What separates sedans from crossovers, and the way necessary are these variations?

These are two essential questions because the Toyota Crown is returning to America as an “elevated sedan.” A radical departure from the rear-wheel drive variants supplied in Japan, the 2023 Crown is a phase bender that follows within the footsteps of the long-lasting AMC Eagle.

Toyota is much from the primary firm to do that because the Volvo S60 Cross Nation was launched practically a decade in the past. It adopted an analogous formulation because the Crown because it was outfitted with plastic physique cladding, all-wheel drive, and an additional 2.5 inches (65 mm) of floor clearance. Nevertheless, the 250 hp (186 kW / 253 PS) sedan wasn’t lengthy for this world because it was dropped after a brief two-year run.

The Crown is destined to keep away from an analogous destiny as Toyota is dedicated to sedans and turning them into pseudo crossovers might guarantee their survival. Fortunately, this effort isn’t in useless as a result of the Crown brings a lot to the desk.

If It Appears to be like Like A Duck And Quacks Like A Duck…

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Any dialogue concerning the Crown is sure to start out with its styling because it encompasses a crossover-inspired design with plastic physique cladding and an elevated journey top. Whereas the automobile actually appears extra rugged than the Avalon, the Crown solely has 5.8 inches (147 mm) of floor clearance and that’s a mere 0.5 inches (13 mm) greater than the outgoing sedan.

Since that isn’t a lot of a distinction, designers centered on elevating the automobile visually. As a part of this effort, the Crown is 4.1 inches (104 mm) taller than its predecessor and this enhance is amplified by the 19- or 21-inch wheels.

Sadly, the design makes the mannequin look ungainly from sure angles. The Platinum’s accessible two-tone paint job doesn’t do it any favors both because the 4 main colours conflict with a black hood and an identical rear finish.

Nevertheless, there’s magnificence available within the flowing bodywork. The grille can be a big enchancment over the Avalon’s gaping mouth, though it’s largely blocked off.

A Spacious And Effectively-Outfitted Cabin

The unconventional exterior offers method to a straight ahead and barely uninteresting cabin, which is fortunately spacious and well-equipped.

The inside has a business-like really feel and that’s amplified by the XLE’s eight-way energy entrance seats, which characteristic material that appears extra at house in a 1980’s workplace. Whereas the upholstery offers off a retro vibe, the seats supply a pleasant stability of consolation and assist whereas additionally coming customary with three-level heating.

Elsewhere, drivers will discover a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an identical 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The latter is notable for that includes over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, built-in Apple Music and Amazon Music streaming, and an Clever Assistant that responds to the “Hey, Toyota” wake phrase. It’s an enormous enchancment over the Avalon’s 9-inch infotainment system, though you’ll want to enroll in an assortment of subscriptions to get probably the most out of it.

Extra: 2023 Toyota Crown Arrives Early Subsequent 12 months And Begins From Below $40,000

Talking of kit, the entry-level XLE encompasses a dual-zone computerized local weather management system, a six-speaker audio system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. They’re joined by a wi-fi smartphone charger and acoustic glass, which helps to maintain the cabin hushed.

The mid-level Restricted is extra luxurious because it provides a panoramic glass roof in addition to heated and ventilated leather-based entrance seats. Patrons will even discover a heated leather-based steering wheel, heated rear seats, and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system.

No matter which trim is chosen, all Crowns have a spacious cabin with loads of head- and legroom up entrance. It’s additionally price noting the elevated journey top helps to enhance entry and egress, which is a part of the rationale older People have been buying and selling their sedans for crossovers.

Rear passengers don’t take a backseat when it comes to consolation as there’s 38.9 inches (988 mm) of legroom. Whereas that’s 1.4 inches (36 mm) lower than the Avalon, there’s loads of room to take a seat again and calm down. Headroom can be beneficiant and this 6’ 2” scribe didn’t have any issues getting snug.

On the subject of area, the Crown sports activities a large trunk that holds 15.2 cubic toes (430 liters) of bags. That’s barely lower than the Avalon, however house owners can pull on two handles to decrease the rear seats for hauling longer gadgets.

Whereas the cabin is snug and spacious, it feels somewhat lackluster and plasticky. The door panels are on the exhausting aspect and largely devoid of padding, which is disappointing for a sedan that begins at $39,950.  The cabin additionally lacks visible curiosity as there isn’t a lot ornament except for the occasional splash of bronze or silver trim.

Two Hybrid Powertrains And Normal All-Wheel Drive

Quite a lot of Toyota autos have gone hybrid-only and the Crown is the most recent member of that group. Nevertheless, there are two completely different powertrains together with an all-new Hybrid Max choice.

The XLE and Restricted come outfitted with a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electrical motors, a bipolar nickel-metal hydride battery, and an electronically managed repeatedly variable transmission.

This setup offers the Crown a mixed output of 236 hp (176 kW / 239 PS), which is an enchancment over the Avalon Hybrid that developed 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS). Nevertheless, the Avalon’s V6 produced 301 hp (224 kW / 305 PS) and the mannequin was 680 kilos (308 kg) lighter.

Given numbers like that, it’s not stunning the sprint from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) takes 7.6 seconds. That’s respectable and the mannequin feels comparatively fast off the road for one thing weighing 4,250 kilos (1,928 kg). Issues then quiet down right into a extra leisurely tempo, which appears becoming for the automobile.

