Toyota has officially redefined the full-size sedan with the unveiling of the all-new 2023 Toyota Crown. This striking vehicle isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. Built for drivers who demand an intuitive and engaging experience, the Toyota Crown delivers powerful performance, confident handling, and exceptional comfort, all wrapped in a revolutionary design that challenges sedan conventions. Notably, the Toyota Crown marks a milestone as the first Toyota sedan to offer the HYBRID MAX System, promising a performance hybrid experience unlike any other.
Available in three distinct grades – XLE, Limited, and Platinum – the Toyota Crown offers a choice between two advanced hybrid powertrains: the groundbreaking HYBRID MAX and the refined fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS). The HYBRID MAX powertrain, exclusive to the top-tier Platinum grade, is Toyota’s brand-new performance hybrid, unleashing an estimated 340 net horsepower for exhilarating drives.
Toyota Crown Grades and Performance Hybrid Options
The Toyota Crown lineup is designed to cater to diverse driving preferences, with each grade offering a unique blend of features and performance.
XLE Grade: Efficient Hybrid Foundation
The entry-level XLE grade is far from basic, offering a compelling package centered around Toyota’s efficient 2.5-liter THS, coupled with Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Drivers can tailor their experience with three selectable drive modes, and enjoy the ride on stylish 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior is appointed with heated and powered woven fabric front seats and houses the all-new Toyota Multimedia System, displayed on a prominent 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 6-speaker audio system. The XLE is available in a sophisticated palette of five exterior colors: Black, Oxygen White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Heavy Metal, and Supersonic Red, all complemented by a refined black interior.
Limited Grade: Elevated Comfort and Technology
Building upon the XLE foundation, the Limited grade elevates the Toyota Crown experience with enhanced features focused on comfort and advanced technology. It retains the efficient 2.5-liter THS and AWD, but adds multibeam LED headlights for superior visibility and a fixed panoramic roof to bring the outside in. Inside, leather seats, heated and ventilated in the front and heated in the rear, provide premium comfort. The audio experience is amplified with an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system. Convenience features like rain-sensing windshield wipers and intelligent clearance sonar with rear cross-traffic braking are also standard. An optional Advanced Technology package further enhances the Limited grade with striking dark metallic 21-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels, a bird’s-eye view camera for enhanced maneuverability, and a digital key for keyless convenience via a Remote Connect subscription. Interior color options expand to include black, black and chestnut, and macadamia, allowing for personalized style.
Platinum Grade: The Pinnacle of Performance and Luxury with HYBRID MAX
The Platinum grade sits at the apex of the Toyota Crown lineup, representing the ultimate expression of performance and luxury. It distinguishes itself with the exclusive HYBRID MAX powertrain, a performance-oriented hybrid system that pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with a direct shift 6-speed automatic transmission and a rear eAxle. This potent combination delivers a manufacturer-estimated 340 net horsepower and exhilarating torque, while still achieving a respectable manufacturer-estimated 28 MPG combined city/highway fuel economy rating.
In addition to the powerful powertrain, the Platinum grade features Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) for superior ride control and handling, and expands the drive mode selection to six, including SPORT+ and COMFORT modes for tailored driving dynamics. Advanced Park assist simplifies parking maneuvers, and unique 21-inch machined 10-spoke alloy wheels with black accents further enhance its distinctive appearance. The Platinum grade also introduces a Toyota first: a bi-tone paint option, featuring a striking black paint extending from the hood to the trunk, available with Oxygen White, Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red, or the exclusive Bronze Age color.
All Toyota Crown grades come standard with the new Toyota Audio Multimedia System and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, ensuring cutting-edge technology and safety are integral to every model.
A Legacy Reborn: The History of the Toyota Crown
To truly appreciate the 2023 Toyota Crown, it’s essential to understand its rich heritage. The Crown’s journey began in 1955 as the “Toyopet Crown,” Toyota’s very first mass-produced passenger vehicle. From its inception, the Crown embodied innovation and a relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries within Toyota. It quickly gained prominence in Japan as Toyota’s flagship premium sedan and holds the distinction of being the first Japanese car to venture onto American soil in 1958. While it was last sold in the US in 1972, its legacy of innovation and premium quality endured.
Across fifteen generations, the Toyota Crown has consistently been a pioneer of automotive technology, always striving to be a step ahead. For this new generation, Toyota’s development team consciously channeled this spirit of innovation and limit-pushing. The result is a Toyota Crown that boldly transcends conventional sedan norms, ushering in a new era of automotive design and engineering.
Hybrid Innovation: HYBRID MAX and Toyota Hybrid System
Toyota’s commitment to hybrid technology is undeniable, having pioneered the segment over two decades ago with the Prius. The Toyota Crown expands this commitment, bringing Toyota’s electrified vehicle lineup to an impressive sixteen models. The Crown introduces another first for Toyota sedans: the HYBRID MAX System. This system is meticulously engineered to deliver both exhilarating performance and commendable efficiency.
