The 2023 Toyota Crown: A Most Regal Sedan Returns
The Toyota Crown was absent from the US sedan market for some time. Now it makes a splashy return, with design lines, safety features and tech that impresses.
Kim S.
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It’s Back, and it’s Impressive!
You see it driving through the neighborhood and you have to stop and look. The sportback design, part sleek sedan, part sporty crossover, looks modern and fresh and hints at the premium details inside. The Toyota Crown has returned to the US after a nearly half-century hiatus.
Aimed at captivating sedan lovers and dominating the large sedan sector, it brings with it a wave of innovation and adaptability to suit the evolving automotive landscape where SUVs reign supreme.
With its lifted frame and impressive 5.8” ground clearance, the 2023 Toyota Crown proudly stands taller than its predecessor, the Toyota Avalon. The perfect height for shorter drivers like me (yes, I’m 5’2 1/2″ – and I add the half!), it offers a great view of the road ahead (even though it’s a sedan).
Beyond its commanding presence, this sedan embraces eco-consciousness and fuel efficiency with all hybrid trims. This makes it an attractive choice for those prioritizing sustainability and more money in their bank accounts. For winter warriors on the East Coast like me, the all-wheel drive capability that comes standard proves invaluable.
Related: All About the Toyota Crown
The beautiful back end of the Toyota Crown. Photo: Kim S.
The Toyota Crown Sets Hearts Racing, Outside and In
My heart races with excitement whenever I know a delivery will bring a head-turner, and the 2023 Toyota Crown Limited certainly exceeded my expectations! As soon as Toyota dropped it off for my review, I couldn’t help but think, “This looks different, and I absolutely love it!” The Supersonic Red exterior premium paint (for an extra $425) gives this sedan a vibrant, slightly flashy appearance that demands attention. The sportback design adds a touch of elegance, while the black leather-trimmed seats, with their 8-way power adjustments, ensure comfort on both short and long journeys.
During our time with the 2023 Toyota Crown, it never failed to turn heads wherever we went. People couldn’t help but whisper compliments as we passed by, and even my neighbor sent me a text expressing how much more impressive it looked in person than the photos online. The interior is equally impressive, boasting luxurious bronze-colored trimmings that adorn the dash and air vents.
Now, I bet you’re curious to know more about this exceptional sedan’s comeback after its astounding 50-year hiatus. The Limited trim, which I had the pleasure of test driving, has a total MSRP of $50,020. That price point offers a significant amount of features and capabilities. Let’s explore its safety, interior comfort, technology, and performance.
Related: So Many Reasons to Love the Toyota Avalon XSE
A roomy cabin and a higher driver’s seat made driving the Toyota Crown a breeze. Photo: Kim S.
An Abundance of Practical Features Makes You Feel Safe
From enhanced visibility and top-notch safety features to comfort and convenience for all passengers, this car has got it covered.
The 2023 Toyota Crown delighted me with its unique ability to raise the seats, akin to a crossover, granting improved visibility while driving, courtesy of the Crown’s raised roof. The smooth transition from sitting to standing due to the optimal seat height was a remarkable feature that added to the overall driving experience.
The sedan comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver aid suite, and its capabilities are truly next-level. The pedestrian detection system and the 360-degree camera system are standout features, providing an extra layer of security. I especially loved how the camera automatically activated when stopping at a red light, alerting me to pedestrians or cars approaching from behind. The camera’s clarity was impeccable, making it a valuable safety asset. Moreover, the updated pedestrian detection system now recognizes motorcyclists and guardrails, further enhancing safety on the road.
The automatic rain-detecting windshield wipers proved invaluable during a sudden downpour on our drive to the Montauk Lighthouse. Also, the ability to hide LATCH anchors with snap-on covers was a thoughtful touch that added to the car’s convenience. This would be useful when using my car for a girl’s night out, and I want to remove my daughter’s all-in-one car seat.
Car seat tethers in the Toyota Crown. Photo: Kim. S.
