2023 Toyota Crown: new illustrations…
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That didn’t take long. Just a few days after the patent designs came out, someone created more realistic illustrations. And they do look really good.
I actually like this quite a bit. Although a similar idea to the new Peugeot 408 (And Citroen C5 X), this is a much cleaner design. Although that front grille is still quite offensive.
This is rumored to replace the Avalon in the US, above the Camry. So it could get a pretty nice and luxurious interior. Rumors about powertrains mention the 2.4 Liter Turbo and 2.5 Liter Hybrid from the new 2023 Lexus RX. A PHEV is expected soon after. (Since it is offered in the Lexus NX and RX already) And even a full EV version.
I do like the idea of a slightly raised upscale hatchback sedan with a PHEV option. Although I think I am not in the majority. The Honda Crosstour was never really popular.
Maybe the Honda Crosstour was ahead of its time?
These two were REALLY ahead of their time…
Toyota and offensive front grilles tend to go hand in hand.
This isn't bad. And I agree that Toyota should go in big with hybrid variants. But we can't really compare it to the Crosstour or the AMC Eagle. The AMC really was the start – even before the Outback, and it was in an era of giant cars and OPEC. The Crosstour had all the advantage of being within a car brand that was known for smaller vehicles and pushing limits…. yet they made this based on the turd of the gen10 Accord. Its problems were
1. it was massive and gaudy
2. it was terrible on gas at a time that gas prices were high
3. it was expensive during an economic recession
4. its tech was WAAAY behind even for basics like Bluetooth phone integration
5. You couldn't see out of the back at all
So many people were excited to see it. But when the wraps came off, it was clear Honda went too far and created a monster. Multiple adjustments couldn't save it. This was an era of poor design editing at Honda and Acura under Chief Designer and total hack Dave Marek (the Beak-master). Acura still hasn't really recovered. But that's not a reason for Toyota to not try.