The 2023 Toyota Crown marks the return of an iconic nameplate to North American shores after a long 50-year absence. It effectively replaces the Avalon and reimagines the full-size sedan by giving it a more rugged, crossover-like look. However, it’s not the first sedan to get a lifted suspension. The Subaru Legacy SUS and Volvo S60 Cross Country followed the same formula.
Svelte and Aggressive
The 2023 Crown doubles down on imposing looks. It gets the same gaping grille found in many Toyota models along with headlights evoking the bZ4X. The side profile, on the other hand, follows the same low-slung coupe-like trend complete with a short decklid. You also get a lot of body cladding and a floating roof effect thanks to a blacked-out portion of the C-pillar. Its slightly raised stance becomes most apparent from this angle thanks to the big gaps in the wheel wells and wheels wrapped with meaty tires. The rounded rear end ties the Crown to another big sedan in the lineup, the hydrogen-powered Mirai. Some of the key distinguishing features on the Crown include the name written across the middle of the decklid and a larger trunk opening.
2023 Toyota Crown: Electrified Across the Board
Every trim of the Crown uses a hybrid powertrain. However, the highlight is the new Hybrid Max system on the Platinum trim. It couples a 2.4-liter turbo-four to an electric motor, a six-speed automatic transmission, and a battery for an estimated output of 340 hp combined. XLE and Limited variants, on the other hand, use the latest generation Toyota Hybrid System IV. This couples a 2.5-liter I-4 with two electric drive motors, a planetary gear set, and Toyota’s new bipolar nickel-metal-hydride battery. This system achieves an estimated 38 mpg according to the automaker and makes 236 hp combined.
All variants use Toyota’s e-AWD system, which mounts an electric drive motor on the rear axle for additional traction. The Platinum trim takes things a step further with the E-Four Advanced AWD system. This system splits power 100:0 and 20:80 front to rear depending on traction needs. Platinum models take things up a notch with the E-Four Advanced AWD system. This iteration splits power front to rear at 70:30 and 20:80 respectively for RWD-like maneuverability.
Built on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, the new Crown promises improved ride comfort, sound insulation, and handling despite the taller ride height. Platinum models double down on improving the driving experience with a standard adaptive variable suspension system. It also includes a Custom drive mode that enables you to tailor the vehicle to your liking. Every trim gets a fully independent suspension setup that balances comfort and maneuverability. To further improve the Crown’s handling, it gets Active Cornering Assist, which uses stability control to cut understeer while cornering.
Flagship Interior and Tech
Moving inside, the Crown’s cabin looks upscale with certain variants getting two-tone themes and brown contrast piping. Every version gets two 12.3-inch displays and Toyota’s latest infotainment system. It includes cloud-based navigation and a virtual assistant. Limited and Platinum grades also include an 11-speaker JBL audio system. Creature comforts include heated and ventilated front seats, automatic parking, a surround-view camera, and a panoramic sunroof. XLE models get 19-inch wheels as standard while the Limited and Platinum sport larger 21-inch units.
Every Crown gets the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver assistance suite. In addition to enhancing existing components, it also adds new capabilities like guardrail detection and motorcyclist detection. All models also include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and the rear seat reminder system.
2023 Toyota Crown: When Will it Be on Sale?
The 2023 Crown arrives in North America this fall. Expect pricing to land in the same ballpark as the Avalon starting at just under $40,000. However, the 323-hp Platinum grade may get up to $50,000. Key competitors include the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Nissan Maxima. Once again, Toyota remains the only entry with electrified powertrains. This should give the brand a major advantage since the Crown offers power and efficiency. Don’t expect this car to sell in high volumes though. Even with the lifted suspension and SUV-like ride height, it still plays in a low-volume segment.
Source: Toyota
