Japanese automaker Toyota recently caught auto industry watchers somewhat off guard by reviving a concept that didn’t achieve great success in the past: the raised sedan. To do this, the brand decided to relaunch the Crown name, which had made a foray into its Canadian range from 1965 to 1972.
Posted at 11:45 a.m.
This Crown essentially replaces the Avalon, a full-size sedan that sits above the Camry in Toyota’s organization chart and used to be a sales figure. Its crossover configuration closely inspired by a sedan is very similar to that of the Honda Crosstour marketed from 2010 to 2015. One thing is certain, this new entry from Toyota is significantly more assertive in terms of design than the latter, which should undoubtedly make it more desirable in the eyes of potential customers.
A taller Camry
Based on the TNGA-K modular platform shared with many models, including the mid-size Camry sedan, this Crown is very close to the dimensions of the latter. Essentially, it is 9.5 cm higher, practically the same length and gains 2.5 cm on the wheelbase side.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
2023 Toyota Crown
Hybrid mechanics on the menu
True to form, Toyota is building its powertrain offering around hybrid engines that are technically very similar to what’s found under the hood of the latest-generation Lexus RX.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
The interior of the 2023 Toyota Crown
As standard (XLE version), the Crown will be entitled to a 2.5 L four-cylinder supported by two electric motors, including one at the rear, for a total power of around 236 hp. It therefore advances with an all-wheel drive that can send up to 80% of the torque to the rear to sharpen road handling. It consumes 6.2 L/100 km according to the manufacturer’s estimates.
The Limited and Platinum liveries are based on a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder also supported by two electric motors. In its case, 340 hp is produced with the same torque transfer capability as the standard powertrain. Average consumption is estimated at 8.4 L/100 km.
The Toyota Crown will arrive in Toyota dealerships later this year as a 2023 model. It will be interesting to see what its pricing strategy will be.