Interior Pleasures Found in the Toyota Crown
The 2023 Toyota Crown offers the sturdiness of a small SUV while maintaining swift and agile handling. During our drive to the Montauk Lighthouse, the automatic rain-detecting windshield wipers proved to be an invaluable feature, ensuring clear visibility during a sudden downpour. Additionally, the thoughtful touch of hiding LATCH anchors with snap-on covers adds to the car’s convenience, making it easy to remove my daughter’s all-in-one car seat when I use the car for a kid-free night out. These practical elements make the 2023 Toyota Crown even more versatile and user-friendly.
The cabin is a haven of tranquility, with an 11-speaker JBL sound system enveloping me in my favorite Sirius XM radio stations, masking any outside noise—well, except for the occasional sibling squabbles in the backseat.
While the panoramic fixed glass roof was a wonderful addition, I couldn’t help but wish for it to slide open. It struck a perfect balance between making the already roomy cabin feel even more roomy and avoiding tantrums from my three-year-old, who sometimes prefers not to ride with the windows open.
With all these nice features, the 2023 Toyota Crown has made a lasting impression on me. But we’re not done yet; in the next part, let’s dive into the technology that further elevates this sedan’s driving pleasures. Stay tuned for more!
Related: The Fabulous Toyota Crown Hybrid
Qi wireless charging is a welcome addition to the Toyota Crown. Photo: Kim S
Tech to Love in the Toyota Crown
The 2023 Toyota Crown not only delivers on performance and comfort but also excels in cutting-edge technology that enhances every aspect of your driving experience. These tech features add a touch of modernity and convenience, making the sedan a perfect companion on any journey. Here are my favorite tech features in this vehicle:
- User-friendly Touchscreen – the 2023 Toyota Crown boasts a 12.3” touchscreen, providing a user-friendly interface to effortlessly navigate the entertainment system and access essential car settings. With this intuitive setup, staying connected and entertained on the road has never been easier.
- Wireless Charging – embracing modern connectivity, the Toyota Crown offers Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging, eliminating the hassle of cords and ensuring your device stays powered up throughout the journey. The wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality take integration to the next level, allowing you to access your favorite apps seamlessly and wirelessly.
- LED Lighting – Traveling with a toddler becomes more enjoyable with the LED front and rear reading lights, creating a warm and cozy environment for reading to your little one during longer rides. Moreover, the cargo area light adds convenience when accessing belongings in the back, ensuring nothing gets left behind.
- USB Port Abundance – Say goodbye to charging conflicts with the Toyota Crown’s thoughtful inclusion of four USB-C charge ports – two in the front and two in the rear. This is in addition to the Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging, ensuring that all devices remain fully charged. Additionally, a USB-A charge port in the front console further expands charging possibilities, accommodating various devices with ease.
The mommy and mini purses fit perfectly in the back with a rear-facing car seat attached to the LATCH system. Photo: Kim S.
Convenient Access and Safety for the Kids
On road trips, drink holders are a must, and the Toyota Crown delivers on this front. With two front and two rear cup holders, as well as two front-door and one rear bottle holder, there’s plenty of space to keep everyone’s beverages within reach. This thoughtful design feature enhances comfort during long journeys.
Safety is paramount, especially when it comes to transporting little ones. The Toyota Crown’s LATCH system includes lower anchors on the outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats. If you’re like my family and only need to install one seat, the availability of three anchors ensures versatility and peace of mind for parents.
As a parent, I genuinely appreciated the Rear-Seat Reminder feature in the Toyota Crown. This essential safety feature helps prevent tragic incidents by alerting drivers to check the back seat before exiting the vehicle. It is an important reminder to ensure no precious cargo, like our little ones, is accidentally left behind in the car.
The Safe Exit Assist feature is handy, particularly when you have a hasty pre-teen like mine who might not always check for approaching vehicles or cyclists before opening their doors. This feature on the Crown provides an added layer of safety by alerting occupants when a vehicle or cyclist is approaching from behind, minimizing the risk of potential collisions or losing a door.
