The Chinese-bound Toyota Crown Kluger will only be a rebadged version of the American/European Highlander seven-seat SUV.
If there is a battle for Toyota’s longest-running nameplate, the “Crown” badge is unquestionably the winner. Toyota has used the nameplate since 1955, primarily for the Japanese market’s mainstream Crown sedan. This moniker, however, is not limited to sedans; Toyota has used it for a variety of body types, including a coupe, wagon, and even a pickup truck, throughout its existence. Now, the Japanese automaker is reinforcing the Crown badge, this time on a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Speculations of a Crown-based SUV were around for some time, but recent leaks by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) have confirmed those reports. For those who don’t know, MIIT is an agency that regulates the homologation process of each vehicle sold in China and publishes its details on its website. Photos shared by the agency show a high-riding vehicle called the Crown Kluger, with a design nearly identical to that of the US-spec Toyota Highlander in the XSE trim. The exterior styling, including the front fascia, is almost the same, only distinguished by the Crown badge on the top of the grille.
Meanwhile, the MIIT has also released few technical specifications of the Crown Kluger SUV. Its 5,015 mm (197.4 inches) length and 1,750 mm (68.9 inches) height make it slightly taller and longer than the Highlander. It does, however, share the same width of 1,930 mm (76 inches) and 2,850 mm (112.2 inches) of wheelbase with its American counterpart. The ministry has also confirmed that the SUV has a curb weight of 2000 kg and features 18-inch alloy wheels.
Furthermore, the Crown Kluger is going to get a 2.5-liter hybrid engine. With 189 hp, this petrol-electric unit falls considerably short in power compared to the Highlander XSE’s 295 hp. Even the XLE trim is more powerful with 243 hp. However, we expect the SUV will be offered with other engine options as well.
Toyota might unveil the Crown Kluger SUV in full as a 2022 model at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month. Stay tuned for more updates.
Source: MIIT, via Motor1