HYBRID MAX: Performance-Oriented Hybrid Power
The HYBRID MAX system is a performance marvel, combining a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine, tuned for peak torque in the 2000-3000 RPM range, with a front electric motor to maximize torque output. A rear-wheel eAxle, equipped with a high-output water-cooled electric motor, works in concert with the hybrid engine to directly transmit power to all four wheels. This intelligent system results in thrilling throttle response and linear acceleration throughout the power band, providing a dynamic and engaging driving experience.
Toyota Hybrid System (THS): Proven Efficiency and Refinement
The fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System, featured in the XLE and Limited grades, prioritizes efficiency and refinement. It combines a highly efficient 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motors in a compact and sophisticated system. The gasoline engine incorporates Variable Valve Timing-intelligent by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft, optimizing valve timing for both fuel economy and power output.
THS-equipped Toyota Crown models offer selectable NORMAL, ECO, and SPORT driving modes, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s personality to their preferences. SPORT mode sharpens throttle response for a more dynamic feel, while ECO mode prioritizes fuel efficiency. NORMAL mode provides a balanced experience for everyday driving. Additionally, an EV (Electric Vehicle) mode enables short-distance electric-only driving at lower speeds. The HYBRID MAX equipped Platinum grade expands upon these modes with SPORT+, COMFORT, and CUSTOM modes, offering even greater control over the driving experience.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive Systems: E-Four and E-Four Advanced
Confidence-inspiring traction is a hallmark of the 2023 Toyota Crown, with Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive standard across all grades. The XLE and Limited grades utilize E-Four AWD, while the Platinum grade boasts the more advanced E-Four Advanced system. Both are highly efficient systems that leverage the hybrid powertrain’s strengths.
Instead of a traditional transfer case and driveshaft, Electronic On-Demand AWD employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. E-Four AWD enhances stability, particularly in slippery conditions, by providing on-demand rear-wheel drive. The latest evolution of E-Four in the Toyota Crown increases the rear motor’s driving force compared to conventional systems, improving cornering stability. The system precisely manages front and rear wheel drive force distribution, ranging from 100:0 to 20:80, balancing fuel efficiency with confident driving performance.
E-Four Advanced AWD, exclusive to the Platinum grade with HYBRID MAX, delivers power to both axles via a front-mounted hybrid motor and a rear-mounted eAxle electric motor. Paired with a direct-shift six-speed automatic transmission, this system ensures stable AWD performance and satisfying acceleration. E-Four Advanced offers a wider range of front and rear drive force distribution control, from 70:30 to 20:80. The water-cooled rear motor maximizes torque delivery to the rear wheels, providing a rear-wheel-drive feel with enhanced maneuverability, straight-line stability, and responsive acceleration.
The Toyota Crown offers a choice of transmissions: a direct shift six-speed automatic transmission (Platinum grade) and an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) (XLE and Limited). The Platinum grade’s six-speed automatic transmission provides responsive acceleration thanks to a hydraulic multi-plate wet start clutch and motor generator assistance within the HYBRID MAX system. The eCVT in the XLE and Limited grades offers smooth and efficient operation, contributing to low fuel consumption and reduced noise.
Smooth Ride and Confident Handling: Built on the TNGA-K Platform
The Toyota Crown is built upon a version of the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TNGA-K) platform, a foundation shared with some of Toyota’s most acclaimed sedans and crossovers. This platform allows the Crown to deliver a unique blend of sedan driving comfort and crossover-like ride height. Standing at 60.6 inches tall, nearly four inches taller than the Camry, the Crown offers enhanced road visibility and easier entry and exit. Its dimensions include an overall length of 194 inches, a width of 72.4 inches, and a wheelbase of 112.2 inches.
The TNGA-K platform enables refined front strut and rear multi-link suspension tuning, fostering agile handling and a composed, quiet ride. The Platinum grade’s standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is specifically tuned to complement the high output of the 2.4L Turbo Hybrid Engine and eAxle. AVS utilizes variable oil pressure shock absorbers to automatically adjust damping force based on driving conditions, reducing pitch during acceleration and minimizing the impact of uneven road surfaces.
All Toyota Crown grades benefit from a carefully engineered suspension system designed for both comfortable maneuverability and a relaxing ride. Front suspension components include a MacPherson-type strut and a new steering gear fastening method for rigid, direct handling and reduced noise and vibration. A newly developed multi-link rear suspension with increased rigidity enhances responsiveness to drive torque. Rear suspension arm placement is optimized to minimize vertical posture changes, contributing to a flat and stable driving feel.