Apart from the hybrid powertrain, the Crown XLE and Restricted are outfitted with an digital on-demand all-wheel drive system. It encompasses a rear-mounted electrical motor, which powers the rear wheels as wanted. That is accomplished seamlessly and it helps to offer all-weather traction in addition to improved efficiency. Talking of the latter, the entrance to rear energy distribution ranges from 100:0 to twenty:80.

When it comes to effectivity, the fashions are anticipated to return 42 mpg metropolis, 41 mpg freeway, and 41 mpg mixed. That’s fairly spectacular contemplating the Avalon Hybrid was much less highly effective, lacked all-wheel drive, and returned as much as 43 mpg metropolis, 44 mpg freeway, and 44 mpg mixed.

Patrons with a necessity for velocity can go for the Crown Platinum, which is notable for that includes an all-new Hybrid Max powertrain. It has a much more highly effective turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a entrance electrical motor that helps to maximise torque manufacturing, and a rear eAxle. The powertrain additionally swaps out the CVT for a six-speed computerized with a multi-plate moist begin clutch.

Due to this powertrain, the range-topping Crown Platinum has a mixed output of 340 hp (254 kW / 345 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. That’s a large enhance over the usual hybrid and the additional oomph lowers the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time to five.7 seconds.

Our time with the Crown Platinum was transient, however the further energy makes itself often called launches are much more satisfying and the automobile feels extra responsive all through the vary. The Hybrid Max powertrain additionally sounds higher and is the one to get in case your price range permits.

Sadly, the Crown Platinum begins at $52,350 and that places it firmly into Lexus territory. Specifically, the 2023 Lexus ES 350 begins at $42,490 and encompasses a 302 hp (225 kW / 306 PS) V6.

Value isn’t the one tradeoff because the gas economic system score takes a serious hit. Whereas the numbers haven’t been finalized, Toyota expects the Crown Platinum to return 29 mpg metropolis, 32 mpg freeway, and 30 mpg mixed.

Apart from being extra highly effective, the Crown Platinum has a extra superior all-wheel drive system that all the time sends energy to the rear wheels. The entrance to rear cut up varies from 70:30 to twenty:80, and this helps to enhance responsiveness in addition to driving dynamics.

A Comfy And Succesful Cruiser

The Crown rides on the TNGA-Ok platform, which additionally underpinned the outdated Avalon. It’s a strong structure and it may be spectacular with the proper tuning.

Just like the Avalon, consolation takes precedence because the MacPherson strut entrance and multi-link rear suspension take in street imperfections with ease. This makes the Crown a snug freeway cruiser that additionally feels at house round city.

That isn’t a lot of a shock, however the Crown feels sportier than its predecessor and appears to construct on the driving expertise that was supplied within the outdated Avalon TRD. Given the proper stretch of street, the automobile impresses with comparatively sharp reflexes and all-wheel drive programs that ship energy rearward. The journey additionally feels firmer than within the Avalon and that’s a welcome change.

Cornering is comparatively flat, however in the event you push issues too far, the Crown’s weight and top make themselves identified. That being stated, the mannequin has energetic cornering help, which engages the soundness management system to scale back understeer in sure conditions.

XLE and Restricted trims have Eco, Regular, and Sport driving modes with profound variations between them. Sport mode is the clear stand out because it sharpens throttle response and provides heft to the steering.

The performance-oriented Platinum goes the additional mile with extra modes often called Consolation, Sport+, and Customized. The latter permits prospects to regulate particular person settings for a driving expertise that’s tailor-made to their liking.

Moreover, the Platinum comes customary with an adaptive variable suspension that helps to attenuate pitch and physique roll. The range-topper additionally has thicker stabilizer bars together with a rear one that’s strong as an alternative of hole.

When it comes time to cease, drivers will be grateful for a succesful braking system with discs measuring 12.9 inches (328 mm) entrance and 12.5 inches (318 mm) rear. Apart from having bigger discs than the outdated Avalon Hybrid, the braking system has a linear and predictable response.

A Crowning Achievement?

The Toyota Crown arrives at an fascinating time because the full-size sedan phase is successfully useless. The Chevrolet Impala and Ford Taurus are lengthy gone, whereas the Chrysler 300 and Nissan Maxima will likely be making their exits shortly. 2023 additionally marks the top of the present Dodge Charger and this successfully leaves the Crown in a phase by itself.

That being stated, the smaller Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon proceed clinging to life, competing with the Crown on value. Talking of which, the mannequin begins at $39,950 and that’s solely $2,100 greater than the outdated Avalon Hybrid. That makes it worth contemplating it’s extra highly effective, higher outfitted, and comes customary with all-wheel drive.

Nevertheless, the $52,350 Crown Platinum is a questionable proposition, particularly when you will get a sooner and extra highly effective Cadillac CT5-V for $50,995 or $52,995 with all-wheel drive. It’s additionally unimaginable to disregard the Lexus ES, which presents hybrid and all-wheel drive choices for much less.

Consequently, the Crown doesn’t simply blur the road between crossover and sedan, nevertheless it does the identical with mainstream and luxurious segments. This leaves the automobile in a gray space and we’re somewhat conflicted about it.

That being stated, the Crown is snug, spacious, and well-equipped. The elevated sedan additionally drives higher than anticipated, posts good fuel-economy figures, and options a typical hybrid powertrain that feels well-suited for the automobile. Prospects also can improve to a Hybrid Max powertrain, which provides efficiency in addition to a extra superior all-wheel drive system.

On the finish of the day, the Toyota Crown isn’t for everybody, however people who like it’ll discover so much to like.