2023 Toyota Crown Platinum test drive review

Lest you’re thinking, “Toyota Crown? That sounds like a made-up car,” let us explain. The Crown has actually been around for a long time, especially in Japan. There it is the aspirational car, the one that everyone wants. It’s been absent from our shores for a few decades, with the Avalon standing in its stead as the American Toyota flagship. The Avalon is now dead (RIP) and the Crown has made its grand entrance back on American soil — and boy are we glad it's here.

The Crown is unlike any other car on the road today. Not quite a sedan, hatchback nor an SUV, the high-riding Crown is its own thing, and we — and everyone else— love it. It’s stylish, powerful, comfortable and luxurious, especially in the top-tier Platinum trim. Shop 2023 and newer Toyota Crown models on KSL Cars

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Price and value

The MSRP range for the 2023 Toyota Crown is $39,950-$52,350. Our Platinum tester, which had a few additional options like premium paint and puddle lamps, totaled $55,217. It is available in three trim levels, with a suite of standard features that includes heated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Some of the major differences in trim levels are noted below. 

• XLE: $39,950 See listings

12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

All-wheel drive

Bi-LED headlights

• Limited: $45,550 See listings

11-speaker JBL stereo

Panoramic fixed sunroof 

Quad-LED projector headlights

• Platinum: $52,350 See listings

21-inch alloy wheels

340 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged hybrid engine

6-speed automatic transmission

While the Limited is an excellent value, the appeal of the 340-horsepower turbocharged hybrid motor is certainly alluring. We really enjoyed the style and power of the Platinum and feel it is worth the $7,000 splurge.

Toyota offers a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid component warranty. It also offers complimentary maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles. Shop 2023 and newer Toyota Crown models on KSL Cars

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Performance

We’re glad Toyota sent us the Platinum model with its powerful Hybrid Max motor, because we thoroughly enjoyed it. The Toyota Crown, in any of its trims, is not a sports car. Instead, its intentions are much more laid back and subdued. The suspension and steering have been tuned for a relaxing ride rather than backroad shenanigans. However, it still can be fun and engaging, especially when indulging the power in Sport S and Sport S+ modes.

Engine

As with several of Toyota’s current offerings, the powertrain is a standout here and a true joy to exercise. The 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid motor produces 340 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque — plenty to have a little fun with. You’re never wanting for power here, and dipping into that torque curve never gets old.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Fuel efficiency

One of the best things about the Platinum Crown’s robust hybrid power plant is that it doesn’t sacrifice fuel economy. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates 29 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg combined. In our week of real-world testing, we averaged just over 30 mpg. Not bad given the heft and power of this royal beast! Shop 2023 and newer Toyota Crown models on KSL Cars

Drivetrain

All Crowns are all-wheel drive, but not all have a 6-speed automatic transmission — that’s reserved for the Platinum trim. Toyota says this contributes to a slightly more sporty driving experience than the standard continuously variable transmission, and we agree. The all-wheel drive kept grip, and we imagine it would do quite well in the snow with some winter tires.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Acceleration and handling

The Platinum Crown moves with purpose. Car and Driver clocked in from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, which is probably a bit faster than the Crown’s target demographic is used to traveling. Handling is pleasant. Dial it into Sport S+ mode and the steering gets so heavy that it almost becomes a different car.

Braking

The Platinum Crown weighs 4,338 pounds, which is a tad on the porky side. Thankfully, the brakes always felt confident and able to slow the vehicle without any drama.

