The 2023 Toyota Crown emerges as a striking departure from the conventional sedan, injecting bold styling and elevated comfort into Toyota’s sedan lineup. This all-new vehicle commands attention with its powerful stance, defined by large wheels and a sleek silhouette, complemented by distinctive paint options that ensure it stands out in any crowd. The 2023 Toyota Crown delivers not only eye-catching aesthetics but also the assurance of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a choice of two advanced electrified powertrains, including the debut of the high-performance Hybrid MAX system.
Unveiling the 2023 Toyota Crown: Grades, Powertrains, and Performance
The 2023 Toyota Crown is offered in three distinct grades – XLE, Limited, and Platinum – each providing a unique blend of features and powertrain options to cater to diverse preferences. Prospective owners can select between two sophisticated hybrid powertrains: the groundbreaking Hybrid MAX system, exclusive to the Platinum grade, or the highly efficient Toyota Hybrid System (THS), available on the XLE and Limited trims.
The Hybrid MAX system represents Toyota’s foray into performance hybrids, delivering an impressive manufacturer-estimated 340 net horsepower and a substantial 400 lb-ft of torque. This robust system pairs front and rear electric motors with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and a direct shift 6-speed automatic transmission, ensuring potent torque delivery at lower RPMs for a sporty and exhilarating driving experience. Despite its performance capabilities, the Hybrid MAX achieves an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined city/highway fuel economy rating.
For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the XLE and Limited grades feature the Toyota Hybrid System. This system combines front and rear electric motors with a 2.5-liter engine, achieving an exceptional EPA-estimated 41 MPG combined city/highway rating. An enhanced nickel-metal hydride battery supports responsive acceleration at lower speeds, providing a satisfying and efficient driving experience.
Elevated Design and Premium Interior of the 2023 Toyota Crown
Built upon Toyota’s GA-K platform (TNGA-K), the 2023 Toyota Crown boasts an elevated ride height, partially attributed to its standard 19-inch or available 21-inch wheels – the largest ever offered on a Toyota sedan. These large diameter wheels not only contribute to the vehicle’s commanding presence but also provide drivers with enhanced road visibility. The elevated height also improves ingress and egress, with a hip point of approximately 25 inches.
Rejecting conventional sedan design, the 2023 Toyota Crown presents a flowing side profile that culminates in a broad rear end. Dynamic body lines and sweeping character lines create a sense of motion and visual appeal. Inside, the spacious cabin exudes a premium ambiance, offering unique color combinations and available leather seating surfaces. A fully digital display, piano key controls, a vertical wireless charging port, and the advanced Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an optional 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system highlight the vehicle’s technological sophistication and entertainment features.
Available exterior colors include Black, Oxygen White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Heavy Metal, and Supersonic Red. The Platinum grade offers a distinctive bi-tone paint option, pairing a black paint finish extending from front to rear with choices of Oxygen White, Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red, or the exclusive Bronze Age color.
Alt text: The 2023 Toyota Crown Limited in Heavy Metal color showcases its bold sedan design and large alloy wheels.
Hybrid Powertrain Innovation in the 2023 Toyota Crown
Toyota’s legacy in hybrid technology is further solidified with the 2023 Toyota Crown, offering two distinct hybrid systems. The introduction of the Hybrid MAX system marks a significant advancement, delivering both exhilarating performance and commendable fuel economy. This system achieves a 0-60 mph acceleration in just 5.7 seconds while maintaining an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined rating.
The Hybrid MAX system combines a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, optimized for peak torque between 2000-3000 RPM, with a front electric motor that enhances torque output. A rear-wheel eAxle, incorporating a high-output water-cooled electric motor, works in concert with the hybrid system to directly transmit power to all four wheels, ensuring responsive throttle and linear acceleration throughout the power band.
The 2023 Toyota Crown also offers the fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System, available on XLE and Limited grades. This system pairs a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motors in a compact configuration. The gasoline engine utilizes Variable Valve Timing-intelligent by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft, optimizing valve timing for both fuel efficiency and power delivery.
Transmission options for the 2023 Toyota Crown include a direct shift six-speed automatic transmission (Platinum grade) and an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) for XLE and Limited grades. The Platinum grade’s six-speed transmission features a hydraulic multi-plate wet start clutch for responsive acceleration and incorporates motor generator assistance within the Hybrid MAX system for seamless shifts. Drivers can also engage a fixed gear mode for manual paddle shifting. The eCVT on XLE and Limited grades provides smooth, electronically controlled gear changes and contributes to the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and quiet operation.
Alt text: A side view of the 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum in Oxygen White, highlighting its unique bi-tone paint and elevated stance.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive Systems for Enhanced Confidence
The 2023 Toyota Crown comes standard with All-Wheel Drive across all grades, offering two distinct and efficient systems tailored to each powertrain. XLE and Limited grades feature Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, while the Platinum grade is equipped with Full-time Electronic All-Wheel Drive.
Electronic On-Demand AWD on XLE and Limited models utilizes a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when necessary, rather than a traditional transfer case and driveshaft. This system optimizes traction in slippery conditions and precisely controls front and rear wheel drive force distribution from 100:0 to 20:80, enhancing both fuel efficiency and driving comfort.
The Platinum grade’s Full-Time Electronic AWD, paired with the Hybrid MAX powertrain, delivers power to both front and rear wheels via a front-mounted hybrid motor and a rear eAxle electric motor. This system, coupled with the direct shift six-speed automatic transmission, ensures stable AWD performance and satisfying acceleration. Full-Time Electronic All-Wheel Drive dynamically adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels from 70:30 to 20:80 based on driving conditions, enhancing rear-wheel drive feel, straight-line stability, and responsive handling.
