Toyota is one of the biggest automakers in the world, selling millions of cars worldwide. They have built their reputation on reliability and value, delivering solid vehicles that are all but guaranteed to last. However, they have relatively recently started slowly breaking away from this rep.
There is one car in their lineup that stands above the rest, delivering luxury that hasn’t been seen from something with a Toyota badge for some time now. In fact, it is so luxurious that it is easily capable of taking on key competitors from Acura. Where they usually leave luxury to Lexus, the mainstream brand is shining.
We take a close look at the Toyota sedan that is shaking up the mid-size luxury sedan market. Exploring trims for 2025, we find out just how much it costs and how it is undercutting most of its competition. Finally, we explore what might hold it back from achieving real greatness.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and TopSpeed.
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The Toyota Crown Encroaches On Lexus’ Territory
For as long as Lexus has been on the scene, the distinction between luxury and mainstream Toyota cars has been simple. If it is luxurious Lexus sells it, if it is mainstream then Toyota sells it. However, the Crown breaks down these walls, with the mainstream brand delivering a sedan that takes on things like the BMW 5-Series or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class rather than the Honda Accord.
2025 Trims And Pricing
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
XLE |
$41,440 |
|
Limited |
$45,950 |
|
Nightshade |
$48,765 |
|
Platinum |
$54,990 |
When you take a look at the price of the Crown in the context of Toyota’s stable, its price seems a little bit absurd. However, when you compare it to other mid-size luxury sedans, it actually sits as one of the most affordable options in the segment. In fact, it undercuts options like the 5-Series by nearly $20,000. This isn’t to say that the base Crown competes with the 5-Series though. Acura doesn’t even compete in this arena.
While the base XLE Crown is easily the most luxurious four-door option from Toyota, it doesn’t quite have the chops to take on the best luxury sedans out there. It’s comfortable and packed with features, but it definitely feels like an entry-level luxury car. This isn’t a bad thing though. Climb the trim ladder, though, and you’ll find this Toyota can be as comfortable as a Lexus.
The Best Value Trim
When looking at the Crown trims on offer, we actually think that the range-topping Platinum model offers the best value for money. The rest of the Crown lineup sits in an awkward niche, being too expensive for mainstream buyers and not plush enough for genuine luxury buyers. Hence, the Platinum trim pushes the Crown over the edge and gives it the equipment it needs to be a real alternative to its cousin at Lexus, the ES.
As well as a more generous list of equipment, from high-quality materials to modern technology, the Platinum model also comes with the more powerful Hybrid MAX powertrain.
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An Interior With Much More Prestige Than The Toyota Badge Might Suggest
Close up of the infotainment screen in the 2025 Toyota Crown
One of the most important things that truly defines a luxury car is interior comfort. While plenty will get their digs in regarding the Crown’s exterior looks, it really is what is inside that counts. Every model comes pretty well-equipped, with tons of desirable features. However, it’s the top-spec Platinum model that will really get you excited for your daily commutes.
Comfort And Cargo
The interior of the Crown is extremely contemporary, taking some design cues from Lexus models, but also setting its own standards. The one thing that we will admit feels a little out of place is the steering wheel, which takes you out of the theater with a somewhat more mainstream design. Otherwise, the Crown’s cabin seems like a fantastic place to find yourself.
The Platinum model comes standard with eight-way power-adjustable front seats. These seats are upholstered in high quality leather and come with a memory feature to remember your seat settings. Along with most surfaces in the car, the steering wheel is also plastered with leather and features a power-operated tilt function. A panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting serve to round off the vibe in this fantastic sedan.
Infotainment And Technology
One of the first things that you’ll notice when you get behind the wheel of a Crown is its hulking screen which takes up a majority of the dashboard. This is a combination of the 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, both of which share a bezel. The Platinum trim also features a 10-inch heads-up display.
The Crown features plenty of other tech niceties, including plenty of USB-C charging points, a wireless phone charging pad, and onboard Wi-Fi. The Toyota sedan also features a smart key that features remote keyless entry and will lock the car when you exit. The one place where the Crown dissapoints is its sound system, with even the most premium 11-speaker JBL system featured on top trims being a little underwhelming.
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A Fantastic Duo Of Hybrid Powertrains Motivates The Classy Crown
Front 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Toyota Crown
Since its reintroduction to the market for the 2023 model year, the Crown has been a hybrid-only affair. While the Crown may not have the guttural performance that some of the segment’s top players offer, it offers refined and efficient powertrains that will likely satisfy most of its buyers. This is especially true if you opt for the slightly spicier Platinum model.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated Hybrid Inline-Four |
2.4-Liter Turbocharged Hybrid Inline-Four |
|---|---|---|
|
Transmission |
CVT |
6-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
236 HP |
340 HP |
|
Torque |
163 LB-FT |
400 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
7.2 Seconds |
5.1 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
116 MPH |
129 MPH |
Most Crowns will roll off the floor with a setup that makes use of a sturdy four-banger which teams up with three electric motors. This model isn’t the most impressive performance wise, enthusiasts will definitely be disappointed. However, it’s plush ride more than makes up for the lack of speed, with well tuned suspension and adaptive dampers keeping things smooth.
If you are someone looking for some extra power, the Hybrid MAX powertrain offered in the Platinum model is the way to go. This model gets a turbocharged engine and has tons more power. It’s automatic transmission also allows you to switch gears manually via shift paddles mounted to the steering wheel. Don’t expect it to handle like a sports car, though, with the Crown keeping prioritizing comfort above all else.
Fuel Economy
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
XLE/Limited/Nightshade |
42 MPG |
41 MPG |
41 MPG |
|
Platinum |
29 MPG |
32 MPG |
30 MPG |
If you’re looking for a luxury car that is going to save you money on gas, the models equipped with the regular hybrid powertrain are definitely the way to go. Whether you frequently find yourself in urban areas or cruising on the highway, fuel efficiency should stay about the same, according to the EPA’s testing. Going with the turbocharged Hybrid MAX powertrain in the Platinum significantly reduces fuel efficiency. That’s the price that you pay for performance, though.
Unfortunately, The Crown Remains A Bit Of A Niche Option
Front 3/4 shot of a gray 2025 Toyota Crown parked with the city skyline in the background
It’s pretty easy to say that Toyota has succeeded in making a genuinely luxurious sedan that comes in thousands cheaper than comparable luxury mid-size sedans. However, there are certain things about the Crown that hold it back from really performing well in the market. It feels as though it might be more of a gimmick than something truly special.
Polarizing Design
When looking at your options in the mid-size luxury sedan segment, you’ll notice that most of the Crown’s rivals simply look better. While certainly unique, the Corn feels like it sticks to Toyota’s design language a little too much, feeling a bit like a prettied up Prius. This feeling is only accentuated by the large bits of black plastic trim that surrounds the wheel arch and sits across the doors.
On top of the issues with the general design of the car, it also isn’t really just a sedan. Toyota has decided that the Crown should sit taller than its competitors, riding on a raised suspension. This is meant to appeal to people who want the additional ride height and up-right position SUVs offer but like the traditional sedan form as well. We’ve got to say, that sounds like a small group of people.
The Toyota Badge
There is a reason that just about every mainstream automaker in the world has a completely separate brand for selling luxury cars. Whether we like to admit it or not, badge envy is a real thing. The average luxury buyer simply isn’t going to choose a Ford over a Lincoln, a Hyundai over a Genesis, or a Honda over an Acura. We also think very few are going to buy a Toyota over a Lexus, no matter how good it is.
