The Toyota Crown returned to America last year and the “elevated sedan” is back with a handful of updates for 2024.
The company didn’t go into many specifics, but changes appear to be focused exclusively on the interior. However, they’re relatively minor and include “updates to soft-touch materials” as well as “additional warm steel-colored accents across XLE, Limited and Platinum grades.”
Besides the minor updates, Toyota announced pricing will begin at $40,050. That’s an increase of $100 and the entry-level Crown XLE comes equipped with acoustic front glass, LED lighting units, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Review: The 2023 Toyota Crown Is A Hybrid, Hail Mary Pass For Mainstream Sedans
Moving inside, there’s a spacious cabin with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system. Other highlights include eight-way power heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a wireless smartphone charger. Buyers will also find a dual-zone automatic climate control system and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink.
The Crown comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance systems that includes Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. They’re joined by Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. The model also has a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Power is provided by a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a nickel-metal hydride battery. This setup gives the all-wheel drive sedan a combined output of 236 hp (176 kW / 239 PS) and a fuel economy rating of 42 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 41 mpg combined.
At the other end of the spectrum is the $53,070 Crown Platinum. The range-topping model has fancier headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic glass roof, and larger 21-inch alloy wheels. Customers can also get an optional two-tone paint job that is sure to turn heads.
The upgrades continue inside with a heated leather steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. Buyers will also find leather as well as an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system. They’re joined by additional safety features including Lane Change Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Advanced Park, and a Panoramic View Monitor.
The Platinum is notable for featuring a Hybrid Max powertrain, which combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with a rear eAxle. This gives the car a combined output of 340 hp (254 kW / 345 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. While the extra power is welcome, the fuel economy rating plummets to 29 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. That being said, the model is the sportiest of the bunch and this is aided by an adaptive variable suspension.