Larger vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks have enjoyed surging popularity in the United States for years now, which means there are dwindling options for those who prefer something smaller. Fortunately, one Japanese automaker is breathing new life into the sedan segment with the introduction of the 2023 Toyota Crown. If the name sounds unfamiliar, that’s because the United States hasn’t seen the Crown nameplate from Toyota in a long time. Don’t worry, though; we’re here to answer all the burning questions you may have about the latest and greatest from Toyota.
What Is the Toyota Crown?
The Toyota Crown is all-new for 2023, but this isn’t the first time the nameplate has been used. In fact, the Crown has been sold in Japan since 1955 and was previously available in the United States from 1958 until 1972. We’ve had a long hiatus from the Crown, but vehicles like the Corolla (Latin for “little crown”) and the Camry (derived from “kanmuri,” the Japanese word for crown) have been keeping the theme of royal headwear alive in the States during the Crown’s long absence.
Now, the king is back in full form. Toyota may be known for a more economical take on cars, allowing its Lexus brand to cater to the more affluent customer base, but the Crown captures all the refinement that its name implies. Like its Japanese predecessors, it’s a midsize luxury sedan. However, it’s been modernized with a hybrid powertrain, fresh styling, and some of the latest and niftiest tech-forward features.
What Does the Crown Look Like?
The Crown’s styling doesn’t really follow any mold created by prior Toyota models, opting instead for a unique look to kick off its new reign. It’s a sedan but sits higher than your average four-door with 5.8 inches of ground clearance, giving it a bit of a crossover vibe. The side profile is sleek and understated, while the front and rear ends favor a bolder take. The front fascia features a prominent, square-jawed grille and slim headlights accented by a light bar. The rear end mirrors the front with taillights that form a light bar, interrupted only by the Toyota badge.
One of its most unique exterior features is the paint job. While the 2023 Crown can be had in a variety of solid exterior colors, it also has two-tone paint options offered with Supersonic Red, Heavy Metal, Bronze Age, and Oxygen White. All feature a generous amount of black accenting that runs through the middle of the Crown, occupying the hood and extending all the way to the rear. There’s also a black accent above the rocker panels, regardless of the paint color chosen.
What Trims Does the Crown Come In?
The 2023 Toyota Crown comes in three trims, keeping the shopping process fairly streamlined. Its base model, and most affordable option, is the XLE, the middle-tier trim is the Limited, and the most advanced Crown with the greatest number of premium features is dubbed Platinum. Regardless of the trim level, all Crowns aim to offer drivers an experience that feels regal, but there are some major differences between the three. In particular, the Platinum comes with a considerably more powerful drivetrain than the lower trims.
Is the Crown Fuel Efficient?
The standard hybrid powertrain in the Crown was crafted with efficiency in mind. There are two different powertrains that can power the Crown: the standard Dynamic Force hybrid with its 2.5-liter engine and the Hybrid MAX powertrain consisting of a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and high-output electric motors. Both options come standard with all-wheel drive for improved traction.
The standard Dynamic Force powertrain is the most fuel-efficient of the two, getting 42 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway. The Dynamic Force powertrain is also capable of fully-electric functionality, albeit for low speeds and short distances. The Hybrid MAX powertrain is all-new for 2023 and is designed to be a high-performance option that delivers a sporty driving experience. However, its performance comes at the cost of efficiency, getting 29 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
What Does Driving the Crown Feel Like?
The Crown driving experience will vary depending on which powertrain you choose. While the fuel-efficient Dynamic Force powertrain makes 236 hp, the Hybrid MAX system will bring 340 ponies and 400 lb-ft of torque. That will pull hard when you hit the gas, so merging onto a highway and accelerating from a red light will feel effortless. The sportier version of the Crown also comes with Adaptive Variable Suspension, which provides real-time damping for the smoothest ride possible. In terms of acceleration and speed, the Dynamic Force powertrain will feel more similar to driving your typical sedan.
There are going to be some constants between the two Crowns. For starters, the drive will be quieter than what you’d get with an internal combustion engine due to the electric motors producing power in a far less noisy way. Due to its high profile, you’ll also have a better vantage point in the Crown than your average sedan. It will be easier to see things like curbs, parking lines, and other cars.
What Convenience Features Does the Crown Have?
Some of Toyota’s most exciting convenience features are on full display in the Crown. For example, it comes standard with options that automakers typically reserve for their most expensive trims, like Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging, which makes charging your phone hassle-free. All trim levels also come standard with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The available Advanced Park technology will parallel park the Crown without any need for driver input, so you can sit back and relax while the vehicle backs into that tight space on the street or in the parking lot. Another neat feature from Toyota is the Digital Key. Drivers can use their smartphones or smartwatches as a key and even digitally transfer access to friends and family if they need to borrow the car.
Is the Crown a Good Vehicle for Families?
The Toyota Crown may be the perfect culmination of features your family needs. It has spacious seating for up to five that feels extra roomy thanks to the fixed panoramic roof that spans the top of the vehicle, letting in plenty of natural light. The front seats are heated across all trims, and the Limited and Platinum models add ventilation to the front seats and heating to the rear seats.
What’s more, the Crown has a focus on safety with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on every trim. Features like a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and Automatic High Beams are included, as is Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. Further confidence is provided by standard electric all-wheel drive, which will automatically kick in when the Crown needs more traction.
Toyota’s Crowning Achievement
The 2023 Toyota Crown is gearing up to be a big hit amongst luxury sedan fans with a fuel-conscious outlook. It offers a riveting driving experience while still being safe enough to drive the family around. Its premium features are some of the best Toyota has ever offered, putting it on par with vehicles from the luxury Lexus division. In summary, it’s exciting to have the Crown back in the States, and it looks like the beginning of a long and fruitful reign.
