The 2023 Toyota Crown offers buyers something they’ve not seen since the Subaru Outback Sedan faded from the market. Like an SUV, the Crown sits high and comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). Like a sedan, the Crown features a trunk, although its rakish roof and rear end sure make it look like a hatchback.
Toyota offers a choice of two hybrid engines spread over three trims. The Crown XLE and Limited derive power from a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors (one in front and one at the rear wheels) for a combined output of 236 horsepower.
The top-line Platinum trim ups the ante with the Hybrid Max engine, which consists of a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine paired with two electric motors and a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission. The Max Hybrid’s combined output totals 340 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to propel this nearly 4,300-pound sedan to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds yet still attain a 30-mpg EPA combined fuel economy rating.
With an ever-shrinking sedan market, the Crown doesn’t have much in the way of competitors. Those looking to cross-shop it with similarly priced non-hybrid cars might look to the Nissan Maxima or Kia Stinger.
Crown XLE
Starts at $39,950 | See listings
- 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain with 236 horsepower
- CVT automatic transmission
- AWD
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- 6-speaker audio system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- LED headlights and taillights
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
- Adaptive cruise control
- Four USB-C ports
- One USB-A port
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 safety suite
- Blind-spot monitor/rear cross-traffic alert
- See more
Crown Limited
Starts at $45,550 | See listings
- Leather upholstery
- Panoramic fixed-glass roof
- Ambient LED interior lighting
- 11-speaker JBL audio system
- Heated and vented front seats
- Heated rear seats, steering wheel
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Reverse automatic braking
- Rain-sensing wipers
- See more
Crown Platinum
Starts at $52,350 | See listings
- Turbo 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain with 340 horsepower
- 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
- Adaptive suspension
- Panoramic View Monitor
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Digital Key
- Heated leather-trimmed steering wheel
- Optional two-tone exterior paint
- See more
2023 Toyota Crown XLE: $39,950
The XLE comes with a 2.5-liter hybrid engine and a CVT transmission. Toyota’s Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive is standard. Selectable driving modes for Normal, Eco, and Sport allow the driver more say in how the car performs.
The XLE’s stylish exterior includes 19-inch alloy wheels, Smart Key keyless entry with touch sensor front-door handles and trunk release, bi-LED projector high- and low-beam headlights, and power-folding heated side mirrors.
Acoustic noise-reducing glass is used for the windshield and front door glass, helping keep things a bit more Lexus-like inside the cabin.
Although the rakish rear might have you thinking the Crown is a hatchback, it has a trunk, which means the rear glass doesn’t include a wiper/washer.
The XLE’s interior exudes sophistication, highlighted by the two 12-inch color display screens, one for the instrument cluster and one for the multimedia system.
The digital multi-information gauge cluster includes configurable screens for speed, hybrid powertrain operation, vehicle functions, and the optimal amount of throttle input when striving for maximum fuel economy.
Among the XLE’s more notable standard equipment are 8-way power and heated front seats, driver’s seat power lumbar support, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a wireless charging pad.
The XLE’s seats and covered in SofTex (synthetic leather) with cloth inserts, and the cabin includes a total of five USB charge ports: two USB-C in front, two USB-C in the rear, and one USB-A port in the front console.
Toyota’s latest multimedia system comes standard and includes a 6-speaker audio system, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus SiriusXM satellite radio. Toyota Connected Service further expands the system, allowing buyers to get over-the-air updates, add a personal assistant, upgrade to cloud-based navigation, and more.
On the safety front, the Crown comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0, a suite of driver safety systems that includes forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, intersection assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and lane-departure warning with steering assist.
Also included are adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, and lane-keeping assist, which keeps the vehicle centered in its lane when using the adaptive cruise control.
Proactive Driving Assist operates with gentle braking and steering inputs that help center the Crown while keeping it a safe distance from vehicles around it.
All Crown models come standard with ToyotaCare, which covers scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles. The Crown’s warranty coverage includes a 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive plan and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain plan.
