The 2024 Toyota Crown arrived with an intriguing blend of sedan and crossover elements, promising a unique experience. As the top-tier, performance-oriented version, the Hybrid Max Platinum sparked considerable hope. Could this unconventional vehicle truly deliver, justifying its premium price tag and flagship status within the Toyota lineup? After a week behind the wheel, the answer, unfortunately, leans towards disappointment. While it boasts a quicker engine than the standard Crown, the Hybrid Max struggles to convincingly compete in its price bracket, especially when considering similarly priced sedans that offer a more compelling package. In a market already lukewarm to the Crown’s unusual form factor, the Hybrid Max variant does little to change the narrative.
Fuel Economy: The Hybrid Promise vs. Reality
One of the most compelling aspects of the base Toyota Crown is its impressive fuel efficiency. During a previous test of the standard model, it achieved an average of 39.5 MPG, a remarkable figure for a car of its size. This efficiency is attributed to its naturally-aspirated engine paired with Toyota’s proven hybrid system, delivering a combined 236 horsepower. However, the Hybrid MAX powertrain in the Platinum trim swaps the naturally aspirated engine for a turbocharged one, boosting total output to a respectable 340 horsepower. The result is a quicker 0-60 MPH time, dropping to 5.8 seconds from the base model’s 7.3 seconds. While 5.8 seconds is undeniably brisk for a Toyota sedan and places it among the faster models in their lineup, it’s hardly record-breaking for a $54,590 vehicle in today’s market. Furthermore, this performance gain comes at a significant cost to fuel economy. The Hybrid Max Platinum’s MPG plummets to a disappointing 27 MPG. While 27 MPG isn’t inherently poor for this vehicle class, it represents a substantial decrease compared to the standard Crown and is surprisingly similar to non-hybrid competitors. For instance, a Genesis G80 with its 2.5L turbocharged engine, producing 280 horsepower, achieves comparable fuel economy without any hybrid assistance, and offers similar performance. Even a BMW 330i, with nearly 100 horsepower less on paper, matches the Crown Hybrid Max’s efficiency without hybrid technology. In essence, the Hybrid Max powertrain delivers speed, but sacrifices the exceptional fuel economy that makes the standard Crown appealing.
Interior and Comfort: Luxury Aspirations Fall Short
Beyond fuel efficiency, the interior experience is crucial, especially at this price point. The Toyota Crown Hybrid Max offers ample space, particularly in the rear, providing generous legroom. However, for a vehicle nearing $55,000 and bearing the ‘Platinum’ designation, signifying top-tier luxury, the interior fails to deliver a truly premium feel. While it might be considered luxurious within the Toyota spectrum, it falls short of genuine luxury car standards. The Lexus ES, a sedan from Toyota’s luxury division and based on the previous Avalon (which the Crown effectively replaces), surpasses the Crown in interior refinement, material quality, and upscale touches. Stepping into competitors like the Genesis G80, even in base trim, immediately reveals a more luxurious and special ambiance. The Crown’s interior simply doesn’t evoke the same sense of opulence expected in this price range. Furthermore, several ergonomic and quality issues detract from the overall experience. The steering wheel is cluttered with an excessive nineteen buttons, potentially overwhelming the driver. The gear lever feels awkward in operation, and surprisingly, the heated seats and steering wheel provide only minimal warmth, a rare complaint in modern vehicles. Adding to the concerns, the trunk exhibits a creaking sound upon opening, a flaw also observed in a previously tested Crown. The plastic button for external trunk release feels cheaply made, and despite its price, the Crown lacks a power trunk, a feature commonly expected in this segment, especially from a supposed luxury-oriented Toyota. While the Crown is well-equipped with safety and infotainment technology, these shortcomings in interior quality and features are hard to overlook.
The execution of the interior design further contributes to the underwhelming impression. Despite the luxury price tag, the Crown Platinum’s cabin never approaches a truly luxurious atmosphere. It lags significantly behind the refinement of even its Lexus ES sibling, not to mention the superior interiors offered by German, Swedish, or South Korean automakers in the same price bracket. The protruding JBL speakers on the A-pillars are a particularly jarring design element, appearing as unsightly bulges rather than integrated features.
Driving Performance: Power Outweighs Poise
Behind the wheel, the Toyota Crown Hybrid Max reveals steering that is numb and devoid of feedback, failing to inspire confidence. While highway cruising is effortless, as expected in most modern cars, any aspiration for sporty driving dynamics to complement the increased power of the Hybrid Max engine is quickly dispelled. Mirroring its soft, rounded exterior styling, the Crown exhibits noticeable body roll and a lack of composure when pushed through corners or during quick directional changes. While the large tires and 21-inch wheels provide ample grip, the overall driving experience is more akin to a leisurely stroll than an engaging run. Disappointingly, the Hybrid Max model appears to retain the same suspension tuning as the standard Crown, which now feels inadequate for the increased power output. The chassis struggles to effectively manage the extra horsepower, making anything beyond straight-line freeway ramps feel less composed than it should. Competitors, and even the Avalon it replaces, offer a more engaging and dynamically rewarding driving experience when the roads become winding.
Value Proposition and Alternatives
The Toyota Crown Hybrid Max is not inherently a bad car, but it is undeniably underwhelming and overpriced for what it offers. The target demographic for the Crown is unlikely to prioritize the modest acceleration gains of the Hybrid MAX. For those buyers, the standard Crown, with its significantly superior fuel economy, represents a more sensible choice. Conversely, consumers willing to spend upwards of $50,000 on a vehicle will find the Crown Hybrid Max lacking compared to established luxury sedans. Alternatives like the Lexus ES offer a more refined and genuinely luxurious experience within the Toyota family. For those seeking a more engaging driving experience and distinctive style, the Genesis G80 stands out as a compelling competitor in all its configurations. While subjective, the Crown’s styling has also drawn criticism, with many finding its form factor less appealing. Toyota should be commended for venturing beyond SUVs, but the Crown Hybrid Max ultimately feels like a solution in search of a problem.
2024 Toyota Crown Platinum Hybrid Max
Price as-tested: $54,590
Pros: Quick acceleration (for a Toyota), Spacious interior
Cons: Interior quality doesn’t justify the price, Disappointing fuel economy for a hybrid