Handling is further enhanced by an electronically controlled brake system featuring Active Cornering Assist (ACA), which subtly engages stability control to mitigate understeer during cornering, providing a more agile and confident driving experience. The large-diameter tires and wheels contribute to the Toyota Crown’s distinctive “lift-up” style. The XLE and Limited grades feature 19-inch multi-spoke two-tone alloy wheels, with 21-inch 10-spoke dark metallic alloy wheels available on the Limited as part of the Advanced Tech package. The Platinum grade comes standard with striking 21-inch machined 10-spoke alloy wheels with black accents.
First-Class Cabin: Comfort and Premium Amenities
Stepping inside the Toyota Crown reveals a first-class cabin designed for exceptional comfort and convenience. Standard 8-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats ensure optimal seating positions. Rear seats offer ample cushioning and support for passenger enjoyment.
The Toyota Crown comes standard with heated front seats with three adjustable levels. Limited and Platinum grades add ventilated front seats and heated rear seats for enhanced comfort in any climate. The seats are not only comfortable but also stylish, with Softex and black woven fabric seating in the XLE, and leather seats standard in the Limited and Platinum grades.
Dual-zone climate control is standard across all grades. A sleek, illuminated control panel runs along the dashboard, integrating frequently used functions for easy access. All Crown grades feature a 12.3-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID), offering customizable displays including a Hybrid System Indicator to promote eco-driving habits. Platinum and Limited grades include a standard panoramic moonroof and in-cabin LED lighting for a premium ambiance.
The Toyota Crown ensures devices stay charged with a vertical-type wireless Qi charging pad, USB-Type A and 12V charging ports in the console, and dual USB-Type C ports for both front and rear passengers. The Platinum grade comes standard with a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, providing a panoramic overhead view of the vehicle’s surroundings, available as part of the Advanced Tech Package on the Limited grade. A standard backup camera with projected path and dynamic gridlines aids in maneuvering. Limited and Platinum grades feature a Smart Key System on all four doors for added convenience.
A Sanctuary of Quiet: Noise Reduction and Cabin Acoustics
Recognizing the importance of a premium in-vehicle experience, Toyota engineers prioritized noise reduction in the 2023 Toyota Crown, creating a serene cabin environment conducive to conversation and music enjoyment. The high-strength TNGA-K platform serves as the first line of defense against noise intrusion, minimizing vibrations. Suspension tuning, strategically placed insulation, and thoughtful tire and wheel construction further reduce road noise.
Acoustic glass, sound-absorbing insulation, and body sealing material are extensively used throughout the vehicle’s structure to block and absorb unwanted noise. These materials are optimized to minimize frequencies that typically interfere with conversation. For example, a sound-absorbing pad is placed between the engine bay and cabin to reduce road and engine noise. Engineers meticulously analyzed noise transmission paths and filled spaces around door frames, window openings, and wiring harnesses to maximize cabin quietness.
Next-Generation Toyota Audio Multimedia and Connectivity
The Toyota Crown features Toyota’s all-new, North American-developed Audio Multimedia system, headlined by a 12.3-inch touchscreen. This system offers an enhanced user experience with improved connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Users can interact with the system via touch and voice activation. The Intelligent Assistant, accessible through Drive Connect*, responds to natural language commands like “Hey Toyota” for navigation, Points of Interest (POI) searches, audio adjustments, and climate control.
The cloud-based native navigation system, also part of Drive Connect, provides real-time Over-the-Air updates for mapping and POIs and integrates Google POI data for up-to-date search capabilities. The XLE grade features a 6-speaker sound system, while the Limited and Platinum grades upgrade to an audiophile-quality JBL Premium Audio System with 11 speakers, including a rear subwoofer, powered by an 8-channel amplifier, acoustically tuned specifically for the Toyota Crown.
Toyota Audio Multimedia supports simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. A Wi-Fi Connect subscription provides 4G connectivity for up to five devices and enables Integrated Streaming, linking Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions for in-vehicle control. The Toyota Crown also offers a suite of Connected Services, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, and an available Digital Key.
Advanced Park, Safety, and Driver-Assistance Technology
The Toyota Crown Platinum grade comes standard with Toyota’s Advanced Park System, enabling hands-free parallel and perpendicular parking. All Toyota Crown grades are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), an advanced suite of safety and driver-assistance features. TSS 3.0 includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, capable of detecting motorcyclists and guardrails, and Intersection Support for enhanced safety during turns and intersections.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist are also part of TSS 3.0. Rear Seat Reminder is standard on all grades. Additional standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). Toyota Crown also includes a one-year trial subscription to Toyota Safety Connect®, offering emergency assistance and vehicle location services.
Toyota Warranty and ToyotaCare
The Toyota Crown is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty, including a 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and corrosion perforation coverage for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid components are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles. ToyotaCare, a complimentary maintenance plan, covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, and includes 2 years of Roadside Assistance.
The 2023 Toyota Crown is poised to redefine the full-size sedan segment, offering a compelling blend of bold styling, premium comfort, hybrid performance, and advanced technology. It’s a vehicle that respects its heritage while boldly embracing the future of automotive innovation.
