This week we are looking at the all-new flagship sedan of the Toyota brand, the Crown. This is not a new nameplate to Toyota; they have sold the Crown in other countries since 1955.
2023 Toyota Crown Platinum
Exterior
The looks are stunning, and this car has attracted attention everywhere I’ve been. This is the top-of-the-line Platinum edition, but you can drop down to the XLE or Limited.
I love the unique two-tone paint scheme, the multi-LED headlights, the 21” wheels, and if you notice, the Crown sits up really high for a sedan.
Powertrain
Let’s talk about what’s under the hood. This is the hybrid max, which features a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, aided by two electric motors, one in front and one in back. This makes it full-time all-wheel drive. The numbers are impressive: 340-horses and an incredible 400 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a conventional 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Interior
When you enter the cabin, it has the feel of a Lexus, with soft leather heated and cooled seats that are slightly bolstered. They are large and super comfortable.
Hit the start button to illuminate a 12.3” gauge cluster that you can configure and gives you all sorts of useful information.
Mid-dash is another 12.3” multi-media touchscreen that houses the JBL audio, navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, settings, and a cool screen to show you the energy flow, to maximize the hybrid system.
The center console has a terrific cell phone charger that has a fan in it to keep your phone cool. There are also two cup holders, the auto brake hold, USB ports, and a soft center glove box that opens from both sides.
This is also where you change the drive modes. You can choose custom, Sport S Plus, Sport S, Normal, Comfort, and Eco. Each mode appears on the gauge cluster and changes the gauges.
Back seat room is spacious and those riders get their own air vents, more USBs, and a pull down armrest with cup holders. Leg and headroom are both very generous.
Trunk space is massive, but if you need more, the back seat folds down easily from pull handles in the trunk, and underneath is an actual spare tire.
Standard Equipment
This Platinum comes fully equipped with dual power seats, a huge fixed panoramic moon roof with power cover, heated steering wheel and heated back seat.
Safety
It also has Toyota Safety Sense, which includes pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.
Ride and Drive
The ride in the Crown is exceptional thanks to the adaptive suspension, and the higher stance gives it amazing visibility. For people who actually prefer a sedan but find an SUV easy to get in and out of, this may be your answer.
Acceleration is amazing for a car this large, yet fuel economy is great, too. It is rated at 29 city and 32 highway.
What You'll Pay
Total MSRP is $54,654 as you see it here, which I find to be an exceptional value.
Verdict
Make no mistake, although this is a Toyota, it IS a luxury car, and one of the best values I’ve seen in a while.
- What I liked most: Everything, especially the value.
- What I would change: It should have a power trunk closer.
- MSRP: Base price $52,350/Total MSRP $54,654 with transportation.
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Fuel Economy: Rated at 29 City/32 highway/30 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 1,100 miles.
- Weight: 4,250 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Compact Spare Tire.
- Length-Width-Height: 196.1" long/72.4" wide/60.6" high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons with fuel filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Bronze Age & Black.
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds.
- 2023 Crown in a few words: An outstanding luxury sedan that represents tremendous value, and a terrific ride and drive.
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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.
- Final Assembly Location: Aichi, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota
