Here is the 2023 Toyota Crown - Your More “Rugged” Avalon

Say hello to the Crown, making its comeback to America as your electrified Avalon replacement.

Toyota is reviving the Crown in America as a replacement for the upscale Avalon sedan. Unlike the Avalon it’s replacing, the Crown is being marketed as more of an “SUV-ified sedan alternative” rather than an outright large semi-luxury sedan. I fully suspect this is because consumers have largely shifted away from midsize and large cars in favor of SUVs.

Also, in a change from the Avalon, the new Crown will only be offered with hybrid powertrains. The standard powertrain is a 2.5L four-cylinder with three electric motors good for 236 combined HP and an estimated 38 MPG according to Toyota. Top-trim Platinum models will have the company’s new Hybrid Max powertrain setup, also seen in the new Lexus RX, with 340 HP. Fuel economy is estimated to be 28 MPG combined in this trim. It’s also worth noting that the lower trims (XLE and Limited) will use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) while the Platinum trim will use a 6-speed automatic transmission. eAWD is standard on all trims.

The Crown's interior looks to be more luxurious than other Toyota models at first sight. Fitting, since its supposed to be an upscale replacement for the long-standing Avalon. AWD is a definite bonus as well.

In terms of tech features, the new Crown will have a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen in all trims as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging, premium leather, and premium JBL audio will all also be offered. Standard convenience and advanced safety features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and a two-year complimentary maintenance plan.

What do you think of the Crown? I think it’s interesting nonetheless, I like it. Especially with its two-tone paint schemes - I’m guessing this will only be available on the top trim. However, I’m not sure it will move the bar very much on the “sedan vs. SUV” spectrum, as individuals who want an SUV likely want an SUV for specific utility purposes vs. a car. It’s also surprising to see Toyota dropping a legacy nameplate such as Avalon instead of attaching the word “Cross” to it like they did with the “Corolla Cross”, as Toyota rarely ever rocks the boat with a new niche product like this (a la Honda Accord Crosstour flashbacks). We’ll see how the new Crown does with shoppers when it arrives in showrooms this fall and in early 2023.

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