Toyota’s Crown Kluger SUV for China isn’t just another Crown

Toyota registered its “Crown” trademark in the distant year 1955 and has since produced fifteen generations of it, landing each one with RWD and a longitudinally mounted engine. Up until recently, you could only obtain a sedan version, but an SUV joins the list later this month.

The new Toyota Crown Kluger is essentially a variant of the Highlander SUV, which is called the Kluger in Australia and some other countries. The main differences include a transversely mounted engine, a front-wheel drive system in the main spec, and a part-time AWD coupling at the rear.

The design comes closest to the U.S.-spec Highlander XSE Sport, which has an elaborate body kit and a unique front fascia. The Crown badge will be present, too.

On the technical side of things, however, the car will be identical to the Highlander. The first spec to come out  will combine a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with a single electric motor for 192 PS (189 hp / 141 kW). Other options may come later.

FAW Toyota will handle the production in China; the regular Highlander is currently being produced by GAC Toyota. The full reveal is scheduled for later this month.