In a bold move that leans into one of the car industry’s most niche but eye-catching trends, Toyota has unveiled a special edition of its recently launched Crown Estate in Japan — and it’s all about the matte.
Dubbed the Crown Estate Limited Matte Metal, this new edition wraps Toyota’s latest plug-in hybrid estate in a stealthy matte paint finish that’s sure to divide opinions. While matte finishes have long been associated with high-maintenance and niche appeal, Toyota is clearly betting that their moment has arrived — at least on home turf.
Unfortunately for North American enthusiasts, the special edition won’t be making its way across the Pacific. Although the standard Crown Estate is sold in the U.S. under the Crown Signia badge, this particular trim will remain exclusive to Japan.
Despite its name, the Crown Estate is more of a lifted wagon than a traditional estate, and the new matte treatment only amplifies its unique presence. It joins a growing lineup of matte-finished Crown models already available in Japan, including the Crown Crossover, Crown Sport, and Crown Sedan.
Toyota claims the paint isn’t just for looks — it’s engineered for practicality too. A special TM Coat is applied over the matte finish to resist scratches and protect against road grime. While not explicitly called a ceramic coating, it seems to offer similar benefits, with the caveat that it needs to be reapplied annually to retain its protective qualities.
The aesthetics don’t stop at the body. A set of 21-inch matte black wheels paired with red metallic brake calipers adds to the car’s aggressive stance. All the usual chrome accents — window trim, grille elements — have been blacked out for a cohesive, shadowy finish.
Inside, the cabin receives equally dramatic treatment. Black leather upholstery dominates, punctuated by gold metallic accents on the steering wheel, air vents, door handles, and a strip across the dashboard. The pièce de résistance? A subtle script on the dash that reads: “Matte Metal The Limited.”
Performance-wise, the Crown Estate Limited Matte Metal doesn’t just look bold — it drives that way too. Powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, this plug-in hybrid generates a respectable 302 horsepower.
The special edition starts at 8,900,000 yen in Japan, or roughly $61,600 USD at today’s exchange rate — a premium price for a premium look.
With this latest release, Toyota continues to push the envelope on what’s expected from a legacy automaker. Love it or not, the Matte Metal Crown Estate makes one thing clear: Toyota believes matte is more than a fad — it’s a finish with staying power.
Source: Toyota
Gallery:
