When Toyota’s Avalon was introduced as the carmaker’s largest new sedan back in 2004, it was revered for its luxury, size, and value. After personal experience due to my family owning one, it lasted a memorable 230,000 miles with virtually no issues. After almost two decades, this model was discontinued largely due to the popularity of SUVs, but a Toyota sedan comparable to the Avalon called the Crown has arrived in 2023 with an impressive debut. Owners will appreciate its attractive exterior, amenities, a smooth ride, higher seating platform, and stellar fuel economy thanks to the hybrid powertrain. The Crown comes in three trims—XLE, the reviewed Limited, and high-end Platinum.
Presented in a prominent “Supersonic Red” premium paint, it complements the sedan’s other sporty physical elements, including the contrasting black grille; large, 21-inch, 10-spoked alloy wheels coming in two tones (19-inch is standard); “quad” LED daytime running lights package; rear LED lights extending fully across the rear; and panoramic roof. Overall, Toyota has made a head turner in the sedan market, for sure.
The XLE and Limited come with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine teaming with three electric motors and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Although the performance won’t have drivers white knuckling topping out at 236 horsepower, the gas stations will see less visits with a combined 41 miles to the gallon. (For more power, the Platinum boasts a Hybrid Max system, including a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder heart, pushing out 340 horses, which will hopefully be featured in Street Lines soon.)
Inside, Toyota maintains the luxury feel Avalon boasted back in the day. Passengers are sitting higher up due to the Crown’s raised platform to deliver an SUV feel and better visibility. The cabin is spacious and can fit up to five adults. The front seats are ventilated and come with 8-way adjustments, while both rows are heated, plus dual-climate control; add the ambient lighting, and panoramic roof, and you have a pampering riding experience for everyone. There is a 12.3-inch multimedia display, Apple/Android compatibility, wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, and solid JBL sound system using 11 speakers, an amp, and subwoofer.
Our review model came with the optional Advanced Technology Package, which comes highly recommended. For $2,950, the owner gets the aforementioned 21-inch wheels, panoramic view monitor, and digital key with remote access. Be sure to see the long list of safety features in the generous Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package, which comes standard, and Wi-Fi compatibility.
Ultimately, Toyota has maintained its renowned reputation for providing quality, innovation, style, and a plethora of features for a respectable value. This time, it’s a high-sitting sedan named Crown, which justly enters the automotive industry with a regal introduction.
Fuel Economy: 42 city/41 highway/41 combined
Price: The Crown Limited version is $45,550 MSRP; $50,020 including Advanced Technology Package, premium paint ($425), handling, processing and delivery as reviewed.
For more information, visit Toyota.com