Introduced in 2022 for the 2023 model year, the crossover-type Crown for the US market has entered the 2024 model year with a few changes to its name. First and foremost, pricing has ballooned from $100 for the XLE to $720 for the Platinum.
Are you getting anything extra for that money? In a nutshell, that’s a big fat yes. The biggest changes are found in the cabin, with Toyota gifting the Crown more soft-touch materials and warm steel-colored accents. Available on the Limited trim level, the Advanced Technology package has also been updated.
Previously comprising a digital key, 21-inch alloy wheels, and the Panoramic View Monitor 360-degree camera system, the Limited’s Advanced Technology Package now includes Front Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The latter is a semi-autonomous system that provides hands-free control of acceleration, braking, and steering on controlled access freeways at up to 25 mph (40 kph).
These items come standard in the Platinum, which also sports a different engine and transmission from the Limited and XLE trim levels. But more on that later. All three grades further get something called Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a suite of advanced safety technologies (including Rear Cross Traffic Alert).
The Platinum goes one step further with the Toyota Advanced Park System, which uses a set of sensors to identify an open parking space. If selected by the driver, the Platinum will automatically park itself in said parking space by taking control of the steering, transmission, throttle, and braking system.
Photo: Toyota
It should be noted that the Toyota Advanced Park System can handle parallel and perpendicular parking. Covered by a 36-month basic new-vehicle warranty, a 60-month powertrain warranty, and an 8-year hybrid system warranty, the 2024 model year Toyota Crown is exclusively all-wheel drive.
Both the XLE and Limited rely on a hybrid setup based around a 2.5L naturally-aspirated I4 engine. This lump is connected to an eCVT, whereas the Platinum’s 2.4L turbo I4 is joined by a six-speed automatic.
At full chatter, the XLE and Limited belt out 236 ponies. Their combined fuel economy rating is 41 miles to the gallon (that would be 5.7 liters for every 100 kilometers), which is pretty good for a declared curb weight of 3,980 pounds (1,805 kilograms). The Platinum is understandably punchier, with Toyota promising a combined 340 horsepower and 400 pound-feet (542 Nm). Capable of hitting 60 mph (97 kph) in 5.7 seconds, the heavier Platinum is good for 30 mpg (7.8 l/100 km) on the combined test cycle.
Blurring the line between a crossover and a sedan, the four-door fastback from Japan indirectly replaces the Avalon. Based on the TNGA-K platform of the Avalon and Camry, the Crown rivals the likes of the Honda Accord Hybrid. Given its relatively high starting price, the crossover-type Crown will be a much rarer sight than the Accord Hybrid. Speaking of which, Honda’s fuel-sipping sedan currently retails at $32,195.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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