OVERVIEW
The Toyota Crown nameplate has made a comeback to North America after a long absence. It's a replacement for the departed Avalon, but this isn't your typical sedan. Instead, the 2023 Crown walks the line between a car and an SUV, likely to appeal to customers outside of the full-size sedan market, which is in decline.
In any case, the Crown fills a void left by elevated sedans from the past like the Volvo S60 Cross Country and the Subaru Legacy SUS thanks to its combination of a high driving position and three-box appearance. The 2023 Crown debuts with a pair of conventional hybrid powertrains, despite rumors of a plug-in hybrid and an EV version.
The base configuration, which combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with three electric motors and a continuously variable automatic transmission, is well known (CVT). The most expensive Platinum variant comes with a special Hybrid Max powertrain, which combines an electric motor on the back axle with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder to produce 340 horsepower.
The unusual body form and distinctive appearance of the Crown are balanced by what appears to be a roomy cabin filled with high-end amenities. All Toyota Crown models come with a plethora of standard entertainment and driver-assistance features.
What Has Changed For 2023?
The Crown will be a brand-new model for Toyota in the United States. By the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023, we anticipate the Crown to be on sale.
2023 Toyota Crown: Engine And Performance
Every Crown model has a hybrid powertrain, although only the highest-end variants have Toyota's new Hybrid Max configuration, which combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor on the back axle for a combined 340 horsepower, is included with the Platinum model.
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors are used in the 236-hp hybrid powertrain that comes standard on the XLE and Limited variants. All-wheel drive is standard on every trim level and is available on the XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The Platinum has a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Crown's performance is adequate with the standard engine, and according to Toyota, it will reach 60 mph in a perfectly acceptable 7.6 seconds. With its more potent configuration, the Platinum trim is brisker, and its estimated 5.7-second zero-to-60-mph time is realistic. Expect no cornering heroism from the Crown; however, the Platinum model does come with adaptive dampers that sharpen things up and give the massive four-door a more fun-loving disposition. The suspension has been calibrated for a pleasant ride.
2023 Toyota Crown: Interior And Comfort
The Crown's cabin has a suitably upscale appearance inside. In particular, if they choose a Limited or Platinum model, drivers who trade in their Avalon sedans are in for an upgrade. The Crown might be an appealing option to full-size sedans that nonetheless follow a more conventional formula because the driving position is increased from a regular sedan height to something resembling a small SUV.
Eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient interior lighting are standard on all versions. A panoramic sunroof, leather interior, and ventilated front seats are added in the Limited and Platinum models.
2023 Toyota Crown: Connectivity
All models come standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs Toyota's most recent and much-upgraded software interface. The infotainment software incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which communicate wirelessly with cell phones. Digital gauges are shown on a second 12.3-inch display in front of the driver, and the Crown also boasts conveniences like a wireless smartphone charging pad, onboard Wi-Fi, and USB-C ports.
The Limited and Platinum variants have an 11-speaker JBL stereo in place of the six speakers that come standard with the XLE trim. The JBL sound did not excite us on our first drive in the Crown and lacked the sophistication of the arrangement that had been provided in the Avalon.
2023 Toyota Crown: Pricing
The first quarter of 2023 will see the official launch of the 2023 Toyota Crown. Costs for a base Crown XLE start at $41,045 and include $1,095 in destination fees. The top-tier Platinum will cost $53,445 while the mid-tier Limited will set you back $46,595
Which One To Purchase?
Compared to Toyota's previous four-door models, the Crown's three trim levels all focus more on luxury. The more potent Hybrid Max powertrain, which is only available on the top-tier Platinum trim, is the most exciting alternative, so that's the one we'd pick.