Ride, Handling, and Stability Features of the 2023 Toyota Crown
Despite its increased height compared to traditional sedans, the 2023 Toyota Crown prioritizes confident handling and exceptional ride comfort. Toyota engineers have employed lightweight, high-strength materials and advanced construction techniques, including a ring frame structure, plate spot and laser welds, and structural adhesive, to enhance body rigidity. The steering gearbox is directly mounted to the suspension member for improved steering feel, and aero-stabilizing underbody panels contribute to downforce and stability.
The 2023 Toyota Crown’s suspension system features a MacPherson-type strut front suspension and a newly developed multilink rear suspension. Swing valve shock absorbers are standard on Limited and XLE grades, while the Platinum grade features Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). Each suspension configuration is designed to provide a smooth ride and minimize body movement.
The Platinum grade’s AVS is specifically tuned to complement the high output of the Hybrid MAX powertrain. This system utilizes variable oil pressure shock absorbers to automatically adjust damping force during turns, reduce pitch under high torque, and minimize the impact of road imperfections. AVS also adapts to the selected drive mode, adjusting damping force to balance steering response, stability, and ride comfort across NORMAL, ECO, SPORT, SPORT+, COMFORT, and CUSTOM modes.
Alt text: The 2023 Toyota Crown Limited in Heavy Metal driving on a winding road, demonstrating its handling and stability.
Vibration reduction is a key focus in the 2023 Toyota Crown’s design. Optimized suspension tuning, soft suspension bushings, dynamic dampers on the front suspension, polyurethane-coated coil springs, and high-damping structural adhesive contribute to minimizing vibrations transmitted to the cabin. An electronically controlled brake system with Active Cornering Assist (ACA) further enhances handling by reducing understeer during cornering.
First-Class Cabin and Advanced Technology in the 2023 Toyota Crown
The 2023 Toyota Crown offers a first-class cabin experience with standard 8-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, including lumbar support for the driver. Rear seats are designed for maximum comfort with ample cushioning and bolstering. Heated front seats are standard across all grades, with Limited and Platinum trims adding ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Seating surfaces include Softex and black woven fabric on the XLE, and leather on Limited and Platinum grades.
Dual-zone climate control, accessible via a sleek illuminated control panel, is standard on all grades. A 12.3-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID) provides customizable displays, including a Hybrid System Indicator to promote eco-driving. Platinum and Limited grades feature a standard fixed panoramic moonroof and in-cabin LED lighting for a premium ambiance.
The 2023 Toyota Crown prioritizes connectivity with a vertical wireless Qi charger, USB-Type A and 12V charging ports in the console, and dual USB-Type C ports for both front and rear passengers. The Platinum grade comes standard with Panoramic View Monitor, providing a 360-degree overhead view, available as part of the Advanced Tech Package on the Limited grade. A standard backup camera with projected path and dynamic gridlines and a Smart Key System on all four doors (Limited and Platinum) enhance convenience.
Alt text: Interior view of the 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum in Oxygen White, showcasing its panoramic moonroof and premium cabin.
A Sanctuary of Quietness and Refinement
The 2023 Toyota Crown’s cabin is engineered to be a sanctuary of quietness, minimizing unwanted noise intrusion. The high-strength TNGA-K platform serves as the foundation for noise reduction, effectively curbing vibrations. Suspension tuning, tire design, strategically placed insulation, and extensive noise path analysis contribute to a calm and refined cabin environment. Acoustic glass, insulation, and body sealing materials are employed throughout the vehicle’s structure to minimize noise frequencies that typically interfere with conversation.
Next-Generation Toyota Audio Multimedia System
All 2023 Toyota Crown models feature Toyota’s all-new Audio Multimedia system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. This system offers enhanced user experience, connectivity, and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Users can interact via touch or voice activation, utilizing the Intelligent Assistant by saying “Hey Toyota” for voice commands.
Cloud-based native navigation with real-time updates and integrated Google POI data is available through Drive Connect. The XLE grade includes a 6-speaker audio system, while Limited and Platinum grades boast a JBL Premium Audio System with 11 speakers and an 8-channel amplifier, acoustically tuned for the 2023 Toyota Crown.
Toyota Audio Multimedia supports simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and a Wi-Fi Connect subscription for up to five devices. Integrated Streaming allows linking Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions. Connected Services include Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect with Digital Key (standard on Platinum, available on Limited).
Alt text: The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum interior highlighting the 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen display.
Advanced Park and Comprehensive Safety Technology
The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum grade features Toyota’s Advanced Park System, enabling hands-free parking. All grades come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Additional standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Rear Seat Reminder.
Alt text: Front view of the 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum in Oxygen White, emphasizing its bold front grille and headlights.
Toyota Warranty and Peace of Mind
The 2023 Toyota Crown is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty, including a 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and corrosion perforation coverage for 60 months with no mileage limit. Hybrid components are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery for 10 years/150,000 miles. ToyotaCare, a complimentary maintenance plan, is also available.
The 2023 Toyota Crown: A New Standard for Sedans
The 2023 Toyota Crown redefines the modern sedan with its bold design, premium comfort, advanced hybrid powertrains, and comprehensive technology. Whether opting for the performance-oriented Hybrid MAX Platinum grade or the fuel-efficient Toyota Hybrid System in XLE or Limited trims, the 2023 Toyota Crown offers a compelling and innovative driving experience, setting a new benchmark in its class.
