The Toyota Crown nameplate has been around for decades, though it has not been a mainstay in the United States as it has been globally. The car steps into Toyota’s American lineup just as the Avalon sedan steps out, though the automaker says the new Crown doesn’t replace the outgoing flagship model. The Crown is a funky sedan with somewhat lifted styling and design elements from a crossover SUV.
Toyota offers the 2023 Crown in three trim levels: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. All come with hybrid power and all-wheel drive (AWD). Two powertrains are available, including a “Hybrid Max” engine that pairs a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a rear-axle motor for 340 horsepower.
The new Crown rides on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, which it shares with the Camry, RAV4, Sienna, and Venza. At 60.6 inches, the car is almost four inches taller than a Camry; it is 194 inches long overall. Looking at the Crown can be a bit confusing at first, as the car’s beefy sedan shape seems at odds with the fact that it’s not a crossover. There’s not a ton more ground clearance than a traditional sedan, so the Crown’s larger look takes time to get used to.
The base Crown XLE has 19-inch wheels, but the top two variants ride on 21-inch rollers. The top Platinum trim comes with exclusive two-tone paint that incorporates a black roof with a choice of exterior body colors.
As with the new Venza, Toyota says the Crown’s interior emphasizes luxury and space. Power-adjustable, heated front seats are standard. The Limited and Platinum trims add ventilated seats. Black fabric upholstery comes standard, while the Limited gets synthetic leather, and the Platinum comes with the real deal.
The front cabin is clean and uncluttered. The center console is surprisingly tall and offers deep storage in the latched compartment. A panoramic sunroof comes standard for Limited and Platinum trims, and all Crowns feature acoustic glass with sound-deadening materials throughout.
You can have your Toyota Crown any way you want, as long as it’s a hybrid. Toyota offers two electrified powertrains in the 2023 Crown. The entry-level engine is the same we’ve seen in other Toyota hybrids: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder paired with two electric motors. The combined output should be around 236 hp.
The headlining powertrain choice is a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with an electrified rear axle. This “Hybrid Max” powertrain isn’t as fuel-efficient as the standard hybrid, but it delivers 340 hp, so many won’t complain. Another upside for performance lovers is Toyota’s decision to fit a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a continuously variable transmission. Toyota says the conventional gearbox provides a more engaging driving feel but doesn’t do as well on fuel economy. The Hybrid Max delivers 28 mpg combined, while the standard hybrid powertrain should be good for somewhere around 38 mpg.
Both powertrains come with AWD, but there are a few different versions depending on the configuration. The XLE and Limited come with “E-Four AWD,” which uses an electric motor to drive the rear wheels. The system can split power, with up to 80 percent reaching the rear wheels. The Hybrid Max powertrain on the Platinum trim pairs with Toyota’s “E-Four Advanced AWD.” The system powers the front wheels with its traditional hybrid motor, but the rear wheels receive propulsion from a rear-axle-mounted electric motor. Toyota says the setup improves AWD performance and acceleration.
The Crown comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the automaker’s latest suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It includes improved versions of the most popular driver aids. The pre-collision system now features motorcyclist and guardrail detection and intersection turn assistance. A rear-seat reminder system is standard, and Toyota includes blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning on every Crown. All Crown trims also get Toyota Safety Connect, which has stolen-vehicle location services, roadside assistance, and emergency collision notifications.
Some industry observers have criticized Toyota’s infotainment software, but that has changed with the automaker’s most recent release. The Crown runs Toyota’s new Audio Multimedia infotainment system on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system features over-the-air updates and offers touch or voice controls. The navigation system is now cloud-based to update points of interest and other data in real-time.
Beyond easier control, the new interface features dual Bluetooth connectivity so that you can pair two phones simultaneously. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and all Crowns offer SiriusXM satellite radio with a free 3-month trial. The base XLE trim has a 6-speaker sound system, but the Limited and Platinum trims get a JBL Premium Audio system with 11 speakers and an 8-channel amp.
The Toyota Crown sits at the crossroads of two major vehicle segments, so its competition is broad and intimidating. Buyers may choose an SUV like the Toyota RAV4 Prime, which offers quick acceleration and a usable electric range. Cars like the Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, and others are slightly smaller than the Crown, but they bring the same tech, safety, and comfort features. Those sedans also have available AWD, so they should perform just as well in winter weather.
Toyota is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of July 15, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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