My friend and former colleague, Chris Rosales, once quipped that “the world’s greatest luxury car right now is a fully loaded Honda Accord.” While seemingly paradoxical, his statement rings true, especially when considering the modern automotive landscape. However, I’d propose an amendment, a contemporary embodiment of understated opulence: the 2024 Toyota Crown. This vehicle isn’t just a car; it’s a statement, a paradigm shift in how we perceive automotive luxury, perfectly aligning with what discerning drivers seek in a modern vehicle, as explored by various car and driver reviews.
Let me elaborate on why the Toyota Crown, a vehicle often discussed in Toyota Crown Car And Driver circles, is not just a worthy successor to traditional luxury sedans but a compelling alternative for today’s driver.
Understanding the Toyota Crown’s Position
In Toyota’s sedan lineup, the Crown strategically positions itself above the ever-popular Camry, yet it doesn’t dramatically outsize its sibling. The dimensional differences are subtle: a slightly longer wheelbase, a few extra inches in overall length depending on the trim, a noticeable four-inch increase in height, but identical width and a negligible 0.1-inch lift in ground clearance, despite the crossover-esque fender cladding. The true distinction of the Crown, the element that separates it from Toyota’s mainstream sedan, lies in its distinctive styling and enhanced features.
Toyota Crown exterior front quarter view
Toyota Crown exterior rear quarter view
Toyota Crown exterior front detail showcasing grille
Toyota Crown exterior rear light bar detail
Chris Tsui
Stylistically, the Crown ventures into unconventional territory, embracing a design language that’s intriguingly quirky yet undeniably cool. Its liftback silhouette and optional two-tone paint scheme immediately differentiate it from conventional family sedans. Luxury-inspired design cues hint at a vehicle destined to become an icon of the 2020s automotive aesthetic. Features like the floating D-pillar, the continuous unibrow taillight, and the imposing front grille are all hallmarks of this bold design direction. And speaking of imposing, the available 21-inch wheels are the largest ever factory-fitted to a Toyota sedan. These wheels, especially when paired with winter tires and SUV-inspired black fender cladding, contribute to an almost off-road-ready appearance.
However, my admiration for the Crown truly blossomed as I stepped inside. The interior design is a masterclass in thoughtful and elegant aesthetics. The shapes are decidedly upright, conveying a sense of purpose and sophistication. There’s a refreshing absence of overly stylized retro elements or gratuitous curves. Everything feels deliberate, mature, and remarkably intuitive. The bronze accents and seat piping in the Platinum trim level lend a touch of refined flair.
Toyota Crown interior dashboard and steering wheel view
Toyota Crown interior close up of door controls and seat
Toyota Crown interior center console and gear selector detail
Toyota Crown interior driver's side controls and instrumentation
Toyota Crown interior passenger side dashboard and trim
Innate Luxury vs. Ornate Complexity
Ease of use is a recurring theme throughout the Crown experience. Crucially, functions you expect to be controlled by a button are indeed buttons. Features meant to be adjusted via a knob are knobs. Elements requiring nighttime illumination are backlit. Clarity, visibility, and simplicity reign supreme. Even the 12.3-inch central touchscreen is appropriately sized, sharp, and responsive without being overwhelming or distracting.
In today’s automotive landscape, how many vehicles, particularly those marketed as “luxury,” can genuinely claim such user-centric design? Frankly, very few. It’s increasingly rare to encounter a new vehicle from a luxury automaker without encountering at least one user interface element that sacrifices usability for perceived “sophistication”—often prioritizing brochure aesthetics over real-world functionality. Too many manufacturers are opting to bury essential HVAC controls within glossy touch panels or, even worse, convoluted infotainment menus. Others are inexplicably attempting to reinvent the perfectly functional volume knob. And some are even incorporating touch-sensitive controls onto the steering wheel itself, fundamentally misunderstanding the purpose of steering wheel-mounted controls in the first place.
These design trends, prioritizing form over function, are, to borrow a phrase, deeply unappealing. If we redefine luxury as the “absence of frustration,” the 2024 Toyota Crown emerges as a frontrunner for the title of world’s greatest luxury car.
Toyota Crown interior center stack and physical controls
Chris Tsui
Yet, even by more conventional definitions of luxury, the Crown delivers in abundance. The seats are plush and supportive, and the ride quality is remarkably smooth and composed. Rear passengers are treated to ample space, dedicated air vents, USB-C ports, and heated seats. A panoramic sunroof amplifies the sense of spaciousness and airiness, while the 11-speaker JBL audio system provides clear and enjoyable sound. While audiophiles might find it lacking compared to ultra-premium systems like the Bowers & Wilkins found in Volvos, the average listener would likely be hard-pressed to discern a significant difference, especially if the JBL system simply bore those prestigious logos.
Another standout feature is the Crown’s wireless phone charger. Toyota, not traditionally known for being at the forefront of tech innovation, seems to have mastered the art of wireless charging. Your phone sits upright in a designated cubby, secured by spring-loaded retainers, much like a cupholder. This design eliminates sliding, keeps the phone discreetly out of sight (but still accessible), ensures reliable charging, prevents overheating, and consistently delivers seamless wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. It’s a masterclass in functional, user-friendly technology integration.
