Last year Toyota announced that the Avalon flagship sedan would be discontinued after the 2022 model year. However, for those looking for a model above the Camry in Toyota’s lineup, there’s good news – the introduction of the 2023 Crown. This new flagship model aims to blend features from both a sedan and an SUV, catering to the current market trend where SUVs are preferred over sedans.
Although the Crown name may not be familiar to everyone, it has been a key part of the Toyota brand since 1955. While it was the first Japanese car sold in the US back in 1958, it hasn’t been available in the US market since 1972, making it a new introduction for many buyers.
Toyota refers to this 2023 model as a “Crown for a new era,” signaling a shift beyond just being a flagship sedan by incorporating a higher ride height to attract potential SUV buyers, even though its overall shape remains true to a sedan aesthetic.
Featuring a raised hip point for easier entry and exit and equipped with large wheels to provide additional ground clearance compared to a standard sedan, the Crown boasts 19-inch wheels as standard, with an option for larger 21-inch wheels. Toyota has also given the Crown a more stylish appearance compared to its other sedan models, complete with a sleek fastback-like roofline.
Built on Toyota’s TGNA-K platform, shared with several other Toyota cars and SUVs, the Crown measures 194 inches in length and is almost four inches taller than the Camry.
As Toyota moves towards an electrified future, the focus remains on hybrid technology. The 2023 Crown is exclusively available with two hybrid powertrains. The standard option combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a CVT, while the Hybrid Max system pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a front electric motor and six-speed automatic transmission, along with a rear electric motor for the rear wheels, delivering a total output of 340 horsepower.
Estimated fuel efficiency for the standard hybrid powertrain is 38 mpg combined, while the Hybrid Max system is expected to achieve 28 mpg combined.
Given its SUV-inspired design, the Crown comes standard with all-wheel drive. The system utilizes an electric motor on the rear axle instead of a traditional transfer case, with the XLE and Limited trims offering E-Four AWD, while the Platinum trim comes with E-Four Advanced, capable of sending up to 80% of power to the rear wheels.
Reflecting the luxury theme associated with the Crown, the interior offers a premium experience with ample space for all occupants and a quiet ambiance. Up front, there are two 12.3-inch screens, one for the digital gauge cluster and the other for the infotainment system. The higher trims, Limited and Platinum, include a panoramic moonroof for added luxury.
The 2023 Crown comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring enhanced sensors for improved detection capabilities. Safety features include Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear seat reminder system.
The Platinum trim takes it a step further with the addition of the Advanced Park System, using sensors to identify available parking spaces and autonomously park in parallel or perpendicular spots.
The 2023 Crown aims to redefine the concept of a family sedan, challenging the preconceived notion surrounding sedans. Toyota has not disclosed the pricing yet, but the 2023 Toyota Crown is set to launch later this year.
