Road Test: 2023 Toyota Crown Hybrid Max AWD Platinum

Road Test: 2023 Toyota Crown Hybrid Max AWD Platinum

Vintage Name Returns to the United States

The Toyota Crown has been around since 1955 in Japan, and was the first Toyota model exported in 1957 to the United States, where it was sold until 1960. Sixty-three years later and in its 16th generation, the Crown has returned to the United States as a hybrid-only “lifted sedan.” Toyota has positioned the 2023 Crown Hybrid as its flagship premium sedan, replacing the Avalon.

Hybrid Options

The 2023 Crown comes with two hybrid engine choices. The more powerful Hybrid Max, only available in the Platinum model and the one Clean Fleet Report drove, is a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with dual electric motors putting out 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The direct-shift 6-speed automatic, with paddle shifters, gets that power to the full-time electronic all-wheel drive.

The base engine, in the Crown XLE and Limited, is called THS, for Toyota Hybrid System. This 2.5-liter, non-turbocharged 4-cylinder with dual electric motors produces 184 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The electronic on-demand all-wheel drive goes through an electronically continuously variable transmission (CVT). Both engines run on 87 octane, but don’t plug in for electricity.

As the power, torque and transmissions would indicate, the Hybrid Max is quicker in 0-60 mph runs at 5.7 seconds, while the Hybrid comes in at 7.6. Having spent time driving both, the Hybrid Max is far more sporty and performance-oriented, while the THS will be more at home as a commuter and running errands in-town.

Drive Modes

The Crown Max has five driver-selectable drive modes that can make driving more efficient and fun. The mode selector, found on the center console, is conveniently located for quick changes.

• Eco is the most economical by electronically controlling the throttle and reducing the air conditioning operation to improve fuel economy
• Sport and Sport+ control the acceleration for sprightly driving, where to be when attacking mountain twisties and country curves
• Comfort controls the suspension, deferring to a softer ride
• Normal is a combination of them all, ideal for freeway cruising and in-town driving.

Fuel Economy

Toyota’s hybrid systems automatically switch between the electric drive mode, combined electric motor and gasoline engine, and gasoline-only engine power. The undetectable and seamless transitions have the more powerful Hybrid Max Platinum at 29 mpg city/32 highway/30 combined, while the Crown THS Limited and XLE fuel economy are rated at 42 city/41 highway/41 combined.

The improved performance of the Hybrid Max Platinum is the reason for that drop-off in fuel efficiency, which will be an important consideration when deciding which Crown to buy. Do you need to go fast and fill-up more, or go slower and drive further? Maybe the $12,400 price difference will come into play too.

Differences and Similarities

Our time behind the wheel driving both hybrid systems clearly showed their differences and similarities. Their similarities are that each have regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy into electric energy and stores it in the nickel-metal-hydride battery. They also both have the same power-assisted front ventilated disc and solid rear disc brakes. Those worked well for the Crown Limited and XLE, but when hustling the more sporty Hybrid Max Platinum around backcountry roads, they could have been a bit stronger and more responsive. Could the Hybrid Max Platinum, which Toyota calls its “all-new performance hybrid,” be too powerful for the brakes?

The more powerful Max hybrid system versus the base hybrid is an obvious difference, with the other being the transmissions. The Hybrid Max with the 6-speed automatic performed flawlessly and was a pleasure to drive. There was no hunting for the right gear as we wound our way through the back hills of Northern San Diego County.

The Crown XLE and Limited come with a CVT, the only transmission available. Our experience when we first drove the CVT-equipped Crown in October 2022 was its smoothness, as there is no gear shifting. When put under stress and demand, there is a noticeable droning. The CVT delivers more fuel economy, but is not as sporty as the 6-speed automatic.

So back to that $12,400 premium for the Hybrid Max Platinum. It is not only is quicker and more responsive, but it does so delivering a far more enjoyable driving experience.

On the Road

The Crown Max Platinum, weighing-in at 4,343 pounds, has adaptive variable suspension standard, so it can be set for different driving conditions and road surfaces. The ride was comfortable and smooth, making for an easy driving experience. Highway cruising and in-town driving are equally pleasant and live up to an expected Toyota driving experience.

The 2+ tons were managed by the front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars. The 21-inch, 225/45 Michelin Primacy Tour all-season tires were firmly planted around corners and nicely absorbed road imperfections with no tire slippage when taking a tight twisty more than 15 mph over the posted speed limit. The full-time electronic all-wheel drive helped the Crown Max Platinum go where it was pointed, and body roll was at a minimum and easily managed. The electric power steering was direct, but a bit light when aggressively sweeping around country lane corners.

