2023 AWD Toyota Crown Hybrid First Look

The Avalon replacement looks sharp!

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – July 15, 2022

Austin, TX -- The all-new Crown arrives as a 4" taller Camry with more headroom, slightly more ground clearance thanks to taller 19 and 21" rims and tires, and more rear seat leg room…

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The Crown will include a choice of two different AWD hybrid powertrains: A 28 mpg rated 2.4L Turbo HYBRID MAX with a single clutch attached to a 6-speed AT or the Camry/Avalon/RAV4/RXh 2.5L Hybrid drivetrain with a new Bipolar NiMH pack with about the same output but at half the size. The Hybrid MAX is too inefficient but the 2.5L Hybrid at 38 mpg is just right. Anyone watching the vid notice the 0W-8 oil requirement?

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Toyota is not giving up on NiMH

Toyota's hybridizations efforts have led to the development of bipolar NiMH batteries which compared to previous generations of batteries, are both more compact and generate higher outputs.

In bipolar NiMH batteries, a cathode is applied to one side of the current collector, and an anode to the other; several of these structures are stacked together to form a battery.

Compared to non-bipolar NiMH batteries, bipolar versions consist of fewer current collectors and other parts, enabling them to be made more compact. It is possible to stack a larger number of cells in bipolar NiMH batteries than in non-bipolar NiMH batteries of the same size.

Since bipolar batteries have a greater active surface area and a simpler construction, there is lower resistance within the battery itself. This enables the flow of larger currents, leading to increased output.

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Compared to the previous-generation NiMH battery, the all-new bipolar NiMH battery delivers 1.5-times greater output per cell, and packs 1.4-times more cells in the same-sized space leading to a total output increase of approximately two-fold.

Three trims will be available including an XLE w/ Softex and fabric front seats, and acoustic glass all around.

Ltd. adds multibeam LEDs, fixed pano roof, leather heated and ventilated seats, 11-speaker JBL audio, rain sensing wipers and intelligent clearance sonar along with rear cross-traffic braking.

Platinum arrives with the MAX powertrain and would not be a personal consideration.

Seating should prove to be long drive comfortable for larger drivers.​

Safety: All trims will include TSS 3.0

A slick working vertical Qi charger is std. There is also a std. USB-Type A and 12V charging port inside the console. A separate dual USB-Type C terminal is std. on the passenger side. Two USB-Type C ports are std. in back.

By far the best wireless Qi charger solution I have ever experienced.​

Infotainment: All Crown models feature Toyota’s all-new Audio Multimedia system with a 12.3" touchscreen, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that is Over-the-Air (OTA) updatable. In the 2023 Sequoia, it worked fantastic!

Pricing and drive impressions will have to come later as this was a static reveal. The exterior has curb appeal while the interior looks and feels modern. There was enough rear seat room to fit three comfortably.

2+ inches of rear seat knee room with the driver seat setup for my 6’ frame up front.​

That wraps up the intro of the all-new Crown which the US has not seen since the early 70s. This is not your father’s Crown for sure.

The Avalon replacement looks better than the Avalon inside and out.​

#Toyota #Crown

 

Hi Luke:

It looks sharp in person and it is a bit larger than the Camry but only in the margins. Given its proportions, I wish it was a hatch as well. And the efficiency? Well, it is good in the mid-size competitive universe but the Camry Hybrid is still king.

2023 Toyota Crown Trunk


I am guessing maybe 16 to 17 cu ft.​

Wayne

 

Hi Edwin:

Yeah, I have trouble fining 0W-16 for my Prime now. Imagine searching for 0W-8! Oh, the dealer has it and an oil change will cost just $79.95.

Wayne

 

Hi Jay:

The top-of-the-line Platinum and mid-trim Limited with the Advanced Tech pkg. arrives with those damn fuel robbing 21's. Here is the Limited with the 21s as well.

2023 Toyota Crown


Tire and wheel detail.


Profile​

The standout detail is the best working wireless Qi charger I have ever experienced. It is as easy to use as a cupholder. Since it was based on a cupholder design, whoever created it deserves a raise!

Wayne

 

Hi All:

The full intro from Toyota.

Wayne

 

Hi Trollbait:

The EPA numbers have not been officially released prior to reaching dealership showrooms but from the latest release, the AWD is EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined vs the Avalon XLE at 44 and XSE/Limited at 43 mpg combined.

2023 Toyota Avalon Hybrid


Last of an era in Limited trim.​

Wayne

 

More on the Upcoming 2023 Toyota Crown

As Toyota’s all-new, full-sized 2023 Toyota Crown sedan is being readied for North America; it will be the first Toyota sedan to offer the powerful single motor Hybrid MAX System. The Crown blends Toyota’s most comfortable sedan with the company’s very latest technology all beneath a unique and good-looking design.

