2024 Toyota Crown Platinum Review

This week I'm behind the wheel of the 2024 Toyota Crown - a unique vehicle that started a new design direction for the brand. The Crown nameplate returned to the lineup for the 2023 model year after a 50+ year hiatus.  I spent a brief time behind the wheel of a prototype last year.  This week afforded me more time to get to know this sedan-slash-crossover hybrid.  My test vehicle is the top-of-the-line Platinum in  a three trim lineup.

Exterior

When you see the Crown going down the road you likely don't think Toyota thanks to the fastback shape. In fact, I'd compare the elevated, fastback profile to something we might see from a German automaker.

My top-of-the-line Platinum is certainly eye-catching in a two-tone Supersonic Red/Black.  Its 21-inch 10-spoke machined alloy wheels are the largest offered on a Toyota.  

 

 

 

Platinum features include slim Quad-LED low and high beam headlights, heated power outside mirrors, puddle lights, a panoramic fixed-glass sunroof and rain sensing variable wipers.

Performance

Certainly one of the Crown's highlights is its available HYBRID MAX powertrain - the first high-performance hybrid powertrain offered on a Toyota.   It's offered exclusively on the Platinum grade. The system pairs Toyota's hybrid system with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. With 340 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, the Crown really moves.   

Interior

My model's modern black interior is on the minimalist side. For 2024, the Crown did receive updates to soft-touch materials and it also has additional warm steel-colored accents across the lineup.  However, a greater mix of textures and more polished hardware choices would add even more appeal for me.  Contrast stitching and piping throughout the vehicle is very well done.

 

 

 

The cabin is fairly roomy and while the dash is set slightly back it's not an open concept. The leather-trimmed seats are comfortable with cushiony side bolsters.  The driver and passenger seats are 8-way power adjustable plus the Platinum is equipped with three-level heated and ventilated front seats.  

The climate controls aren't haptic touch. The minimalist center console looks sleek and modern, but I can't help but feel Toyota somehow missed a chance for a floating style console. I do like how designers integrated the vertical smartphone charger and the USB-C ports.

Other Platinum standard features include dual zone climate, in-cabin LED lighting, and a nice heated leather steering wheel.

Overall, I noted a lack of window real estate for both rows, given the Crown's design, elevated height and high door panels. But a large panoramic glass roof, though not single pane,  allows more light in from above.

 

 

Legroom is good in the second row, but a warning when it comes to headroom. There's not much of it in the back row, given the combo of the stadium seating and the sloping roof.  The middle seat is also an issue for those over 5'5" inches tall. 

Platinum grade rear seat passengers get heated seats,  along with A/C vents and a cushiony drop down armrest with cupholders.  

The trunk is impressively cavernous with plenty of space along with a nice logo'd cargo mat.

Technology

Toyota's made leaps and bounds recently with its technology and the Crown surely benefits.  The fully digital driver display has nice graphics.

A 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen hosts Toyota's wonderful new audio multimedia system which is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It can also receive Over-The-Air Updates. The system is responsive and has great graphics.  The screen also houses an available Panoramic View Monitor.

 

2023 Electrified Genesis GV70 pictured.

2023 Electrified Genesis GV70 pictured.

2023 Electrified Genesis GV70 pictured.

The Crown is also equipped with Intelligent Assistant which means you can use 'Hey Toyota' to do things like turn your heated seat or steering wheel on.

The 11-speaker JBL audio system isn't a surround sound system but it's ok.

Ride and Drive

The Crown is an engaging sedan to drive with great, smooth acceleration along with responsive steering and handling. It's a different feel from the Camry due to its elevated ride height which is more crossover-than-sedan like.  Compared to the 2024 Camry,  the Crown is roughly 3 inches higher.  Its ride height also means visibility is great out the front.  

There are six drive modes to choose from: NORMAL, ECO, SPORT, SPORT+, COMFORT or CUSTOM. They're distinctly different with Sport+ delivering the most engaging ride with the tightest steering feel. Comfort or Normal would be my choice for longer road trips.

In terms of ride comfort, standard Adaptive Variable Suspension helps smooth out those inevitable bumps on the highway.  

Safety

The Crown is equipped with Toyota's most advanced driver assistance features which are terrific.  Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams and Proactive Driving Assist. Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Seat Reminder are also standard.

New for 2024, the Platinum adds standard Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist.

The Platinum also comes standard with Toyota’s Advanced Park System which performed as designed in my testing.

Options

Options include the premium paint ($425) and two-tone paint ($550) along with carpet mats ($309). 

What You'll Pay

My top-of-the-line Platinum model as equipped MSRP's for $55,449.  

Verdict

The Crown is certainly a unique fastback-styled sedan with a lot to like including its terrific, smooth acceleration. It is also sure to please those looking for elevated ride height. However, I think the challenge, for me, is the Crown's pricing.  The lineup starts higher than the Lexus ES lineup.  And this model is just slightly under the 2024 ES 300h Ultra Luxury I recently reviewed.  So I'd like to see Toyota do a little more in the cabin for the price point.

1. 1. What I Liked Most:   Smooth and powerful acceleration, exterior looks.
   2. What I would change:   Add more upgrades/textures/materials to the cabin.
   3. MSRP: Base price: $53,070. As equipped: $55,449.
   4. Fuel Economy: 29 city/32 highway/30 combined.
      
   5. Odometer reading when tested:    690 miles. 
   6. Weight:  4,250 pounds..
   7. Spare Tire:   Compact spare.
   8. Length-Width-Height: 196.1" long/72.4" wide/60.6" high.
      
      
   9. Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons with fuel filler on the driver's side.
      
      
   10. Official Color:   Supersonic Red/Black.
   11. Towing Capacity: N/A.
   12. 2024 Toyota Crown in a few words: A stylish fastback sedan with impressive acceleration and great ride height.
   13. Warranty:  3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile power train warranty, 8-year/100,000 mile hybrid warranty, 2 years free maintenance.
       
   14. Final Assembly Location:  Aichi, Japan.
   15. Manufacturer's website: Toyota