The 2025 Toyota Crown is a full-size 5-passenger 4-door sedan that, with the departure of the Chrysler 300, really has no direct competition. Luxury competitors include the Acura RLX and Lexus ES. Crown debuted in 2023, effectively replacing Avalon in Toyota's line up.. In 2025, Toyota will add a more rugged SUV-like wagon variant called the Crown Signia.
The Crown comes in three four levels: XLE, Limited, Nightshade and Platinum. XLE, Limited and Nightshade come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine that produces 236 horsepower and mates to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The top-tier Platinum comes standard with the Turbo Max powertrain. It combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with electric motors to produce a combined 340 horsepower. Sole transmission is a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Crown also features through-the-road all-wheel-drive and a sealed nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) traction battery for the hybrid powertrain.
Pricing for the 2025 Toyota Crown starts at $41,440 for the XLE trim, $48,000 for the Limited trim, and $53,000 for the Platinum trim. Safety features include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, digital key, JBL premium audio system, and advanced parking assist.
Crown's base hybrid powertrain boasts a ho-hum 0-60 MPH time of about 8 seconds. The engine is smooth but offers uninspired acceleration and middling passing response. Further dulling the mood is a CVT automatic that always seems to be favoring economy over performance. The Turbo Max powertrain not only comes with a traditional 6-speed automatic but boasts impressive response off the line and powerful passing punch. It's not the smoothest engine around but is certainly no more intrusive than turbo fours in similar sized vehicles.
The base powertrain boasts an impressive combined EPA rating of 41 MPG, while the Turbo Max in the Platinum nets only a combined 30 MPG EPA rating. Both engines run fine on regular-grade fuel. Indeed, numbers for the base engine are impressive, but the Platinum does little better than a traditional turbo four in competitors. In routine driving, expect to average more than 35 MPG with the base engine and no more than 30 MPG with the Platinum. The large fuel tank yields an impressive 500 miles highway range with the base engine.
The 2025 Toyota Crown comes standard with all-wheel drive. However, it's not a conventional system. The rear wheels are driven by an electric motor and have no connection to the engine. Though the system is seamless in operation, it is not intended for anything more than driving in slippery conditions and should not be driven off road.
Though the Crown is a large vehicle, it maintains its composure and delivers enough driver feedback to lend confidence on twisty roads. The suspension does an excellent job of absorbing impacts and reducing unwanted excess body motion. When pushed, Crown's economy-minded tires give up grip quickly, leading to excessive understeer. Steering doesn't offer much road feel, but has a decent heft and is quick enough once the pace speeds up.
The ride quality is quite impressive, especially on the highway. The long wheelbase, modest tires and supple suspension impart a comfortable and composed ride on all but the worst roads. It's also very quiet inside Crown, which is becoming a Toyota trademark.
Toyota offers Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) as a safety feature in the Crown. PDA uses the vehicle's camera and radar to provide gentle braking and/or steering to support driving tasks. This system will automatically brake if traffic ahead slows. Solid in theory, but poor in execution as the system is constantly braking the vehicle in situations where no braking is necessary. It can be disabled but must be turned off each time the vehicle is started.
The 2025 Toyota Crown features a sophisticated and spacious interior, designed for comfort and luxury. The dashboard is sleek and modern, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The controls are intuitively laid out, with physical buttons and knobs for essential functions, ensuring easy access while driving. The interior materials are of high quality, with leather-trimmed seats and wood trim accents adding to the luxurious feel. The Crown also offers ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the overall ambiance of the cabin.
The front seats are nicely padded and offer more support than you might expect in a Toyota. Leg room is exceptional and head room good. Rear seats are also quite comfortable and provide ample room for 2 large adults. Sitting three abreast is possible, but crowds everyone. Entry exit is hampered by somewhat smaller door openings. Outward visibility is good to all directions.
The 2025 Toyota Crown is equipped with an impressive array of safety and technology features designed to enhance both driver and passenger safety. Standard across all trims is the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Crown also features pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, road sign assist, and dynamic radar cruise control.
In terms of technology the top-tier Platinum trim includes a digital rearview mirror, digital key, and advanced parking assist with a 360-degree camera system. Additionally, the Crown offers Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, wireless phone charger, and a premium JBL audio system for an enhanced in-car entertainment experience.
Crown offers 15.2 cubic feet of trunk space, which is quite good for sedan. For additional storage, the rear seats can be folded, however, the pass-through opening is fairly narrow. Interior storage is quite good with lots of open and covered bins, large map pockets and a deep center console.
Bottom Line -- The last remaining full-size sedan, Crown offers a LOT to love. Passenger and cargo space are generous, the ride is tranquil, fuel economy is quite good with the base engine and there are lots of standard safety features. Those wanting more power and a willingness to accept middling fuel efficiency can opt for the Turbo Max in the Platinum. Prices are in line with vehicles of similar size and there's the new Crown Sigma for those wanting more cargo carrying capacity.
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