2024 Toyota Crown Sport Z PHEV unleashed with 306 PS

A couple of months ago, Toyota wowed everyone when they revealed the Crown Sport Z. Not only is it a sportier version of the all-new Crown, but it also combines the best qualities of a sedan and an estate wagon.

At the time, Toyota only released the hybrid (AKA HEV) version of the Crown Sport Z which has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's assisted by an electric motor. It has a combined system output of 234 PS and benefits from an all-wheel drive system dubbed E-Four. Impressive, but Toyota has just released a more powerful version of the stylish & sporty crossover SUV.

It's called the Crown Sport Z Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), and it gets a much more powerful electrified powertrain. While it gets the same 2.5-liter inline-four as the Crown Sport Z HEV, the plug-in hybrid version gets a pair of electric motors and a larger battery. The result is a total system output of 306 PS which is 72 PS more than what the HEV model makes. We're willing to bet it gets the same powertrain as the RAV4 Prime.

On a full tank of gasoline and a fully charged battery, Toyota claims the Crown Sport PHEV can travel a total distance of 1,200 km. On battery power alone, the Crown Sport PHEV can travel for 90 km without a drop of fuel. And just like the HEV version, the PHEV comes with the E-Four all-wheel drive system for better stability and cornering in any road condition. Recharging the battery via a regular outlet will take around 5.5 hours while a DC fast charger can recharge it to 80% in less than 40 minutes.

With a bigger battery pack and two electric motors, Toyota modified the chassis with additional braces to the floor tunnel to ensure optimal body rigidity. The front and rear dampers were also tweaked to deliver a better ride quality. Last but not least, the PHEV gets massive 20-inch ventilated disc brakes along with aluminum six-piston calipers.

Style-wise, the PHEV version looks the same as the HEV. However, Toyota did upgrade its wheels to 21 inches along with wider tires. The calipers are finished in red which helps further distinguish the PHEV from the HEV variant. The interior was also given attention and gets sport seats finished in leather complete with red contrast stitching.

There is no word yet if Toyota Motor Philippines plans to bring the all-new Crown to the country. But should they be serious about it, we're hoping they include the Crown Sport Z in their plans. Despite its long absence in the Philippine market, the Crown still has a strong (cult-like) following in the country.