The Toyota Avalon is being discontinued after the 2022 model year and now we have its replacement – the 2023 Toyota Crown. The Crown officially returns to the US and this time it’s a high riding flagship sedan that has traits from both a sedan and SUV.
The 2023 Crown has the shape of a sedan, but it also attempts to appeal to SUV fans with its higher ride height. It’s built on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, which is used by other sedans and crossovers in the lineup, like the Highlander. It measures 194 inches long, which means it’s about the same length as the Toyota Highlander. It rides on a 112.2-inch wheelbase and it’s almost an inch taller than the Camry at 60.6-inches vs 56.9-inches.
The Crown’s sleek fastback roofline gives it a sportier look than the Camry, while its large 19-inch or 21-inch wheels help give it a ride height that makes it easier to get in and out of the Crown.
The Crown will be offered with a choice of two hybrid powertrains, including Toyota’s new Hybrid Max system. The XLE and Platinum trim levels are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s mated to two electric motors, with one of the electric motors powering the rear wheels. For buyers that want a bit more fun, the Hybrid Max powertrain is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that’s combined with two electric motors to generate a combined 340 horsepower. The Hybrid Max powertrain is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the standard hybrid powertrain employs a CVT.
All-wheel drive is standard on all trim levels. The base hybrid powertrain has an estimated 38 mpg combined rating, while the Hybrid Max system has an estimated 28 mpg rating.
Inside the Crown’s interior is worthy of its flagship standing with its standard heated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless charging. The Platinum and Limited trim levels also add a panoramic moonroof and leather seats.
On the safety front, the 2023 Crown comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance tech features, which includes automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane recognition, lane departure alert with steering assist and automatic high beams. The Platinum trim level adds the Advanced Park System that can take over the task of parking the Crown in parallel or perpendicular parking spots.
