The 2024 Toyota Crown arrives as the brand’s new sedan flagship and we tested the top-line Platinum trim grade that comes with the most powerful of its two hybrid powertrains. With all-wheel drive and turbo power it promises fun and efficiency at the same time.
We’re getting ahead of the dot though, this is a full-sized sedan – a cruiser much in the same vein as the departed Toyota Avalon. The big difference here is how tall it is. Buyers like taller vehicles now, they like the seating height. So it’s tall and styled with tricks and schemes to try and mask that fact.
The rear roofline is fastly raked like an SUV coupe or a grand tourer but there is a traditional trunk hiding back there. The rear window line sweeps all the way back to elongate its look to the eyes but it still likes disproportionately tall depending on the angle. As a nod to it’s crossover SUV lean, it has black plastic cladding around its wheel arches and lower rockers. The face mimics much of the rest of the Toyota line with crisp features and sparklingly detailed LED headlamps.
The Platinum trim comes with the powerful new HybridMAX powertrain from the brand which features a new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a conventional six-speed transmission. Between them is an electric motor and an additional electric motor sits at the rear-axle giving it all-wheel drive.
The combination brings 340 horsepower and 400 pound feet of torque which moves the Crown from 0-60 in about 5.7 seconds. Power comes on strong and without delay, the transmission shiftable with paddles on the steering wheel. It’s a much more involving drive experience than the standard hybrid with its rubber band ECVT driving feel.
All the power does come at a price though, it’s not as efficient as the less exciting base powertrain. Here you get 29 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined according to the EPA. In our week with it however we only bested 24 mpg. Not exactly hybrid dreams.
Handling is what you would expect here, a floating and quiet oasis from the trivialities of driving. It measured 55.9 dB on our 70 mph highway test, so very hushed inside. Even with its 21-inch wheels it manages a stable and comfortable ride.
It does however have the adaptive variable dampers tied to its drive modes so you can stiffen it up for a back road romp or two. It doesn’t turn into a go-kart but it becomes more driver-centric to be sure. The only downside is that the chassis can lose its composure over rough surfaces, much to be blamed on those low profile tires and 21-inch wheels.
Inside, the cabin features a full list of features and comforts. Here are leather seats both heated and ventilated up front, heated at the rear. A dual screen digital dash impresses with all of its features and capabilities, a JBL 11-speaker sound system is there too. Overhead is a panoramic glass roof panel but it is fixed glass, not opening section.
While the interior was comfortable enough and checked most of the boxes it felt less than “flagship” with its austere lackluster design sensibilities. Perhaps a contrasting color combination might help, but it still feels really like an up-sized Corolla. They can do better here.
All-in most Toyota buyers will appreciate the size and comfort here along with the reliability and hybrid efficiency that can be had. Think of it like a Toyota Prius that’s been scaled up. If you want SUV capability the new Toyota Crown Signia which is based on the sedan is on the way shortly
Key Specifications:
As Tested Price: $54,590
Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline 4, port/direct fuel injection
Transmission: 6-speed automatic hybrid w/integral electric motor
Drive Type: Hybrid AWD w/ rear electric motor unit
Hybrid Battery: Nickel-metal hydride
System Horsepower: 340
System Torque: 400
EPA Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, 30 mpg combined
Observed Fuel Economy: 24 mpg
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds (manufacturer)
Length: 196.1”
Width: 72.4”
Height: 60.6”
Wheelbase: 112.2”
Ground Clearance: 5.8”
Curb Weight: 4343 lbs
Towing Capacity:
