(Toyota images)
Get ready for the all-new Toyota Crown, a new model that's going to get a big-time push from the Japanese automaker. The Toyota Crown will reside at the top of the company's sedan lineup and offer standard AWD and the choice of two electrified Toyota powertrains, including the new "Hybrid MAX" system. The Crown will be available in three versions: XLE, Limited and Platinum. The hybrid powertrains include the Hybrid MAX, or the Toyota Hybrid System (THS). Hybrid MAX is Toyota’s all-new performance hybrid that puts out a manufacturer estimated 340HP and a net 400 lb-ft. of torque. Exclusive to the Platinum grade, it pairs front and rear electric motors with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and direct shift 6-speed automatic transmission. Hybrid MAX is designed to produce strong torque at low RPM and has an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined city/highway fuel economy rating.The XLE and Limited grades are equipped with the Toyota Hybrid system that pairs front and rear electric motors with a 2.5-liter engine. This hybrid system can achieve an EPA-estimated 41 MPG combined city/highway rating. Built on Toyota’s GA-K platform (TNGA-K), the Toyota Crown features an elevated stance that comes in part from standard 19-inch or available 21-inch wheels – the largest ever equipped on a Toyota sedan. Besides giving drivers a clearer view of the road, the Crown's height also elevates the vehicle’s hip point, enabling easy vehicle entry and exit. Toyota is making a big deal about the Crown’s design, suggesting that it "throws off the conventions of the typical sedan with a side profile that flows to a broad rear end. The dynamic body style is amplified by rounded and sweeping character lines which give it a launch ready, head-turning look." Uh, maybe. On the inside, the Crown's spacious cabin has a premium feel that offers unique color combinations and available leather seating. Other stuff? A full digital display, piano key controls, vertical wireless charging port and the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system with available 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system pack in tech and entertainment. Available colors include Black, Oxygen White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Heavy Metal and Supersonic Red. A unique bi-tone paint is available on the Platinum grade, pairing black paint that extends from tip to tail, with a pairing choice of Oxygen White, Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red or an all new, bi-tone only Bronze Age color (shown). The all-new Toyota Crown will start at $39,950 for the XLE grade, $45,550 for the Limited grade and $52,350 for the Platinum grade. Toyota Crown is expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in early 2023.