Interior comfort and convenience

If there is a weak point of the Crown, it’s that the interior is a bit underwhelming. Vaunted as the pinnacle of Japanese aspirations, we were surprised at how plain — and tight — it feels. Don’t get us wrong, it is very comfortable and decently luxurious, we just expected more luxury given its nameplate and more space given its size. Regardless, four adults will fit comfortably, and we found it an excellent daily driver. It will especially appeal to customers wanting a car with easy ingress and egress. The ride height and seating position are just about perfect for effortless entry and exit. Shop 2023 and newer Toyota Crown models on KSL Cars

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Seats

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, but be warned — shoulder and head space are tight for larger occupants. Rear seat occupants have plenty of room, even long-legged adults. The heated and ventilated features also worked well and kept us comfortable, no matter our temperature preferences.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Climate control

Dual automatic climate control is always nice to have and cooled and heated in good time. The heated steering wheel kept our hands toasty warm, which we were grateful for on chilly mornings.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Cargo space and cabin storage

While there are the normal cubbies and pockets you’d expect from a vehicle this size, they’re not especially spacious. The trunk is likewise smaller than expected, with 15.2 cubic feet of storage space — less than the last generation Avalon.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Infotainment system

Toyota has done a good job of updating its infotainment screens, and that extends to the Crown. The 12.3-inch screen is large, responsive and crystal clear. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were especially welcome features. A second 12.3-inch screen serves as the digital gauge cluster and provides a clear display and several menus of information.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Exterior appearance and functionality

We drive a lot of cars and few have garnered the attention of onlookers like the Toyota Crown. People love this thing. With its slightly lifted stance, large wheels, two-tone paint job and coupe-like profile, its styling is unlike anything else on the road. It’s not quite a sedan nor a crossover, but something in the middle of the two.

Our tester was finished in eye-catching Heavy Metal with Black Bi-Tone paint. It’s a $975 option, but we think it’s worth it. Other paint schemes include Oxygen White with Black Bi-Tone, Supersonic Red with Black Bi-Tone, Bronze Age with Black Bi-Tone, Heavy Metal, Black, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Oxygen White and Supersonic Red.

Wheels

The Platinum Crown wears 21-inch wheels, which are admittedly massive. They look good though, and fit the rest of the car’s aesthetic. Despite the large wheels, the Crown does an excellent job maintaining supple ride quality and muting road and tire noise. The Michelin Primacy tires contributed a smooth, quiet ride.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Lights and turn signals

You’ll have no problem seeing at night with the Crown’s LED headlights. Our tester also was equipped with puddle lights, a nice touch that made entry and exit at night easier and more welcoming.

Cameras and side mirrors

The Platinum trim includes a panoramic view monitor that offers a 360-degree overhead view, as well as a curb view. The camera resolution was sharp and made parking this large vehicle a piece of cake.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Front and rear windshield

The Crown wears a high beltline, but visibility was pretty good nonetheless. Its higher seating position was also a plus in aiding outward visibility.

Safety

Toyota loads up the Crown with a host of standard safety and driver assistance features. Some of these include:

• Automated emergency braking

• Adaptive cruise control

• Blind spot monitoring

• Lane keeping assist

The 2023 Toyota Crown has not been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of this writing, but it was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Awards and ratings

Though the Crown hasn’t received any awards itself as yet, as a brand, Toyota was awarded the 2023 Best Resale Award from Kelley Blue Book.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Final impression

The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum is among the most unique mainstream vehicles on the market, and we love it. Its design, comfort and powerful turbocharged hybrid power plant are all very charming; we couldn’t help but really enjoy ourselves every time we got behind the wheel. If you’re considering a sedan or an SUV but want something just a little different, the Crown is your ticket. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

While all three Crown trims are well equipped, we would indulge in the Platinum trim if it were our money. The added luxury, style and 340-horsepower 400 pound-feet of torque engine is hard to say no to.

Shop 2023 and newer Toyota Crown models on KSL Cars

FAQs

Is the Crown Platinum fun to drive?

While not a sports car by any stretch, the Crown is genuinely enjoyable and even fun to drive in any of its drive modes. Don’t get us wrong, its relaxed, lovable demeanor is always present, but it also is willing and eager to hustle when asked. It’s a marvel that it rides and handles as well as it does for how heavy it is and for rolling on 21-inch wheels.

Is it good for families?

There are probably better options. While it is a large car, it’s not especially spacious inside or in the trunk. However, four regular-sized adults will be comfortable, even if it is a bit short on head and shoulder room.

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.

About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, automotive journalist and social media manager. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press where he serves on the Board of Directors. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com