I recently had the opportunity to test-drive the 2023 Toyota Crown Limited. This hybrid, all-wheel drive, full-size sedan had my curiosity piqued from the moment I laid eyes on it. With its Supersonic Red exterior premium paint, it’s safe to say the Crown is not your average family car. This beauty is designed to turn heads, and it does just that with its somewhat flashy, sportback design.
What makes the 2023 Toyota Crown even more intriguing is its return after a 51-year hiatus in the U.S., where it reclaims the throne from the beloved Toyota Avalon as the family-friendly full-size sedan. But this isn’t just a comeback; it’s a transformation aimed at appealing to sedan lovers and even those considering compact SUVs in a market rapidly shifting towards bigger, vehicles.
As a shorter driver, I appreciated the Crown’s lifted frame, offering a generous 5.8″ ground clearance, providing a commanding view of the road. Moreover, all Toyota Crown trims are hybrid and all-wheel drive, catering to the eco-conscious and East coasters like me who face snowy winter months.
What I Loved About the 2023 Toyota Crown
The first thing that struck me about the 2023 Toyota Crown was its unique appearance. It raises a pertinent question: is it a sedan or a compact SUV? With its Supersonic Red exterior and elegant bronze-colored trimming across the dash, it truly stands out. The black leather-trimmed seats are not only comfortable but can be 8-way power adjusted to suit any trip, whether short or long. The Limited trim I test-drove had a total MSRP of $50,020.
I loved the ability to raise the seats, providing a crossover-like visibility thanks to the Crown’s raised roof. It offered a seat height that facilitated a smooth transition from sitting to standing. The Crown also comes equipped with the following:
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver aid suite
- a pedestrian detection system and
- a 360-degree camera system that’s next level.
The camera automatically engages when stopped at a red light, ensuring safety in case a pedestrian or another vehicle comes too close. The system now even recognizes motorcyclists and guardrails, adding an extra layer of security.
The automatic rain-detecting windshield wipers saved the day when we unexpectedly encountered torrential rain on our way to the Montauk Lighthouse. The ability to hide LATCH anchors with snap-on covers and the option for auto start and heated and ventilated front seats make the Crown a family-friendly choice.
The Crown drives like a small SUV but with swifter agility. It offers a quiet cabin that, except for the occasional sibling squabble, allows you to enjoy your favorite Sirius XM radio stations over the impressive 11-speaker JBL sound system. I couldn’t help but compare it to my current SUV, where ground noise is much more pronounced. The panoramic fixed glass roof is a delightful addition, although I’d prefer it if it could be slid open. It strikes a perfect balance between enjoying fresh air and keeping my toddler content during our rides.
Tech to Love in the Toyota Crown
The 2023 Toyota Crown doesn’t skimp on tech features. A 12.3″ touchscreen makes maneuvering the entertainment system and accessing car settings a breeze. The Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging ensures your devices never run out of juice. LED front and rear reading lights and a cargo area light are a blessing when you need to keep your toddler entertained during long rides. Plus, there are plenty of charging ports, including four USB-C charge ports (two in the front and two in the rear) and one USB-A charge port in the front console. No more worries about tangled charging cords.
Over-the-air Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mean you don’t have to hassle with connecting your phone via cords, keeping your ride clutter-free.
Interior Comfort for Going Places Beyond Daily Errands
The Toyota Crown’s interior is all about comfort and convenience. The fixed panoramic roof (available on Limited and Platinum trims) provides a unique, airy feeling. The heated front and rear seats (on Limited and Platinum trims) make chilly mornings more tolerable. The heated steering wheel is a dream during the winter months.
Impressive Cargo Space
With 15.2 cubic feet of cargo space and 60/40-split-folding rear seats, the Crown can easily accommodate all your family’s essentials. It fit our toddler’s stroller, her balance bike, and a bag of swag from an event. The multiple ways to open the trunk make accessing your cargo a breeze.
- including a button on the dashboard
- a remote key fob
The Crown is also equipped with seven cupholders (two in the front, two in the rear, and two front-door cupholders and one rear bottle holder), ensuring everyone stays hydrated.
Keeping Our Most Precious Cargo Safe
The 2023 Toyota Crown doesn’t compromise on safety, especially when it comes to our most precious cargo. It offers LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) with lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats. The Rear-Seat Reminder is a vital feature that helps reduce the risk of children being accidentally left in the car. The Safe Exit Assist feature is a lifesaver for forgetful teens, preventing collisions between an occupant’s opened door and an approaching vehicle or cyclist.
Toyota Crown Power and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the 2023 Toyota Crown offers two powertrains to cater to different preferences. The Limited trim I drove is equipped with a 236-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. It is EPA-rated for up to 41 mpg combined, factoring in city and highway driving. The XLE trim shares the same powertrain. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate fewer trips to the gas station. Meanwhile, the Platinum trim boasts a 340-hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, with an EPA rating of 30 mpg combined.
Toyota Crown Trims and Cost
The 2023 Toyota Crown comes in three trims. Each has its own unique set of features to cater to various needs and budgets. The base 2023 Toyota Crown XLE starts with a reasonable MSRP of $39,950. This price makes it an accessible choice for those looking for a full-size family car. The trim level I test-drove, the 2023 Toyota Crown Limited, has a base MSRP of $45,550. You can enhance it with the Advance Technology package, which includes
- 21″ 10-spoke dark metallic alloy wheels
- Panoramic View Monitor
- Remote Connect with Digital Key Capability, for an additional $2,950.
With a $1,095 delivery fee, the total MSRP for the Limited trim with the package stands at $50,020, offering an excellent value for its range of features. Finally, there’s the 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum, starting at $52,350. More money means more power, with a slight trade-off in fuel economy.
Who is The Toyota Crown For?
The 2023 Toyota Crown is for those who appreciate large sedans but may be on the fence about transitioning to an SUV. It’s for individuals like me who prefer the higher seating position of an SUV for enhanced sightlines and visibility. If you’re a family of four or more, the Crown offers the space, comfort, and technology to make your daily errands and long journeys a breeze. Whether it’s the sleek design, tech-savvy features, or its dedication to safety, the 2023 Toyota Crown is the perfect choice for families on the move.
The 2023 Toyota Crown represents the ideal family car, balancing style, performance, and safety. It caters to the evolving automotive market while retaining the charm and practicality of a full-size sedan. So, if you’re in the market for a vehicle that can accommodate your family’s needs without compromising on style or innovation, the 2023 Toyota Crown deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Learn more about the Toyota Crown here: https://www.toyota.com/crown/
Disclosure: Toyota provided the car for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Kim is a Black millennial, working full-time in managed healthcare, all while juggling the roles of a wife and a hands-on mom to her two daughters, her rainbow babies. She is the proud owner of Beauty and the Bump NYC, a platform where she shares her perspective on all the things that bring joy to her life: family, travel, cars, food, and more.
Recognizing the need to create a dedicated space for her automotive content, Kim established WhatDrivesKim.com. Here, fellow millennial moms can find authentic and valuable insights into all things car-related. Kim’s goal is to provide the real deal on cars, helping moms make informed decisions about their vehicles.
As a contributor to A Girl’s Guide to Cars, Kim extends her passion for cars by offering helpful tips and car reviews from the unique perspective of a modern working mom. With Kim, you can trust that you’re getting practical and relatable advice about the world of automobiles.
