Toyota Crown: Old Name, Brand New Formula

Automakers never cease to amaze and surprise—even Toyota, which is historically known for its conservative ways and rational designs. A few days ago, the Japanese giant hosted the global premiere of the all-new Crown, the fifteenth generation of a car that’s been sold in its domestic market since 1955 and a replacement for our departed Avalon.

The name might ring a bell if you’re fond of automotive history or old enough to remember one of the Crown’s forebearers which was among the first Japanese cars to hit Canadian shores back in 1965, last being sold in North America in 1972.

Sport Utility Sedan For a New Age

In Japan, the Crown has come to symbolize innovation and pushing the limit while gaining recognition as Toyota’s premium sedan. For the latest iteration arriving as a 2023 model, the company dared to be bold and throw off the conventional concepts of a sedan. With a high-riding profile and contrasting elements on the body, this car wants to play in the same league as those SUVs so many people are crazy about.

Built on a newly developed chassis based on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, the Crown is nearly four inches taller than the Camry, increasing road visibility along with easy entry and exit. For sure, it looks like nothing else on the market right now. The available 19- and 21-inch wheels are spectacular, too, though the traditional trunk lid is a disappointment (a hatch would have been so much better). For customers who choose the Platinum model, a black treatment at both ends adds extra character.

Inside, look for a very spacious and quiet environment, Toyota says. All models feature acoustic glass and plenty of noise insulation and body-sealing material. The driver’s cockpit is dominated by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a similarly sized touchscreen right next to it. Toyota’s new infotainment system is included, of course, complete with a virtual assistant, cloud-based navigation, over-the-air updates and several connected services.

Hybrid to the MAX

Innovation is also engineered into the new Crown with two different hybrid powertrains. As standard, a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine teams up with two electric motors and a CVT. Output is 236 horsepower, but the impressive figure is fuel consumption at just 6.2 L/100 km.

Meanwhile, the Platinum model with Hybrid MAX technology uses a new turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine along with two electric motors and a six-speed autobox. The combination produces 340 horsepower and manages 8.4 L/100 km, which is still pretty reasonable. In addition to EV, Eco, Normal and Sport modes, the top-line Crown offers Sport+, Comfort and Custom modes, the latter allowing drivers to pick the settings they want.

Did we mention the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems or available parking assist technology supporting both parallel and perpendicular manoeuvres? All of this and more will be part of the package when the new 2023 Toyota Crown reaches dealerships this fall. Don’t miss it!