In Asia and especially in Japan, the Toyota Crown has a reputation like Donnerhall. In the United States, too, Toyota has a real bestseller in the upper middle class with the long-distance Camry. The Crown was not only completely redeveloped, but is now also set to become a bestseller in the USA as a hybrid crossover. The Crown should score more in terms of design and dynamics than the previous generations; precisely in order to be able to stand up to the competition from Europe. It is positioned between the bland but successful Toyota Camry and the larger Avalon – both classic sedans.
The US customer not only has the choice between the three equipment variants XLE, Limited and Platinum, but can also decide between the two drive trains Hybrid Max and the well-known hybrid system of the fourth generation. The new Hybrid-Max drive train is offered exclusively in the platinum version and, with 250 kW / 340 hp, is particularly geared towards sporty driving performance. For this purpose, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo was combined with a six-speed automatic, which is supposed to offer the driver powerful torque even at low speeds. The Hybrid Max offers a standard consumption of 8.4 liters Super per 100 kilometers. Anyone who wants to be more economical in the new Toyota Crown relies on the equipment variants XLE and Limited, which are equipped with the well-known efficient hybrid system, which is still coupled with a nickel-metal hydride battery. The standard consumption: economical 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers. The drive is provided by a 2.5 liter four-cylinder, which transmits its engine output of 172 kW / 234 hp to both drive axles.
Traveling on Toyota’s new GA-K platform, the Crown is nearly four inches taller than the familiar Camry. In the interior, the XLE base model already comes with three selectable driving modes, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated and electric front seats and a multimedia system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and six speakers. The nobler Crown Limited offers, among other things, LED headlights, panoramic roof, air-conditioned leather seats, JBL audio system and distance sensor. In the Platinum version, the Toyota Crown also offers the powerful hybrid powertrain, adaptive suspension, six selectable driving modes, and 21-inch alloy wheels. Market launch is at the end of the year. That would perhaps also be something for the European market.