When the first Toyota Crown debuted in Japan in 1955, it was ahead of its time. Its appearance here in the states ended in 1972. Now, after 50 years and 15 model generations, the Toyota Crown returns with the quality, durability and reliability that are virtually synonymous with the Toyota brand

The Lifted Sedan

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Ushering in a new era for the segment, the all-new Toyota Crown breaks the mold when it comes to full-size sedans. Toyota created a versatile vehicle that can suit various tastes and complement a myriad of lifestyles — available in three different grades: XLE, Limited and Platinum, all with standard All-Wheel Drive. Whether drivers want a car that’s sleek and classic or bold and exciting, the Toyota Crown has it.

The best part? All grades offer premium comfort, style, and luxury for an elevated sedan experience. Assembled around the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TNGA-K) platform, the Toyota Crown has raised, crossover-like ride height, offering drivers improved visibility by allowing them to see over the vehicles that are lower to the road. Along with better visibility, it makes entry and exit from the vehicle easier.

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The premium features don’t stop there. Additional features work against noise intrusion to provide drivers and passengers with a quiet, cocoon-like environment that takes the driving experience to new heights. Plus, its standard Dual Zone Climate Control gives occupants the power to control their own HVAC settings, allowing them to sit comfortably with their own air. Additional standard features include 8-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats and heated front seats that can be adjusted to three levels.

Powerful Pair of Hybrid Powertrains

Adding more power to the robust electrified lineup, customers now have the choice between the new Hybrid MAX System (exclusive to the Platinum grade) or the 4th gen Toyota Hybrid System (THS).

Like the award-winning Camry HEV, Avalon HEV that the Crown will replace, RAV4 HEV/PHEV, Highlander HEV, Venza HEV, and Sienna HEV, Toyota’s 2.5L I4 mated to the brands 4th gen Hybrid System with two electric motors will power the Crown to an upgraded EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined rating. This is up from the originally reported 38 mpg combined released during the preview.

The 340 HP, 2.4L I4, single motor Hybrid MAX engine will be mated to a 6-speed AT. Given the EPA falloff to possibly as low as 28 to possibly as high as 30 mpg combined, I am hoping the Platinum trimmed Crown will be a low volume offering vs the XLE and Limited with the std. 4th gen hybrid drivetrain.

The turbo.​

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard on XLE and Limited while a full-time AWD is making its debut as standard equipment on the Platinum trim. Both provide more forward driving traction and increased stability when cornering.

State-of-the-Art Suspension System

The Toyota Crown’s suspension system features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a new method for fastening the steering gear and enabling rigid, direct handling, which reduces noise and vibration. The newly developed multi-link rear suspension helps create a faster response to drive torque.

The AWD system includes Active Cornering Assist which helps the stability control to reduce understeer.

Advanced Multimedia

Along with the exteriors curb appeal, the biggest news imho is the all-new infotainment system. For years you have read my rants about the 1 to 2 generations back infotainment systems offered in all new Toyota’s and Lexus automobiles. Starting with the all-new 2023 Sequoia, Toyota’s all-new Multimedia System closed the gap and, in some instances, surpassed its American and Korean competitors. Meaning AA and ACP not only work wired but the wireless AA and ACP work even better! A standard 12.3” touchscreen adds to its capabilities.

The Toyota Crown also comes with a multitude of free trials, including a SiriusXM Platinum Plan for three months, and Safety Connect and Service Connect trials. Safety Connect puts help at the driver’s fingertips. It has an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator and Collision Assistance. Service Connect makes car maintenance easier by providing drivers with vehicle health reports, maintenance alerts and other reminders.

A Panoramic roof adds to its luxurious appeal.​

Crown Safety and Parking

The Toyota Crown will arrive with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, designed with features to help protect drivers and passengers.

In other models, the TSS 3.0 Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection works as good as any other OEMs safety assistance equipment. It’s designed to detect a vehicle or pedestrian while providing audio and visual alerts and automatic braking in certain conditions. Blind Spot Monitoring helps detect and warn drivers of a vehicle approaching or positioned near or in adjacent lanes.

The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is designed to improve lane control with the assistance of Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist. It is designed to notify drivers with audio and visual alerts if the vehicle is leaving its lane without indication of a turn signal. The Lane Tracing Assist can also help keep the vehicle centered in its lane when detecting lane markers or a vehicle ahead.

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Driving the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia and Lexus RX so equipped, the system is both smooth and transparent.

When backing out of a parking space or drive, the Rear Cross Traffic Alert detects a vehicle approaching from either side and alerting the driver with a visual and audible warning. The Rear Seat Reminder can also notify drivers when a rear door was opened after the vehicle has been turned on, with a reminder message in the instrument cluster after the engine is turned off, accompanied by multitone chimes.

For Platinum-grade owners, the Advanced Park system is standard. Drivers can say goodbye to wasted time searching for an empty spot. This handy sensor is designed to identify an open parking space, control the steering wheel, shift, accelerate and brake for easy hands-free parallel or reverse/forward perpendicular parking.

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With all these features and amenities, the Toyota Crown is ready to start a new story in North America and who knows, it may become an icon here like its namesake is around the world.

Wayne