The 2023 Toyota Crown is coming to Canada for a base price of $45,590

For many, the Toyota Crown does not evoke the recent past of Toyota, it is normal, the model returns to the Canadian market after 50 years of absence. It’s an iconic vehicle for Toyota, especially in Asia, and it was sold in Canada from 1955 to 1972. It sort of replaces the Toyota Avalon, although Toyota says it’s not.

While the 16th generation Toyota Crown will go on sale in Canada early this year, Toyota has just released trim and pricing details. Three versions will be offered which will benefit from a all-wheel drive, a very good thing for our market. The Toyota Crown will be offered in black, oxygen white, magnetic gray metallic, heavy metal and supersonic red colors, while a two-tone paint will be offered for the Platinum model.

Here are the prices of the 2023 Toyota Crown: (freight and preparation costs not included)

• 2023 Toyota Crown XLE – $45,590
• 2023 Toyota Crown Limited – $50,990
• Toyota Crown Platinum – $59,990

Two hybrid engines

All Toyota Crowns will benefit from a hybrid engine. The XLE and Limited trims will feature a Toyota-familiar system that includes a pair of front and rear electric motors, mated to a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine. Its consumption is 5.7 litres/100 kilometers according to Toyota.

As for the Platinum version, it receives the brand’s most modern and advanced hybrid system. Called HYBRID MAX, it is Toyota’s new high-performance hybrid package; it develops a manufacturer-estimated 340 horsepower and produces 400 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid powertrain combines front and rear electric motors with a 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine. Power is routed to all four wheels through a six-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, fuel consumption is 7.8 litres/100 kilometres.

An elevated driving position

Built on Toyota’s GA-K platform, the Crown resembles a classic large sedan, but due to its 19-inch wheels (21-inch optional) it sits a bit higher on the wheels, giving it almost the visual effect of an SUV. Toyota mainly wanted to provide a better view of the road while making it easier to get on board, one of the main selling points of SUVs. It is 1,540 millimeters in height compared to 1,445 millimeters for the Camry. In terms of style, Toyota claims to have reinvented the large sedan with a marriage of sleek and fluid lines providing a high-end design. On board, the manufacturer paid great attention to comfort on the road and the soundproofing of the passenger compartment.

Conclusion

While large sedans are on the verge of extinction from almost all manufacturers, it is a daring gamble on Toyota’s part to launch a new model. In my opinion, this is another model that will not last long in Canada.