Buyer’s Guide: 2023 Toyota Crown Reinvents the Modern Sedan

The 2023 Toyota Crown is a newcomer for the 2022-23 model years, and it’s a breath of fresh air in a market that’s recently seen the decline of the four-door family car. With sharp, angular styling up front and three trim levels targeted on a very diverse range of people looking to buy a new car, the Toyota Crown is a serious contender for the best sedan of 2023. If you were a big fan of the Avalon, rest assured that the nicely crafted newcomer, the Crown, will satisfy your love and longing for the Avalon.

Trim Packages

Toyota has rolled out a surprising new offering for the 2022-23 model years. The new Toyota Crown is a family car that’s offered in three trim levels: XLE, Limited and Platinum. All of these seat five and come with standard all-wheel drive. Multiple styles are on offer for each trim level, with a few premium packages available for each option.

XLE

The XLE is Toyota’s entry-level option in the 2023 model year. The base MSRP is just $39,950, which keeps this option within the reach of younger families looking to buy a new car or to upgrade from their Camry. Cloth seats are standard on the XLE, as is the electronically controlled continuously variable
transmission (ECVT).

Limited

Limited takes the experience up a notch for drivers with standard leather interior and an advanced tech package that includes a panoramic view monitor and digital 7-key capability, though this is an optional subscription feature. The Limited debuts at an inventory price of $45,550, which puts it near the center of the 2023 new car market.

Platinum

The Platinum models offer much higher power and a more responsive Direct Shift-6AT six-speed automatic transmission that replaces the CVT on the other trims. 21-inch 10-spoke wheels and a luxury interior create a real premium feeling on the Platinum’s six style packages. Be prepared to invest in a Platinum, as the MSRP starts at $52,350.

Engine Options

All three of the 2023 Toyota Crown packages come with a hybrid powertrain, with both the XLE and Limited sharing the 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s good for 236 hp. The top of the line Platinum models get a Hybrid Max configuration, which puts a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder under the hood for a massive 340 hp. Those are Ford Mustang numbers, which the trusted Toyota car designers have seen fit to put in a four-door family saloon.

Fuel Economy

XLE and Limited models are rated to 41 mpg. The turbocharged Platinum powertrains are less impressive for fuel economy, getting just 30 mpg.

What’s the Bottom Line?

Toyota has surprised the family car market with a lineup of sedans that feel like luxury cars and drive like sports. If you need a top-rated safety vehicle that seats five and roars like a happy tiger on tight curves, you could do a lot worse than the 2023 Toyota Crown.