The 2023 Toyota Crown represents a return for an old name from the Toyota brand, but this new model is unlike any other full-size sedan we’ve seen from Toyota.
The Crown might be a technical replacement for the discontinued Avalon, but it offers an entirely new build for our driving pleasure. The 2023 version of this sedan is a hybrid model, giving us the system and power desired when out on the road. Because it’s a hybrid, the Crown could be the first of many mainstream full-size sedans to rekindle this market.
What gives the Crown its power?
This new hybrid Toyota sedan launches with a pair of conventional hybrid powertrains. The starting point for this sedan gives you a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a CVT. This base system returns 236 horsepower for your drive. The Hybrid Max powertrain has two electric motors and uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to deliver 340 horsepower, which is an incredible number. Thus far, a plug-in hybrid and all-electric model have been rumored but didn’t arrive for the 2023 model year. Eventually, we could see four or five different power systems for this Toyota sedan.
Does this hybrid sedan includes modern electronics?
Every version of the new Toyota Crown brings upscale tech features to your drive. You’ll find a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. You’ll also find wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for your connectivity needs. This infotainment system brings voice recognition features, a built-in navigation system, and over-the-air update capabilities. All three trims of this sedan include wireless charging and five USB ports. This hybrid sedan can be had with a surround-view camera system and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.
What is the safety package of this hybrid Toyota sedan?
The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package is included in every model of this new hybrid sedan. That means the Crown includes:
- Front automatic braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alerts
- Automatic high beams
The front automatic braking system can now detect motorcycles and guardrails in addition to pedestrians and cars. This system also works to help avoid collisions while turning at intersections.
If you choose either the Limited or Platinum trim, you’ll enjoy the benefits of rear automatic braking and rain-sensing wipers.
What does each trim level offer?
The 2023 Toyota Crown comes in XLE, Limited, and Platinum models. In addition to the aforementioned features, the XLE uses the base hybrid powertrain and includes:
- 19-inch wheels
- Leatherette and fabric upholstery
- Heated, power-adjustable front seats
- A six-speaker audio system
- Acoustic glass
Moving to the Limited trim level, the Crown hybrid sedan includes:
- LED headlights
- Glass roof panel
- Real leather upholstery
- Ventilated front and heated rear seats
- 11-speaker JBL audio system
- Four-door hands-free keyless entry
- Rear automatic braking
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Advanced Technology package
- Surround-view camera
- Phone As a Key Functionality
- 21-inch wheels
Move into the Platinum trim of the Crown, and you find the Hybrid Max powertrain along with several other features, which are:
- 21-inch wheels
- Adaptive suspension system
- Semi-autonomous parking assistance
- Two-tone paint schemes
Does this Toyota offer a good driving experience?
The Crown is a fitting replacement for the Avalon, with a pleasant, well-rounded driving personality to give you the ride and comfort you want to enjoy. You’ll find a higher riding stance than what’s found in some traditional sedans, along with a more commanding view forward. This hybrid car accelerates well and gives you the drive you’ll want when behind the wheel.
Of course, the Hybrid Max powertrain brings lots of extra power and presence on the road. This powertrain claims a sprint time to 60 mph of 5.7 seconds, making this a quick and useful Toyota hybrid sedan.
Should you drive the new Toyota Crown?
The body is a four-door sedan, but the ride height matches that of some small SUVs. The AWD hybrid powertrains make it easy for this new car to be useful and easy to drive. When you push the Crown hard, you’ll find relatively flat cornering and plenty of impressive qualities during your drive. This isn’t your typical hybrid car, like the Prius, but it should bring some of the same characteristics as the small Toyota.
Overall, the Toyota Crown is a bit of an unusual vehicle that might not make sense to some but could be the right hybrid sedan to bring back full-size sedans.
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