Related: Keep Your Teen Drivers Safe with These Features
The cargo capacity in the Toyota Crown trunk is similar to the amount in an SUV. Photo: Kim S.
Ample Cargo Capacity
When it comes to family vehicles, cargo capacity is a top concern, and the 2023 Toyota Crown certainly delivers. This vehicle not only prioritizes cutting-edge technology but also places immense importance on interior comfort and passenger safety with thoughtful features.
With a generous 15.2 cubic feet of space and 60/40-split-folding rear seats, the Crown easily accommodated all our family’s carry-on luggage and more. During our adventure, it effortlessly held our toddler’s stroller, balance bike, and a bag of goodies from our time at Sweet Suite 2023. This sedan proves to be the epitome of practicality and versatility, ideal for families on the go.
Adding to the convenience, the Toyota Crown offers multiple ways to access its cargo space. Whether it’s through the dashboard button, the remote key fob, or the option under the trunk lid, you can effortlessly pop open the trunk even when your hands are full. While the accessible opening is a great feature, some users may find the manual trunk closing inconvenient. Nevertheless, with its ample cargo space and user-friendly access, the 2023 Toyota Crown is a reliable companion for any family adventure.
Related: If You’d Like Real Big Cargo Space, There’s a Land Cruiser for You
Even with a car seat installed, there’s still lots of room for rear passengers. No fighting between siblings! Photo: Kim S.
Toyota Crown: Power and Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Crown impressively combines power and fuel efficiency across its various trims. The Limited trim, which I had the pleasure of driving, boasts a 236-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, delivering remarkable performance while remaining fuel-efficient with an EPA-rated 41 mpg combined for city and highway driving. The XLE trim offers the same engine, providing the same impressive fuel economy, which I absolutely love as it means fewer visits to the gas station every week.
For those seeking even more power, the Platinum trim offers a 340-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. While it delivers more vigor, it comes with a slightly lower EPA-rated fuel economy of 30 mpg combined.
We made it to Montauk Lighthouse! The Toyota Crown compliments it nicely. Photo: Kim S.
What Does This Car Cost?
The 2023 Toyota Crown lineup presents a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. The XLE trim starts at an attractive MSRP of $39,950. The Limited trim, which I test-drove, starts at $45,550. However, the addition of the Advance Technology package tacks on an additional $2,950, increasing the total MSRP to $48,925 (minus the $1,095 delivery processing and handling fee), which includes:
- 21” 10-spoke dark metallic alloy wheels,
- Panoramic View Monitor, and
- Remote Connect with Digital Key Capability
For those looking for the pinnacle of power and sophistication, the Platinum trim starts at $52,350. It offers an abundance of features while delivering a robust driving experience. While it may come with more power, it does sacrifice a bit on fuel economy compared to the other trims.
In conclusion, the 2023 Toyota Crown offers an array of trims to cater to diverse needs, providing a balance of power, fuel economy, and features at varying price points. Whether you prioritize efficiency, performance, or both, there’s a Toyota Crown trim to match your desires.
The panoramic fixed-glass roof in the Toyota Crown provided perfect lighting for this supermom. Photo: Kim S.
Who Should Drive the Toyota Crown?
The US remake of the Toyota Crown is a perfect choice for several groups of individuals. Firstly, it appeals to those who adore large sedans but find themselves contemplating the switch to an SUV. With its spaciousness and impressive cargo capacity, the Crown provides the best of both worlds, combining the elegance of a sedan with the practicality of an SUV. Additionally, for people like me, who prioritize the elevated height of an SUV for improved sightlines and visibility, the Toyota Crown gracefully caters to this preference with its lifted frame and 5.8″ ground clearance. Lastly, families of 3 to 5 members will find the Crown to be an ideal companion, offering ample space for passengers and cargo, ensuring comfort and convenience during all journeys. The 2023 Toyota Crown effortlessly caters to the needs and desires of various individuals, making it a top choice for those seeking a versatile and sophisticated sedan with SUV-like capabilities.
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