2024 Toyota Crown Sport: Big on style, selective on space
Unlike the other Crown variants, the Sport adopts a more aggressive approach. Its exterior is characterised by a lower stance and a wider body, reflecting its sporty intent
In Bangladesh, where the majority of everyday traffic still consists of reconditioned Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles, one model that has stood out for more than four decades is the Toyota Crown.
Known as one of Toyota's upscale sedan offerings, it was once the go-to choice for Bangladesh's elite, particularly due to Toyota's unrivaled reliability and the local mechanics' limited experience with German automotive technology.
Up to the 15th generation, part of the reason enthusiasts admired the Crown was its sleek body lines. However, when the 16th-generation Crown was launched, it was no longer a single model but an entirely new lineup of its own.
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The lineup was inaugurated with the launch of the Crown Crossover — a decision taken by Toyota to bring it to the American market — which ultimately let down many enthusiasts worldwide. Eventually, Toyota launched the regular Crown Sedan, followed by the new Crown Sport and, later, the Crown Estate.
For this issue of Wheels, we had the opportunity to take a walkaround of a 2024 Crown Sport, courtesy of New Auto Galaxy — a renowned reconditioned vehicle importer known for bringing in some of the country's most exclusive automotive offerings.
At first glance, the Crown Sport looks absolutely different from any other Toyota you'd see on the road. In fact, the only car that's close to it in terms of visuals is the Ferrari Purosangue, a supercar dressed as a crossover, which starts at around $4,30,000.
Unlike the other Crown variants, the Sport adopts a more aggressive approach. Its exterior is characterised by a lower stance and a wider body, reflecting its sporty intent. The front grille is more pronounced, while the angular DRLs — similar in shape to those on the new Prius, RAV4, and Camry — contribute to its fierce demeanour.
Compared to the Crossover, it has a wheelbase nearly three inches shorter, while also being taller. However, it's still shorter than the Harrier when parked side by side. The rear profile is gorgeous, highlighted by black-housed LED taillights. Overall, with the Modellista body kit and 21-inch wheels, the Crown Sport is the absolute go-to option if you want to make a statement on wheels.
Inside, the Sport greets riders with a meticulously crafted cabin. In our variant, it offered a mix of black and brown soft touch leather all around the cabin providing a sense of luxury and refinement. Unlike Lexus models with similar price tags, wooden trims were perhaps deliberately left out in order to keep the sports appeal.
The dashboard is fitted with a flattened 12.3-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation, smartphone connectivity including Apple CarPlay and is connected to a very well-tuned 11-speaker JBL premium audio system. The centre console also features a phone holder pocket with wireless charging support and a pair of type-C ports.
All new Crown models come with Toyota's first sound-regulating ceiling, which reflects sound within the cabin. The seats are firm yet comfortable, offering adequate lumbar support, power adjustability, heating, and ventilation. We couldn't find any ambient lighting on our test unit, although it did feature a split panoramic sunroof that enhanced the upscale atmosphere.
However, what disappointed me is the experience in the rear. To begin with, unlike other Crowns, this variant of the Sport lacks any power controls or tech in the rear. There are rear AC vents and a couple of USB-C ports but that's about it. Not to mention the severe lack of leg space for the price it's being offered at. Unlike the other Crowns I've been on, this one only felt like a fancier Corolla Cross and far from what the Chinese manufacturers offer for half the price.
With all the latest Crown models, buyers are presented with two powertrain options. The first is the one our unit came with: a 2500 cc 4-cylinder engine paired to three AC motors producing a total of 236 HP and just over 400 lb-ft of torque, optimised for maximum efficiency.
The second is the 2400cc turbocharged 4-cylinder option on the new "HYBRID Max" platform that produces upwards of 340 HP and 400 lb-ft of torque paired with two powerful electric motors.
With all-wheel drive standard on all variants, the Crowns have a more luxury-oriented demeanour with comfort-tuned suspension for relaxing rides.
Additionally, the new Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), which is standard on both models, is there to balance low-speed agility and high-speed stability, thus giving the cars their character by enhancing handling without sacrificing comfort for added rigidity.
Several advanced driver-assistance features come standard such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and a 360-degree camera system which ensures a safe and convenient driving experience.
I think the 2500cc variant is more than adequate for Bangladesh's rickshaw infested roads. However, for anyone opting for the Hybrid Max skew, know that you can do a zippy fast 0 to 100 km/h within 5.7 seconds, which is quicker than even Toyota's own 2000cc Supra!
All in all, the Crown Sport exemplifies Toyota's dedication to quality, innovation, and driving pleasure. Unlike the other options in the Crown lineup, the Sport is for those drivers who want a luxurious daily driver that makes sure to turn heads at every signal it stops.