Hybrid components are covered from defects for eight years or 100,000 miles, while the battery has a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.
With the $1,095 destination fee, the 2023 Toyota Crown XLE costs $41,045. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $775. See 2023 Toyota Crown XLE models for sale near you
2023 Toyota Crown XLE includes:
- All-wheel drive – With a second electric motor at the rear axle providing about 53 horsepower, the Crown XLE’s on-demand AWD setup delivers spritely off-the-line acceleration and year-round driving confidence.
- 12.3-inch touchscreen – The standard 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen makes it easy to navigate through the numerous media options using easy-to-read screens that quickly respond to commands.
- TSS 3.0 – Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes a suite of sophisticated driver-assist systems that help the Crown avoid accidents.
2023 Toyota Crown Limited: $45,550
The Limited builds off the XLE, sharing the same hybrid engine and CVT while adding a few more features we think make its higher price worth every penny.
Moving to the Limited trim brings rain-sensing wipers, quad-LED headlights, and a fixed dual-pane glass moonroof with a power sunshade. The Smart Key system gets upgraded to operate on all four doors.
The Limited’s cabin is upgraded with leather upholstery and includes heated and ventilated front seats, a heated rear seat, and a heated steering wheel. Ambient LED lighting also comes standard, providing illumination for the Crown’s footwells, interior door handles, cup holders, and USB ports.
An 11-speaker JBL audio system replaces the XLE’s 6-speaker unit, while the safety systems get upgraded with front and rear parking sensors and reverse automatic braking.
Optional on the Limited is the Advanced Technology Package, which adds 21-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, and Toyota Digital Key that turns your smartphone into a key.
With the $1,095 destination fee, the 2023 Toyota Crown Limited costs $46,645. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $880. See 2023 Toyota Crown Limited models for sale near you
2023 Toyota Crown Limited includes:
- Ventilated front seats – By sending cooling air throughout the seat, these seats help you stay comfortable and dry on hot days.
- JBL Audio – The Limited’s JBL audio system features an amp, 10 speakers, and a powered subwoofer. It’s a vast improvement over the stock system and a must-have for music lovers.
- Digital Key – Toyota’s Digital Key allows access to the Crown via an app. As you approach, the vehicle recognizes the encryption key, enabling you to unlock, start, and drive the car. You can also share the key with friends or family members, granting them access to your vehicle.
2023 Toyota Crown Platinum: $52,350
The top-of-the-line Platinum differs significantly from the other two Crown trims due to its Hybrid Max powertrain. The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, 6-speed transmission, and Full-Time Electronic AWD drive electric motors boost horsepower and performance substantially, although fuel economy takes a measurable hit.
Along with the power upgrade, the Platinum adds a variable adaptive suspension that adapts to changing road conditions and driving characteristics. In a nod to the Platinum’s performance image, Toyota equips it with six selectable drive modes, including a Sport+ mode that sharpens throttle response and delivers maximum torque for jackrabbit-fast acceleration.
In addition to the Limited’s features, the Platinum adds a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, unique 21-inch wheels, and the Advanced Park self-parking system.
Optional only on the Platinum is a two-tone paint treatment that covers the hood, roof, rear deck, and surrounding taillight trim in gloss-black paint. We admit it’s a polarizing look, but one that will turn heads.
With the $1,095 destination fee, the 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum costs $53,445. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,009. See 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum models for sale near you
2023 Toyota Crown Platinum includes:
- Hybrid Max– The Platinum’s upgraded turbocharged gas engine and more powerful electric motors give the Crown better performance, making it feel more like a pure EV than a hybrid.
- Advanced Park – The Platinum’s self-parking system takes the guesswork out of parallel or perpendicular parking by automatically operating the shifter, steering, accelerator, and brakes.
- Panoramic View Monitor – With cameras on all four sides, the Panoramic View Monitor can display an image at any point adjacent to the car or create a bird’s-eye 360-degree top-view image.
