Once upon a time, Toyota sold the spacious Avalon sedan. Then sedans fell out of favor. You can still get a Camry or Corolla, but the Avalon fit the niche of a reliable sedan that appealed especially to the older demographic. It was discontinued (since it’s hard to sell an old man’s car to a young man) with its role now filled by the Toyota Crown. In Japan, the Crown nameplate has always equated the pinnacle of the Toyota brand. The Japanese Crown versions of yore had luxuries normally destined for the most opulent Lexus. Now in the United States, it becomes the Toyota flagship sedan.
Or is it a sedan? With its swoopy roofline evoking a stylized SUV along with its 21-inch wheels, the Crown looks like something BMW or Mercedes would have attached an “M” or “AMG” to. If Toyota’s goal was to create a comfortable and luxurious vehicle with the looks the younger generation likes, they have succeeded.
It’s That Elevated Ride Height
That the Crown looks like a swoopy SUV with a higher ride height separates it from the Avalon. You can even get it with two contrasting exterior colors. All Crown models flex all-wheel drive to get you out of snowy and sticky situations.
The elevated ride height helps make getting in and out a breeze compared to a sedan that you have to lower yourself into. The height also elevates the vehicle’s hip point, the pivot point between a person’s torso and upper legs, measuring about 25 inches and further enabling easy vehicle entry and exit. According to Toyota, the Crown’s stance comes in part from standard 19-inch or the available 21-inch wheels that my tester was wearing. It’s pretty wild to see 21s on a stock vehicle when just a few years ago 20-inch wheels would have been relegated to show cars. The company notes that these are the largest rims ever on a Toyota sedan. The large-diameter wheels give the car a strong presence and also help drivers get a clear view of the road. It’s amazing that Toyota could engineer such a large wheel into the design yet still offer a comfortable and compliant ride.
Crowning All-Wheel Drive System
Complexity and diminished fuel economy are frequent concerns with full-time all-wheel drive systems. For the Platinum model, the Crown uses a new hybrid system called the Max. It combines a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with an electric booster motor for the front wheels. When you need an extra boost from the rear for speed or traction, a rear-wheel eAxle uses a high-output, water-cooled electric motor. This way, force is transmitted to all four wheels without the need for a driveshaft coupling the engine to the rear wheels. A conventional six-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the large front wheels. Toyota notes a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined. Very impressive for a full-size sedan/SUV crossover.
For those who want to have some fun with their Crown, Toyota offers individually customizable driving modes: Normal, Eco and Sport. But you also get Sport+, which provides an emphasis on steering response and flat cornering, and a Comfort setting. All of Toyota’s excellent safety suite functions are on board as well.
Charging Ahead
I really liked the placement of the vertically integrated wireless phone charger that plops into a convenient spot adjacent to the shifter. Inside the console, you’ll find a standard USB-A port and a 12V charging port. A dual USB-C terminal is standard on the passenger side, with the port intentionally directed at the passenger seat. Two USB-C ports are standard in the back seat.
On the audio side, Toyota partnered with JBL to create a system in my tester that had 11 speakers, including a rear subwoofer, powered by an eight-channel amplifier. JBL worked with Toyota to tune the system specifically to the Crown’s unique characteristics. It sounds good, and an aftermarket mobile electronics specialist can help take it to the next level. Lightening the place up is a large fixed panoramic glass roof.
Combining the looks of a swoopy SUV, the luxury of a large sedan and the practicality of all-wheel drive, the Toyota Crown is perfect for most American buyers. There’s even good fuel economy to boot! My fully loaded tester came in at $53K, making it a good choice for customers exploring the Lexus catalog. Next year, Toyota plans to offer a midsize SUV version of the Crown called the Crown Signia. I prefer the Crown that offers both interesting looks and practicality.
