The sedan panorama has modified dramatically as plenty of automakers have trimmed their lineup, whereas Buick and Ford have exited the section altogether.

Full-size sedans have been among the many hardest hit because the Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Kia Cadenza, and Hyundai Azera have all fallen by the wayside. Moreover, the Chrysler 300 is all however lifeless whereas the Nissan Maxima is promoting at a fraction of its former self.

With the carpocalypse in full swing, it was little shock when Toyota introduced plans to part out the Avalon on the finish of the 2022 mannequin yr. Nevertheless, the corporate isn’t fully chucking up the sponge because the 2023 Crown will arrive this fall to successfully change it.

Additionally Learn: 2023 Toyota Crown Debuts In America As A Re-Imagined Full-Measurement Sedan For The Crossover Period

We initially noticed the Crown in June and instantly had combined emotions about it as our goals of a sporty, rear-wheel drive sedan have been rapidly dashed. Mix that with a questionable two-tone paint job and we had loads of reservations.

Nevertheless, with the passage of time and repeated viewings, the preliminary shock has worn off. That being mentioned, the mannequin is a big departure from the Avalon as Toyota reimagined the full-size sedan for the crossover period. In consequence, it options crossover-inspired styling cues equivalent to plastic physique cladding and a raised trip top.

Response to the design has been combined, however Toyota knew holding the established order was a shedding battle. Customers have been voting with their wallets and so they’re overwhelmingly selecting crossovers as an alternative of sedans.

Given this, sedans have been adopting conventional crossover options equivalent to all-wheel drive and, often, plastic physique cladding. If the AMC Eagle spawned the trendy crossover that we all know right now, then it seems now we have gone full circle.

Fortunately, the Crown is way faraway from the previous Eagle because it sports activities a contemporary design that includes some cues from the bZ4X. Whereas the entrance finish has drawn some criticism, there’s loads to understand because the sedan options flowing bodywork, a sleek roof, and engaging 19- and 21-inch wheels.

Regardless of wanting like a liftback, the Crown comes with a trunk and whereas it seems small from the surface, it’s downright large when opened up. Toyota hasn’t launched detailed U.S. specs at this level, however this reviewer might simply match inside and that’s earlier than folding down the rear seats.

A Spacious, However Comparatively Bland Cabin

The Crown will reside on the high of Toyota’s mainstream sedan lineup, however you’d be laborious pressed to inform by wanting on the inside. The cabin is surprisingly bland as black plastic is abound and is just damaged up by the occasional silver or bronze accent. Nevertheless, upgrading to the Restricted trim will reward consumers with leather-based seats that may be had in macadamia, black and chestnut, and the normal black you see right here.

Whereas the cabin lacks visible curiosity, it encompasses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The latter is a big enchancment over the Avalon’s 9-inch infotainment system because it boasts higher graphics in addition to fashionable connectivity options equivalent to cloud-based navigation, over-the-air updates, and an Clever Assistant that responds to the “Hey, Toyota” wake phrase.

The excellent news doesn’t finish there as materials high quality appears above common and the mannequin comes geared up with heated entrance seats that characteristic eight-way energy adjustment in addition to cloth and Softex upholstery.  The entry-level Crown XLE additionally comes with a dual-zone local weather management system, a wi-fi smartphone charger, and a six-speaker audio system.

Transferring as much as the Restricted provides comfy, heated and ventilated leather-based entrance seats in addition to heated rear seats. Different highlights embody a set panoramic glass roof and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system.

Talking of the rear seats, they’re spacious however lack the limo-like legroom that was discovered on the Avalon. This isn’t too stunning because the Crown is 1.9 inches (48 mm) shorter and has a 0.8 inch (20 mm) smaller wheelbase. Nevertheless, there was greater than sufficient legroom for this 6’ 2” scribe and I used to be pleasantly shocked to search out loads of headroom as properly.

Moreover, the raised trip top helps to enhance entry and egress. That is essential to notice as older People have sometimes embraced full-size sedans, however some have turned to crossovers as they’ve bother getting out and in of vehicles.

Two Hybrid Powertrains And Commonplace AWD

Whereas Toyota is staying coy about plenty of U.S. specs, the corporate has already confirmed the mannequin will likely be provided with two completely different hybrid powertrains.

The entry-level powertrain is discovered on the Crown XLE and Restricted, and encompasses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electrical motors, an electronically managed repeatedly variable transmission, and a newly developed high-output bipolar nickel-metal hydride battery. The Japanese variant has a mixed output of 231 hp (172 kW / 234 PS) and we are able to count on the US-spec mannequin to have related efficiency. Whatever the closing numbers, Toyota USA expects a gasoline financial system ranking of 38 mpg.

Nevertheless, we’re extra within the Crown Platinum, which options an all-new Hybrid Max powertrain. It boasts a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a entrance electrical motor that helps to maximise torque manufacturing, a rear eAxle, and a direct shift six-speed computerized transmission with a brand new hydraulic multi-plate moist begin clutch.

This setup offers the automotive an estimated output of 340 hp (254 kW / 345 PS) and a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 5.9 seconds. Sadly, the efficiency comes at a price because the Platinum is anticipated to have a gasoline financial system ranking of 28 mpg. That’s 10 mpg lower than different Crown variants and it’s a far cry from the Avalon Hybrid, which provided as much as 44 mpg mixed. That being mentioned, the eco-friendly Avalon lacked all-wheel drive and solely provided a mixed output of 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS).

Talking of all-wheel drive, it comes normal on the Crown. XLE and Restricted variants have an E-4 AWD system with a rear-mounted electrical motor that prompts as wanted in slippery situations. The Crown Platinum has a fancier E-4 Superior AWD system with a rear eAxle that includes a excessive output, water-cooled electrical motor. The E-4 Superior AWD system additionally provides entrance/rear energy splits of between 70:30 and 20:80, which contrasts with the E-4 AWD system that may ship as much as 100% of its energy to the entrance wheels.

In fact, we’ll be taught extra in regards to the powertrains and all-wheel drive methods as summer season offers solution to fall.