The 2023 Crown arrives as a sedan/crossover with an available 340-hp AWD hybrid system and advanced interior features.
The Crown is not an unfamiliar name, as it was Toyota’s first exported vehicle in the United States in 1958. Although it might not ring a bell to most Americans, it was a huge success in the Japanese market. Moreover, it managed to maintain the title of remaining the longest-running passenger Toyota nameplate.
However, now Toyota brings its flagship back to North America as a mix between a sedan, crossover, and an SUV. The idea is perhaps that Americans are ready to buy a sedan as long as it’s higher from the ground, similar to the current crop of coupe/SUVs like the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupe.
Toyota describes the 2023 Crown as a “premium sedan” carrying a “higher ride-height design.” It sounds quite odd, and it won’t win a beauty contest, but it’s also far from ugly. The designers clearly drew inspiration from the bZ4X for the front end, which looks purposeful and sporty.
Looking from the sides, the Crown has a fastback look similar to many four-door coupes, although, in the rear, there is no fifth door. Finally, the rear end looks like it’s cut off from the rest of the vehicle and features an LED light bar, giving it a sporty look. Overall, the design might be busy in some areas, but it’s a clear upgrade from the car it replaces — the Avalon.
The 2023 Crown flaunts a two-tone paint job for the Platinum variant, with black paint running overhead to the trunk neatly contrasted by an array of colors like Oxygen White, Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red, or Bronze Age body. As for size, it’s quite a large vehicle, measuring 194 inches long, 72.4 inches wide, and 60.6 inches tall, with a 112.2-inch wheelbase. Hence, the Crown is slightly shorter and narrower but at the same time taller than the Avalon.
But the real Crown jewels are on inside — Toyota offers two hybrid powertrains, with the latter offering performance you wouldn’t expect from a Toyota crossover. Notably, the entry-level AWD hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, two electric motors, and a high-output bipolar nickel-metal hydride battery. Toyota didn’t disclose power numbers, but we reckon it’s the same powertrain from the RAV4 Hybrid, where it produces 219 hp.
However, the fancier Plantinum model pumps up the power significantly with its new Hybrid Max powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine with two electric motors delivering a grand 340 hp. Also, this model ditches the eCVT for a six-speed automatic transmission, which should provide a more exhilarating driving experience. Besides, the system can send up to 80% of the torque to the rear wheels via the powerful rear electric motor, giving the 2023 Crown some rear-wheel-drive dynamics.
Inside, the 2023 Crown will be the first Toyota with a dual 12.3-inch screen interface (instrument panel and infotainment). The system also comes with the brand’s new infotainment software that supports wireless smartphone connectivity and OTA updates.
Ultimately, the 2023 Crown can provide its buyers with luxury amenities and ample power. We expect to see the Crown at dealerships this fall, with a starting price of around $40,000.
Gallery: 2023 Toyota Crown
