Overview
It has been 50 years since Toyota last sold its Crown sedan in the U.S., but the model was introduced in Japan in 1955 as the Toyopet Crown. It has been Toyota's mainstream sedan there ever since, the choice of families, executives, taxi drivers, and police.
The 2023 Crown, now in its 16th generation, is back in the States as the three-trim, all-hybrid, all-wheel-drive, tall-roofed, fastback-styled four-door replacing the venerable Toyota Avalon sedan. It is almost the same size, inside and out, as the Honda Accord and Volkswagen Arteon sedans.
The Crown's tall roofline and high seating position have generated some debate. But there's no denying that it is eye-catching, especially in the optional two-tone color scheme available with the top Platinum trim.
By positioning the Crown as a premium model, Toyota is telling shoppers that this is a special vehicle, not to be confused with other midsize sedans. By offering two hybrid powertrains, one of them more performance-oriented, Toyota hopes the Crown will appeal to those seeking fuel efficiency and creature comforts as well as those hoping for a bit of twisty country road fun.
We found that generally, it succeeds but still falls short on driving excitement, even with the 340-horsepower hybrid system and adaptive suspension that come exclusively with the Platinum trim.
Competition in the non-luxury large sedan segment is almost gone. Three rivals — the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Nissan Maxima — are being discontinued in 2023. That leaves the Accord Hybrid and VW Arteon. Some shoppers might consider the Genesis G80, Audi A6, and Volvo S90 mild hybrids, all of which cost more and aren't likely to be cross-shopped with the Toyota Crown. Based on appearance and premium content, though, the Crown can proudly hold its head high in that crowd.
What's New for 2023
Trims and Pricing
The 2023 Toyota Crown hybrid is available in three all-wheel-drive trim levels: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, and with two trim-specific hybrid powertrains. The Limited trim is the best choice for most. We'll tell you why.
XLE
The base XLE starts at $41,045 (including a $1,095 destination fee). It uses the fourth generation of Toyota's standard hybrid drive system, configured for electronic on-demand four-wheel drive. Other standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, heated power-adjustable folding exterior mirrors with puddle lights, an acoustics windshield and front window glass, cloth and faux-leather (SofTex) upholstery, heated eight-way power-adjustable front seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, a dual-zone climate control system with rear vents, a 60/40-split rear seat, wireless phone charging, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a six-speaker audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a full suite of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies.
Limited
The Limited, priced at $46,595, adds a panoramic fixed glass roof, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, interior reading lights, a covered center console, illuminated vanity mirrors, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and full-range cruise control. An Advanced Technology package available only on the Limited trim adds 21-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera system, and a digital key system.
Of the three Crown trims, the Limited offers the best mix of luxury, technology, and value.
Platinum
There's a big step up to the $53,455 Platinum trim. It gets Toyota's new, more powerful Hybrid Max powertrain with full-time electronic all-wheel drive and adds to the Limited trim's standard package with 21-inch alloys, a heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree camera system.
A two-tone paint package is available for the Platinum trim.
Engine and Performance
The base powertrain for the 2023 Toyota Crown is the fourth generation of Toyota's hybrid drive system with electronic on-demand all-wheel drive. It features a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine paired with a 40 kW (54 horsepower) motor on the rear axle that turns the rear wheels when needed. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission. The total system output is rated by Toyota at 236 hp. There are three driver-selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport.
The Hybrid Max system used with the Platinum trim combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine with a 61 kW (83 hp) electric motor up front and a 58.6 kW (79 hp) rear motor. It is configured for full-time all-wheel drive but can shift up to 80% of its torque to the rear wheels as needed to maximize traction and acceleration.
The turbocharged gas engine alone is rated at 264 hp and the system's maximum combined output is rated at 340 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque, all delivered to the wheels via a velvety smooth six-speed automatic. In addition to the standard hybrid's trio of drive modes, the Hybrid Max has Comfort, Custom, and Sport + modes, the latter for tighter steering and a stiffer suspension.
The base hybrid isn't a powerhouse but provides adequate power for passing and climbing hills while managing a Toyota-estimated 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds. The gas engine has to work hard at peak demand, though, and its buzzy whine can be heard in the otherwise hushed cabin when the accelerator pedal is mashed.
The Hybrid Max system, shared with the 2023 Lexus RX 500h, is much quieter and provides much more throttle response. Toyota says it can manage a 0-60 mph sprint in 5.6 seconds, which is impressive for a tall sedan.
Even when equipped with the big hybrid, though, the 2023 Crown wasn't intended to be a performance vehicle. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, so it is more at home cruising on the open highway than being pushed on twisty country and mountain roads. Even the Platinum trim's adaptive suspension can't make it dance through a series of switchbacks without noticeable body roll.
Braking, though, is linear and without the mushiness sometimes felt in hybrids. Steering feels nicely weighted and is fairly responsive, and the ride quality is very good, especially in the Platinum trim.
Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Crown is the undisputed fuel efficiency leader in its class. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the Crown will return 42 mpg during city driving and 41 mpg on the highway (41 mpg combined) for the base hybrid trims and 29/32 mpg city/highway (30 mpg combined) for the Hybrid Max system.
The best any of the all-wheel-drive competition can do is the Audi A6, with an EPA rating of 24/31 mpg city/highway (27 mpg combined). The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are at the bottom of the pile with ratings of 21 mpg combined city/highway.
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