The Sedan Reimagined: The 2023 Toyota Crown

Toyota is reintroducing the Toyota Crown nameplate to the U.S. market for the 2023 model year. Described as “the Sedan Reimagined,” the new Crown will slot in as a premium sedan offering handling, power and comfort in what the company calls a “bold, new design.” To look at it, we think it’s more SUV than sedan. Powered by a new Toyota Hybrid Max System, Napleton News has learned it’s the brand’s performance hybrid powertrain.

What’s the Toyota Crown all about?

The 2023 Toyota Crown is an all-new vehicle with a classic name. Initially introduced in 1955 as the Toyopet Crown, it was the company’s first mass-market passenger vehicle. Back then, the Crown symbolized innovation and “pushing the limit.” That’s not too far off from the goal the company espouses with Kaizen. What’s Kaizen, you ask? Kaizen means change for the better. The Crown was initially sold in the U.S. from 1958 to 1972. Through the years, there have been 15 generations of Crown models.

The 2023 Toyota Crown will be offered in three grades: Base XLE, Limited and Platinum trim levels. It rides on a newly developed Chassis known as the GA-K Platform. This chassis platform is used by vehicles like the Avalon, Camry, Highlander, RAV4, Sienna and Lexus EV. To say it’s tried and true would be an understatement.

What powers it?

Buyers have a choice of powerplants for the new Crown. The XLE and Limited models are powered by the fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS). In this case, it uses a 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motor generators. It offers the traditional Normal, ECO and Sport modes but goes further with Sport+, Comfort and Custom modes. With the custom mode, drivers can customize the settings to suit their driving tastes.

The 2.4-liter turbocharged “Hybrid Max” engine is the more impressive engine. Its power comes on at a relatively-low 2,000-3,000 rpm. It’s equipped with a front electric motor for maximum torque. The rear eAxle is equipped with a high output water-cooled electric motor that combines with the hybrid engine. All-wheel drive is sent to all four wheels. The result, according to Toyota, is thrilling!

All three trim levels come with a four-wheel drive system as standard. The XLE and Limited models feature E-Four AWD, while the Platinum grade includes E-Four Advanced AWD. The two systems can vary torque around the car from 100 percent in front to 80 percent in the rear. The Platinum gets its positive power flow via a direct shifting six-speed automatic transmission for enhanced maneuverability.

The Comfortable Cabin of the Toyota Crown.

The interior of the new Toyota Crown provides passengers with “exemplary comfort.” That means they are pulling out all the stops. Front seats are adjustable in numerous ways, while the rear seats feature sufficient bolstering and cushioning and are set up for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

From a tech standpoint, all Crown grades receive a 12.3-inch display screen where drivers can monitor vehicle operations. They can also control Navigation, communications, audio systems and driving habits. So big brother really is watching.

Limited and Platinum models include a standard panoramic moonroof which is offset by in-cabin LED lighting. The Platinum model includes a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter scan for a panoramic overhead view around the vehicle.

The GA-K platform is sealed well against noise intrusion and vibration, thanks to its use of high-strength steel throughout. There’s also sound-deadening material placed between the engine bay and cabin. A tuned suspension keeps road disturbances to a minimum, while acoustic glass blocks any extraneous sound from creeping in.

That’s not all.

The 2023 Toyota Crown also comes with ToyotaCare, the company’s complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, which comes first. It also includes two years of roadside assistance.

The new 2023 Toyota Crown goes on sale in fall 2022. Watch this space for more information as it becomes available.