Preview: 2023 Toyota Crown
In the early 1970s, Toyota stopped selling the top-of-the-line Crown sedan. This nameplate was a special one for this brand, as it was the first sedan sold in this country in the late 1950s.
The Crown continued to sell in Japan and in a few counties. However, Toyota has returned the Crown back to our country after 50 years away. This time around, it is an all-new vehicle altogether.
In this country, the Crown replaces the Avalon with a very sleek and bold fastback-like sedan. Having not seen a Crown on this continent, there would be no reference as to one looked like from the late 1970s through to the last decade. However, the sleek exterior starts with a blunt grille-like panel, leading onto a pair of slim LED headlamp units.
The roofline might fool you into thinking it is a hatchback. Instead, a trunk lid opens up at the window line down to the bumper. A thin line of taillamps round out the Crown’s overall look. If you choose the Platinum model, you can opt for a two-tone paint job finished with a black hood, roof, and decklid. Other trim levels are only available in a monochrome paint scheme.
However, you will notice that the Crown has a taller height than vehicles in its class – four inches taller than the Camry, to be exact. This is to give the driver a better outward field of vision, as well as a “step-in” access to the cabin.
Step inside for a straightforward cabin experience. The digital instrument cluster can be customized to the kind of information the driver needs. The infotainment screen is just off to the right above the center stack. All controls should be familiar as in other Toyota models – including the shift-by-wire selector on the console and the tactile steering wheel buttons.
There is comfortable space for four adults. Front seat occupants enjoy a firm, but comfortable experience with some bolstering. You also get 15.2 cubic feet of trunk space. The rears seats fold down for longer articles.
There are two drivelines available in the Crown. In the XLE and Limited, a 236-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is paired up with two electric motors – one at each axle. It is connected to an electronic continuously variable transmission, and it has standard all-wheel drive. This driveline is estimated to average up to 42 MPG.
Step up the Platinum model for the new Hybrid MAX driveline. This system consists of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, two uprated electric motors at each axle, and a six-speed direct shift automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. All told, this system yields a net horsepower rating of 340. For fuel consumption, it is estimated to average up to 32 MPG.
Platinum models also receive an Adaptive Variable Suspension system that corresponds to road conditions to adjust ride quality and handling. All Crown models receive larger brakes for better stopping power.
There are three trim levels to choose from: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Pricing for the 2023 Toyota Crown starts at $39,950.
While the Crown replaces the Avalon in the Toyota lineup, it is perhaps the only vehicle in its class that is strictly a gasoline-electric hybrid. You could compare this to three models that are on. its final year of sale: The Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Nissan Maxima. However, Toyota sees opportunity in the premium vehicle market based on its pricing. That would mean adding the Lexus ES 300h and the BMW 330e to the shopping list.
Being unique has its advantages. That is why the 2023 Toyota Crown is a compelling offering as a hybrid sedan. Its sleek design and unique features are among the many reasons ot consider one when they arrive at your nearest showroom.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