The Driving Experience: Effortless and Refined
The Crown’s appeal extends beyond its interior and user interface; it truly shines on the road. The driving experience is characterized by smoothness, ease, comfort, and a distinct lack of stress. Steering and braking are light, responsive, and require minimal acclimation. The 340-horsepower Hybrid Max powertrain delivers brisk acceleration without being overtly aggressive. A 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds – matching the performance of the significantly more expensive electric BMW i5 eDrive40 – provides ample power for daily commuting and spirited driving when desired. Despite the large 21-inch wheels, the ride remains remarkably composed, even over rough road surfaces. Opting for the smaller 19-inch wheels would likely further enhance ride comfort.
Toyota Crown driving on open road
Chris Tsui
Outward visibility is commendable, and the slightly elevated ride height compared to a standard sedan creates a more commanding driving position. Ingress and egress are as effortless as in a compact crossover – you step into the vehicle rather than lowering yourself down – without succumbing to the ubiquitous and often uninspired image associated with compact crossovers. The overall driving experience is remarkably satisfying and confidence-inspiring.
Minor criticisms include a trunk release button that’s somewhat small and difficult to locate, observed fuel economy slightly below EPA estimates (26 mpg), and the subjectively more appealing exterior design of the Japanese market version.
Toyota Crown Japanese market version
Chris Tsui
Value Proposition: Beyond the Sticker Price
A common critique leveled against the Crown is its perceived value proposition, or lack thereof. The base hybrid model starts at $41,445, a $3,500 premium over the top-trim Camry. The Platinum Hybrid Max, as tested, starts at $54,465. Objectively, this is a significant sum for a sedan that shares a badge with the Camry and isn’t substantially larger. However, the Crown justifies its price point through a heightened sense of substance and refinement. The elevated seating position, more upscale interior design, and the availability of the potent Hybrid Max powertrain (absent in the Camry, at least for now) contribute to a distinctly more premium feel.
The Crown isn’t purchased as a budget-conscious choice. Rather, it appeals to buyers who could comfortably afford more prestigious European luxury sedans but are disillusioned with their increasingly complex and often frustrating user experiences. It’s for those who prioritize Toyota’s renowned reliability and seek the most refined sedan within the brand’s portfolio, where price is a secondary consideration. The true value of the Crown lies in the long-term cost savings and peace of mind derived from Toyota’s legendary dependability, minimizing unscheduled maintenance and repairs.
Toyota Crown front three quarter view parked
Chris Tsui
Luxury Redefined: Functionality and Reliability
The Toyota Crown occupies a similar niche in the luxury sedan segment as the Kia Stinger (RIP) did in the sport sedan realm. Both are somewhat unconventional, surprisingly capable sedans from brands not traditionally associated with their respective segments. Like the Stinger, the Crown defies spec-sheet comparisons and truly needs to be experienced firsthand to be fully appreciated. And, mirroring the Stinger’s likely fate, its sales success may be limited by consumer tendencies to prioritize brand cachet, perceived value based on specifications, and theoretical performance over real-world driving enjoyment and long-term ownership satisfaction.
While acknowledging the merits of established luxury brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus – the sharp handling of a BMW, the vault-like construction of a Lexus, the social signaling of a Mercedes-Benz – personal priorities often shift towards simpler, more functional values. True luxury, in this context, is defined by things that simply work, effortlessly and reliably. Features that minimize cognitive load, allowing drivers to adjust climate controls or change music tracks without diverting their attention from the road. Vehicles that run on regular fuel and eliminate concerns about unexpected breakdowns.
By this measure, the 2024 Toyota Crown stands out as one of the most genuinely luxurious vehicles I’ve driven in recent memory. It’s a testament to the idea that true luxury isn’t about ostentation or complexity, but about thoughtful design, reliable performance, and a user experience that prioritizes ease and enjoyment.
| 2024 Toyota Crown Specs | Hybrid (XLE, Limited) | Hybrid Max (Platinum) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price (Canadian-spec as tested) | $41,445 | $54,465 ($64,533 CAD) |
| Powertrain | 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid | continuously variable automatic | on-demand all-wheel drive | 2.4-liter turbo-four hybrid | 6-speed automatic | full-time all-wheel drive |
| Horsepower | 236 | 340 |
| Torque | TBD | 400 lb-ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3,980 pounds | 4,343 pounds |
| Cargo Volume | 15.2 cubic feet | 15.2 cubic feet |
| 0-60 mph | 7.6 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 42 mpg city | 41 highway | 41 combined | 29 mpg city | 32 highway | 30 combined |
| Quick Take | Today’s “luxury” cars are filled to the brim with flashy complication. The Crown, fortunately, is not. | |
| Score | 8/10 |
Toyota Crown rear three quarter view
Toyota Crown side profile view
Toyota Crown front angle view
Toyota Crown rear view
Got a tip or question for the author about the Crown? You can reach him here: [email protected]
