2023 Toyota Crown Hands-On Preview: 5 Intriguing Facts About Toyota's New Flagship

After a fifty-year absence from the North America, the 2023 Toyota Crown is set to return to our shores this fall as an all-new model.

Unlike previous Crown models, the 2023 isn’t a pure sedan, nor a conventional crossover-SUV. Instead, it blurs the line separating the two as a segment-busting sedan-crossover hybrid of sorts. A high-riding, hybrid-power vehicle with standard AWD that also has a striking design, a rich interior and a trunk.

Toyota will expand the Crown lineup later this year to include three additional models (sedan, sports SUV and large SUV). Those will be sold in other world markets, although Toyota has yet to specify which ones.

During its reveal in Austin, we had the opportunity to take a closer look at the 2023 Toyota Crown. Here, in no specific order, are five aspects we found to be most intriguing.

Perhaps the biggest above-the-fold headline is the presence of the HYBRID MAX System. This is the first time it’s being installed in a Toyota car. The powerplant is exclusive to the Platinum grade. It features a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine bolted to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It’s paired with a front-mounted electric motor and rear e-Axle equipped with a high-output, water-cooled electric motor.

Peak torque for the 2.4-liter turbo comes in at 2,000 – 3,000 rpm. Toyota estimates total system output at 340 hp with a 20:80 RWD bias thanks to the presence of E-Four Advanced AWD.

Although we have yet to drive the Crown, we’re intrigued by its AWD systems, E-Four and E-Four Advanced. Both systems use rear-mounted electric motors to drive the wheels, as opposed to a transfer case and a drive shaft. These motors deliver on-demand power to the rear wheels, with a wide variance for front to rear split depending on road conditions. More traction to the rear, for example, in dry roads, and more balanced on wet and slippery conditions.

Toyota has provided specific ratios, too. For the E-Four, standard on XLE and Limited, the front / rear ratio is variable between 100:0 and 20:80.

E-Four Advanced is standard on Platinum models. It uses a front hybrid motor to send power to the front wheels. The rear axle utilizes a rear-mounted eAxle for stable AWD performance and better acceleration, according to Toyota. The front / rear power ratio for this set-up is variable between 70:30 and 20:80. So it’s more rear-biased than E-Four. Another detail worth noting here is this system generates power through water cooling. Toyota says this system is best for maximizing torque delivery to the rear wheels.

The benefit of this system is its ability to deliver RWD characteristics regarding maneuverability, straight-line stability, enhanced cornering, and quicker acceleration. We look forward to getting behind the wheel of the Crown to experience these systems for ourselves soon.

With a name like Crown, it’s fair to expect a premium interior experience and Toyota isn’t holding back in that regard. In addition to a standard 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, all 2023 Toyota Crown grades are fitted with a 12.3-inch digital color instrument cluster which is fully configurable and a vertical wireless mobile phone charger. Dual-zone climate controls are also standard on all models, as are 8-way powered driver’s and front passenger seats which are also heated. Black Softex and fabric seating is standard on the XLE, while the Limited and Platinum grades receive standard leather.

Moving up from XLE to Limited brings a slew of additional standard features. Included are heated and ventilated front seats, 11-speaker JBL audio system (6-speaker audio is standard on XLE), rain-sensing wipers and intelligent clearance sonar with rear cross-traffic braking.

Limited and Platinum models also receive a standard panoramic moonroof and LED ambient lighting. It lights up overhead, front and rear footwells, cupholders, USB ports and door handles.

The spread of Toyota’s new multimedia interface is present in the Crown with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display that comes loaded with a wide array of connected-car tech.

Among these features is Intelligent Assistant, which is available through Toyota’s Drive Connect service. It allows users to use a simple “Hey Toyota” voice prompt to awake the system so that other voice commands can be used to search for directions, dictate text messages, find points of interest (POIs) and more.

Features such as remote engine start / stop, door look / unlock, and digital key (Platinum only) and more are available through Remote Connect which is being offering as a three-year trial on all Crown grades.

Like other Toyotas using the new multimedia interface, the Crown’s system also supports over-the-air updates for its maps and POIs, with the latter powered by Google. The system also allows for two phones to be paired at once via Bluetooth, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

One of the most striking aspects of the Crown is the availability of two-tone exterior color schemes. These are reserved for the Platinum grade only but based on the Supersonic Red and black model we saw in Austin it looks like it’ll be worth the extra cash.

For those that choose the two-tone option, the black section extends from the hood to the trunk lid. Four options will be available: Wind Chill Pearl, Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red and Bronze Age (two-tone only).

Discuss this story on our Toyota Crown Forum.

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