’. While the Crown Sport is an option for those seeking the practicality of a hatchback, the Crown Sedan, which is FR-based and aims to maintain a mainstream conservative style, and the Crown Crossover, which is a new-generation saloon with SUV-like elements, are carefully differentiated.

This discernment of division can be felt as a luxurious choice only possible with the new Crown, which is offered in four models, including the Crown Estate.

For example, those of us who loved the costly Crowns of yesteryear may feel a little saddened by the slightly plasticky interior. However, I would like to say that at least the ride quality is at a very high level.

So, it would not be surprising at all if European car fans, who have been loyal to, for example, the three premium German car brands, decide to switch to this car.

The Crown Crossover is a departure from the traditional “Crown” and looks to the present and the future. In particular, the RS “Landscape”, which expressed this worldview in an even more extreme manner, seemed to be a touchstone that attempted to ensure that the Crown brand values cultivated over many years would not be lost on the next generation.

Test Drive Vehicle Specifications

■TOYOTA Crown Crossover RS “Landscape”

Overall length: 4930 mm
Overall width: 1880 mm
Height: 1565 mm
Wheelbase: 2850 mm
Vehicle weight: 1910kg
Engine type: turbo in-line four-cylinder
Displacement: 2393cc
Engine arrangement: Front
Drive train: full-time 4WD
Transmission: 6-speed AT
Engine maximum power: 272ps/6000rpm
Maximum torque: 460Nm/2000-3000rpm
Maximum front motor power: 82.9ps
Maximum front motor torque: 292Nm
Maximum rear motor power: 80.2ps
Maximum rear motor torque: 169Nm
Maximum system power: 349ps
Nominal fuel consumption (WLTC): 15.7km/L
Luggage capacity: 450 liters
Fuel tank capacity: 55 liters
Suspension: (Front) MacPherson struts, (Rear) multi-link
Brakes: (Front) ventilated disc, (Rear) ventilated disc
Tyres: (front) 245/60R18, (rear) 245/40R18

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