Our Take on the 2023 Toyota Crown
The 2023 Toyota Crown is the newest addition to Toyota’s U.S. lineup, following in the footsteps of the Avalon. While its unconventional design may not appeal to everyone, we found that it turned heads wherever we went.
The Crown’s unique design is enhanced by the optional Supersonic Red paint and 21-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, which garnered plenty of attention during our time with the vehicle. We even used it as a support vehicle during a grassroots endurance event at Watkins Glen International, where it stood out among the crowd.
Looks aside, the Crown also shines in terms of its interior. It offers a spacious cabin with a plethora of useful tech features, making it a comfortable place to spend time. The seamless infotainment system is easy to use and visually appealing, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and a wireless phone charging slot that actually works well.
The ride of the Crown prioritizes comfort, with a smooth and floaty feel accompanied by generous body roll. While not ideal for corner carving, it excels as a hassle-free daily driver.
What’s New
While the 2023 Toyota Crown is new to Toyota’s U.S. lineup, it has been a mainstay in the Japanese market for over 50 years. The first Toyota Crown was introduced back in 1955 and has since been available in various body styles, including sedan, wagon, fastback, and coupe. Now, American buyers have the opportunity to own this iconic vehicle.
Pros
– Distinctive and eye-catching design
– Comfortable and pleasant ride
– Well-equipped interior with desirable features
Cons
– Base drivetrain option could have more power
– Optional 21-inch wheels are not ideal for potholes
– Lack of a hatchback-style trunk opening
Performance, Engine & Horsepower
The Toyota Crown offers two different hybrid powertrain options. The top-level Platinum trim comes with the Hybrid Max system, which combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor on the rear axle. This setup delivers a robust 340 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
On the other hand, the Limited and XLE trims feature a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and three electric motors. Together, they produce 236 horsepower.
In terms of performance, Toyota claims that the Hybrid Max-equipped Crown can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, while the lesser hybrid powertrain accomplishes the same feat in 7.6 seconds.
Features & Specs
Designed to replace the outgoing Avalon, the Toyota Crown comes well-equipped with a host of standard features. LED exterior lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a panoramic fixed-glass roof are included as standard. Inside, you’ll find a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a digital gauge cluster of the same size. For the Limited trim and above, there’s also an 11-speaker JBL sound system, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and wireless phone charging. Safety-wise, the Crown comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite of advanced safety systems.
MPG/Range
The Hybrid Max powertrain in the Platinum Crown achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 29 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of 30 mpg. The base powertrain, however, is more fuel-efficient, delivering an impressive 42 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 41 mpg. During our testing, the Limited-trim Crown achieved around 39 mpg over a 400-mile weekend, which included both city and highway driving.
Test Drive
The Toyota Crown drives similar to a larger and more comfortable Prius. It offers a relaxed and smooth ride, prioritizing comfort rather than sporty driving dynamics. Its high driving position gives it a crossover-like feel, and it effortlessly glides over most bumps.
While the Limited trim with its base hybrid powertrain may not impress in terms of straight-line acceleration, its excellent fuel efficiency makes up for it.
For a full first-drive review of the Toyota Crown, click here.
Pricing
The Toyota Crown starts at $41,045 (including destination) for the base XLE trim. The Limited trim we tested comes with a price tag of $46,645. Opting for the top-range Platinum trim, which features the Hybrid Max powertrain, will set you back $53,445.
Our test vehicle came with two additional options: a $425 charge for the Supersonic Red paint job and a $2,950 Advanced Technology Package, which includes 21-inch 10-spoke wheels, a panoramic view monitor, and Toyota’s Remote Connect via the smartphone app.
Interior
The interior of the Toyota Crown provides a comfortable and well-equipped environment for long drives and daily commutes. The driver’s seat offers ample adjustability to accommodate different body types, and there are numerous features to enjoy.
We particularly liked the ventilated seats, wireless Apple CarPlay, and the reliable wireless phone charger. Additionally, the panoramic roof adds to the overall sense of airiness inside the cabin.
Comfort
Comfort is a key aspect of the Toyota Crown’s driving experience. Its soft and floaty ride absorbs most bumps without disturbing the cabin. The ride is tailored to a relaxed and laid-back driving style, which suits the character of this vehicle.
However, the Advanced Technology Package’s 21-inch alloy wheels, while visually appealing, can transmit more bumps into the cabin. Opting for the base 19-inch wheels might offer an even more comfortable ride.
Technology
As soon as you step inside the Toyota Crown, its advanced technology becomes evident. The cabin features two 12.3-inch screens—one for the digital gauge cluster and the other for the infotainment system. Wireless CarPlay integration works seamlessly, and the wireless phone charger is surprisingly functional, charging devices consistently.
The digital gauge cluster provides information on the remaining battery charge in the hybrid system and details the power distribution throughout the all-wheel-drive system. It’s both fun to watch and helpful for monitoring your remaining charge.
Storage
Thanks to its large size, the Toyota Crown offers plenty of storage options. The door cards and center console can accommodate most water bottles, and the trunk provides 15 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for a short family trip.
While we initially hoped for a hatchback-style trunk opening, the Crown features a more traditional trunk design.
Safety
The 2023 Toyota Crown comes standard with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite of advanced safety systems. It includes pre-collision detection, radar cruise control, lane departure warnings with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and road sign detection. Currently, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have crash tested the Crown.
Trims
The Toyota Crown is available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The XLE trim is well-equipped with LED lighting, wireless phone charging, radar cruise control, 19-inch wheels, a 236-hp hybrid powertrain, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
Stepping up to the Limited trim adds leather seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an 11-speaker audio system, and a panoramic fixed-glass roof. The top-range Platinum trim features a 340-hp hybrid drivetrain, 21-inch wheels, and offers an optional two-tone exterior paint scheme.
Wrapping Up
For buyers seeking a spacious vehicle with the efficiency and attitude of a Prius, the 2023 Toyota Crown is an excellent choice. It offers a comfortable and unobtrusive driving experience, accompanied by the tech features expected at this price point. While the XLE and Limited trims cater to rational buyers with their impressive fuel efficiency, the Platinum trim’s 340-hp hybrid powertrain provides an enticing option for those who crave speed.