The new 2023 Toyota Crown, it’s an interesting direction for Toyota to roll out a new full size flagship sedan as the world is turning toward SUVs and EVs. And while there’s a lot to love, nothing’s perfect so we’re hitting the highlights; the best and the rest, starting with the rest….
Worst of the Toyota Crown:
1 – trunk
The trunk itself is pretty big and so is the opening
However, with a roofline like this and it’s seemingly confused raised nature
It almost seems like the Crown wants to be a crossover
So why not give it a hatch like a stinger, BMW GC, or Audi A7, model S
2 – no HUD
With all the other equipment offered on this thing
It seems like a weird omission
This and the Venza are the Lexus-Lite cousins so why no HUD?
3 – expensive? Do people WANT this?
The reality is people want crossovers and SUVs
And while the Avalon is very good and comes with a lot of stuff
It starts at 40k and a platinum starts over 52
That’s a lot of money for a big hybrid toyota sedan
Best of the Toyota Crown:
1 – Powertrains
Two engine options
Base is the normal 2.5 n/a Hybrid with 3 electric motors
It’s toyota’s 4th gen synergy drive system and it’s quite good
OR you can go up to the Hybrid MAX powertrain
Takes the 2.4T from Lexus and adds a hybrid system with dual motors
340 hp and 400 lbft and a 6 speed auto
Means 0-60 in 5.5 seconds which is proper quick
While still managing 30 mpg combined
2 – AWD standard
The Hybrid Max equipped crowns get an e-rear axel for eAWD
That means there’s no physical connection from the engine and trans to the back wheels
The base hybrid powertrain uses a more conventional AWD system
But regardless it’s nice to know whatever Crown you get you’ll have AWD
Something you didnt get with the Avalon
3 – looks interesting
It’s polarizing to some, but personally i like it and the two tone
Face is agressive and classy at the same time
I like the two tone personally
LED lights
BIG lower grille
High riding sedan (4 inches higher ride than Camry)
19 to 21 in wheels – 21s look great
Black plastic wheel arches
Black lower door accent
Chrome door handles
Full width tailor
CROWN spelled out
Hybrid max badge
No exhaust tips
4 – Luxxy stuff
Pano roof (doesn’t open)
still has middle bar
physical shade
Unique steering wheel feels more Lexus
Lexus LC style shifter
Heated and cooled seats
copper accents like the Venza
think of Venza as the sister SUV
Heated steering wheel
5 – Tech stack
Full digital cluster
12.3 inch infotainment
wireless
OTA
dual bluetooth
Driver assist suite is great
Wireless charger
360 cameras are good
egg view
EV mode
6 drive modes in platinum
6 – rear seats
Rear seats
Decent size
No flat floor
Climate vents
Chargers
1 level seat heaters
Dual map pockets
Funky head cutouts in roof
No window shades
7 – Drive
It’s not super exciting but it’s good
Doesn’t sound great
But good power
Comfy enough ride
AWD std
Adaptive suspension
Conclusion
So that’s the best and the rest of the new Toyota Crown. It’s a little bit of a strange addition to the lineup, but it feels more thought through than the full EV offerings from the brand like the BZ4X and RZ. Overall I like it. It’s got good power, gets good fuel economy, it’s big and comfy, and it looks interesting. What do you think?