Lifted Sedan

Toyota’s term for the 2023 Crown as a lifted sedan is technically correct, as they say it has an “elevated ride height.” With a 5.8-inch ground clearance, the Crown does ride a bit higher than the Camry at 5.7-inches. So if you are looking for a vehicle with a more commanding outlook on the road, the Crown is higher, but not as high as the SUVs Toyota sells—the RAV4, BZ4X, Corolla Cross, Venza, Highlander, Grand Highlander and Sequoia.

The Crown is an all-new design direction for Toyota, and one we like. Gone are the sharp edges and massive scoops and grilles of Toyota’s recent design style, replaced with an aerodynamic shape and flowing lines. We particularly liked the LED lighting on the nose and tail, with quad headlights and daytime running lights and a light strip along the rear lift. The sloping roofline, extending to the tiny spoiler on the deck lid, is one of the features that give the Crown a unique silhouette.

There is a choice of solid exterior colors of Black, Oxygen White, Heavy Metal, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Supersonic Red. There are also a Black bi-tone paint scheme for each of the solid colors. The very sharp Heavy Metal and Black bi-tone colors Clean Fleet Report drove drew several comments of how unique and different it was, with two people wondering why other car companies don’t offer something similar.

Welcoming Interior

The Crown Platinum has the most standard features and equipment of the three models. The heated and ventilated leather front seats were comfortable and come with 8-way power adjustments, with the driver getting lumbar. The split 60/40 heated leather rear seat can comfortably handle three adults, two for longer trips, and has a fold down center armrest with cup holders. The sloping roofline does make entering and exiting the rear seat a duck-your-head proposition. When seated, anyone over 5’ 10” will be touching the ceiling. Both are considerations if you will be chauffeuring taller passengers frequently.

The Platinum gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AM/FM and SiriusXM, with wireless phone charging, 12V/120W power outlet, and USB-C and A ports reside. If you want to give commands instead of pushing buttons, simply say “Hey, Hello, Hi, or Okay Toyota!” These commands start the process of finding new destinations in the navigation, searching for a song through Apple Music or performing functions inside the cabin.

Conveniences and Features

The Crown Max Platinum comes with a multi-function heated leather-trimmed tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cup holders, leather shift knob, dual zone automatic climate system with dust and pollen filter, rear air vents, rain-sensing windshield wipers, panoramic fixed glass roof with a power sunshade, automatic dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, heated and power outside mirrors with puddle lamps and push button start/stop.

Safety

The Crown is well-equipped with active and passive safety features and comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This system includes adaptive cruise control with lane assist, automatic front braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind spot monitor with cross traffic alert and sonar clearance and automatic high beams.

Pricing and Warranties

The 2023 Toyota Crown comes in three trim levels, with all prices including the mandatory $1,095 delivery processing and handling fee.

XLE              $41,045

Limited        $46,645

Platinum      $53,445

The 2023 Crown Max AWD Platinum Clean Fleet Report drove had $1,623 in options, for a MSRP of $55,068.

The 2023 Crown has these warranties.

• Hybrid Battery – 10 years/150,000 miles     
• Hybrid System – Eight years/100,000 miles          
• Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
• Basic – Three years/36,000 miles      
• Maintenance Plan – Two years/25,000 miles

• Roadside Assistance – Two years/25,000 miles
• Towing – No charge if inoperable due to a warranted part
• Corrosion Perforation – Five years/Unlimited miles                             

Observations: 2023 Toyota Crown Max AWD Platinum

The 2023 Crown is an all-new model for Toyota and America. The shape is unique to the market, which Toyota hopes will attract a broad range of potential buyers. Toyota sees the Crown skewing more female than male, with singles, empty nesters and marrieds without children being the key buyers.

Driving each model is the only way to decide which of the two hybrid power plants is right for your driving needs and lifestyle. Tell the Toyota sales associate you want more than a quick spin around the dealership, and need to go on the highway to test the onramp acceleration and some corners to check out the handling.

The 2023 Toyota Crown is a comfortable car with a quiet cabin and a large trunk that will handle your gear on a long road trip. Built in Aichi, Japan, the Crown is an efficient five-passenger, midsize “lifted sedan” that will appeal for commuting, in-town errands or hitting the open road.

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Story and photos by John Faulkner.

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Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.