by Toyota has released the first images of the updated 2027 Crown Crossover in Japan, ahead of its official debut in mid-September. Minor design changes are only part of the story. Four years after the tall fastback first appeared in mid-2022, it is also expected to receive a slightly more powerful hybrid powertrain and a range of equipment updates.
Updated Design and Color Solutions
The most obvious visual change is how Toyota now applies a two-tone paint scheme — a detail that drew considerable criticism in the original. Everything from the A-pillars to the D-pillars is now black, combining with the front bumper, hood, roof, mirrors, and side moldings. The rear section is reversed, transitioning to body color paired with a slightly redesigned bumper and horizontal reflectors.
While this may not seem significant on paper, the redesigned surfaces improve the perception of proportions and unify the design. It is also reported that Toyota will replace the current Black shade with a new Neutral Black and change the finish of the lower body cladding from unpainted plastic to Piano Black. Meanwhile, the RS trim gets red brake calipers as standard equipment.
Interior and Equipment Updates
The interior will likely remain largely unchanged, though some equipment features will be redistributed. The Cold Weather Pack is reported to become standard across the lineup, as are paddle shifters, while the spare tire and digital rearview mirror will be removed from the options list. The Z and RS trims add a digital key as standard equipment, and the key fob housing becomes a dark gray metallic color.
More Powerful Hybrid
According to a dealer leak cited by Japanese publication Creative Trend, the Toyota Crown Crossover will switch to the fifth-generation hybrid system. It combines a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine with a more powerful electric motor, adding 16 hp (12 kW). Total output is reported to increase by 5 hp (4 kW) to a more substantial 236 hp (176 kW / 239 PS), and the car is expected to spend more time running solely on electric power.
The more powerful Dual Boost hybrid setup of the flagship Toyota Crown Crossover RS trim, featuring a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and two electric motors, will be carried over unchanged, producing the same 344 hp (257 kW / 349 PS).
Launch Date and Prospects
The updated model will have its official presentation in mid-September, when full specifications and prices will be announced. For context, the current Japanese model lineup ranges from ¥5,150,000 ($31,800) to ¥6,700,000 ($41,300). Whether the American version, simply called the Crown, will receive the same changes for the 2027 model year remains to be seen.
In addition to the Crossover, Toyota is expected to present similar updates for other members of the Crown family, including the Sport and Sedan.
The Crown Crossover update demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to responding quickly to customer feedback, correcting the most criticized design element. The increase in hybrid system power, though modest, indicates a gradual evolution of powertrains. At the same time, retaining the powerful RS version suggests the company continues to target different market segments, offering both economical and performance-oriented options. Whether these changes will be enough to strengthen the model’s position in a highly competitive environment will be shown by time and market reaction after the official launch.
