If you’re in the market for a sedan, the 2024 Toyota Crown is worth your attention. If you missed the news, the Crown is the replacement for the long-standing Toyota Avalon. Sedans are really not the top choice for buyers now, but the Crown introduces a fresh take on the traditional sedan. Recognizing the growing appeal of crossovers, Toyota has designed the Crown to blend the best features of both sedans and crossovers.
Though the Crown nameplate might be unfamiliar to many in the US, it has a rich history dating back to 1955 in Japan. The Crown stands 3.7 inches taller than the Camry, making entry and exit easier and fulfilling the desire for a higher driving position. Its distinctive styling, a collaboration between an experienced designer and a younger one, features bold elements such as a two-tone paint scheme, adding a fresh look to Toyota’s lineup.
Under the hood, the Crown offers two hybrid powertrains. The XLE and Limited trims come with a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 236 horsepower. This setup uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that powers the front wheels, with an additional electric motor for the rear axle, providing all-wheel drive when needed. This base powertrain offers a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds and an impressive combined EPA rating of 41 mpg.
For those seeking more power, the Platinum trim features the new Hybrid Max system. This pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 340 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Unlike the base version, the rear electric motor is always engaged in the Hybrid Max system, which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This configuration accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, though fuel economy drops to a combined 30 mpg. Additionally, the Platinum trim includes adaptive dampers for a more dynamic driving experience on winding roads.
Driving both powertrains, the base model proves capable of reaching highway speeds comfortably, while the Hybrid Max adds a thrill with its extra power and engaging performance. The base powertrain has more than enough power for most buyers, but if you want more fun go with the Hybrid Max. Despite its increased ride height, the Crown maintains the driving feel of a sedan rather than a crossover. The adaptive suspension in the Platinum trim further enhances road stability and reduces body roll in Sport S Plus mode.
Inside, the Crown’s cabin offers a practical and well-organized layout, with high-quality materials throughout, though it might not fully reflect the premium feel expected at the Platinum’s $50k price point. The cabin has a drab feel, which could use more interesting materials and colors to stand out. A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital driver display are standard.
Safety is a priority in the Crown, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The new Proactive Driving Assist feature also helps maintain safe distances from pedestrians and cyclists.
The 2023 Toyota Crown starts at $41,145 for the base XLE model, $46,745 for the Limited trim, and $54,165 for the Platinum version.
At the end of the day the 2024 Toyota Crown steps in as a compelling successor to the Avalon. Its innovative design and hybrid efficiency make it stand out in the sedan market.
