The Toyota Crown debuted in 1955 and 1965 in Canada, boasting a rich history comparable to its prestigious counterpart, the esteemed Century. In reality, the Crown is Japan’s second-longest-running nameplate, trailing only the iconic Land Cruiser, and has reached its 16th generation.
While Toyota’s Crown may not carry the same prestige in Canada as it does in Asia – specifically, its home market of Japan – it is still a well-known and respected model globally. For anyone fortunate enough to have visited Japan, where ancient traditions and modern pop culture converge, the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market is an unmistakable landmark that requires little introduction – a place where old-world rituals meet new-world excitement. A sleek, self-driving portal, flanked by gleaming wing-mirrors, opens onto a retro-fitted interior resembling a 1990s nursing home, complete with a dapper gentleman clad in spotless white gloves. In Japan, the Toyota Crown is an emblematic and esteemed brand, synonymous with both taxis and police cars.
After a 40-year absence from the Canadian market, the iconic Crown is finally back. While eschewing futuristic door handles and aged interior design elements, this contemporary hybrid model impresses with its cutting-edge propulsion system and sophisticated amenities, seamlessly blending into the $55,000 luxury sedan market. While it may not conform to traditional sedan norms, this vehicle’s essence is instead a harmonious blend of a sedan and crossover principles.
Manufactured with precision in Japan, the Crown’s length and stature surpass those of its counterpart Camry yet fall short of the Venza’s proportions. Standing majestically, the Crown’s resolute profile is accentuated by its rakish silhouette, broadened by raised shoulders that give it an imposing, SUV-inspired presence, courtesy of its elevated suspension. While the non-compulsory black hood adds a touch of sophistication, its subtle design also creates an illusion of visual depth, effectively drawing the viewer’s attention towards the vehicle. Meanwhile, the black physique cladding suggests an air of ruggedness and durability, underscoring the car’s capabilities on varied terrain?
The Toyota Crown is designed to appeal to customers seeking a compact SUV with a unique sedan-like profile and generous trunk space, a feat worthy of its flagship status as a worthy replacement for the Avalon. Although we would prefer that they utilize the Crown badges similarly to how they are employed in Japan as a substitute for the lettered script here. By doing so, the brand’s recognizability may be significantly enhanced, firmly establishing its position within the market as a reliable subsidiary. Additionally, you’ll receive a sleek and stylish key fob that will make your car stand out on the road. While The Crown holds considerable unrealized promise, it’s unclear whether Toyota comprehends the profound reverence Westerners have for Japanese heritage and customs.
Despite the promise of the Oxygen White exterior, we were dismayed to discover that the interior space is surprisingly limited. Built upon its ride-hailing heritage, we expected generous rear-seat accommodations and ample space to stretch out or comfortably cross our legs. Despite its spacious appearance, the significant sunroof consumes valuable headroom – even at 6 feet tall, I struggle to clear the entrance with ease? The rear compartment offers surprisingly limited headroom, yet cleverly features a recessed area above the headrests, providing additional vertical space for passengers to comfortably lean back. While ingress and egress through the small door portals lack a taxi-like or rear-passenger-centric experience, they more closely resemble an UberX ride than a luxurious Uber Black one.
So what offers? It seems Canadians prefer SUVs and enjoy driving over being driven. Digging just a little deeper, on the other side of the world, you’ll uncover your answer. Toyota introduced four variations of its 16th-generation Crown, with only two models being offered in Canada: the crossover-style Crown showcased here, and the Signia, a type of elevated wagon that competes with the Subaru Outback and Volvo V60 Cross Country.
Two extremes that are forever out of reach. The highly anticipated Crown Sedan is a chauffeur-centric limousine designed with their needs in mind. With an extended wheelbase, the rear-wheel-drive-exclusive sedan boasts a stunning silhouette and a spacious rear compartment featuring elevated headrests, foldable sunshades, and a sleek touchscreen display nestled within the center armrest. While the second model is indeed a Crown SUV, smaller in size compared to the Signia, it appears that Japan has taken on the challenge of tackling the Ferrari Purosangue. Feeling shafted? We did so too, but with our current situation, we’ve lost the right to protest. Not a single customer purchased the Toyota Avalon, Lexus LS 500, or Genesis G90.
Now that we’ve clarified our expectations, we can effectively regard the Crown as a conventional driver’s vehicle. The interior is genuinely one of the most Lexus-like Toyota designs we’ve encountered. The interior exudes quiet luxury, thanks to the clever combination of acoustic glass and carefully selected sound-absorbing materials that effectively minimize tyre and wind noise to almost imperceptible levels.
Inside, upgraded materials such as supple leather and discreetly integrated dark plastics elevate the ambiance, evoking a subtle step up in luxury, akin to trading in no-frills essentials for upscale market fare at Loblaws. Starting at around $55,000, this model’s lower-tier Restricted trim boasts a generous amenity package, featuring heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic-view camera, premium leather upholstery, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a fixed panoramic sunroof.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen presents crystal-clear resolution and sits ergonomically for effortless access, while the switchgear throughout is robust and meticulously crafted, echoing the premium feel of the Mazda CX-50’s top-tier controls. The adjustable switches provide seamless registration and intuitive suggestions, firmly seated in their slot without any noticeable play, unlike the flimsy counterparts found in the $90,000 Acura ZDX.
With pleasure, we’re now able to utilize the innovative gear shifter, inspired by the sleek design of the Lexus LC 500. The compact lever occupies minimal space, freeing up the middle console for ample cup holders and a slim vertical wireless charging pad that cleverly minimizes its footprint while providing easy access to devices.
While The Crown’s elevated seating offers excellent visibility, the JBL speaker’s placement on the A-pillar appears as an afterthought, partially obscuring the left-side view. Luxury amenities typically found in high-end vehicles – think keyless entry on all four doors, intuitive rain-sensing wipers, and plush heated rear seats – are standard features here, yet the absence of a power-operated trunk is a constant reminder of its more modest beginnings. Notably, our investigation revealed two distinct drawbacks: the auto-brake maintenance mode persistently resets following each ignition cycle, and the heated steering wheel function inexplicably excludes the 11-, 12-, 1- and 6-o’clock positions.
The Toyota Crown offers two distinct trims, each paired with a unique powertrain configuration. The Crown Restricted leverages Toyota’s conventional hybrid configuration, comprising a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated to two electric motors, one on each axle, providing all-wheel drive capability, and an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) for a combined output of 236 horsepower.
The Crown Platinum pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with torque-enhanced electric motors, linked by a six-speed automated transmission, generating 340 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque as an option. The Platinum trim also features advanced engineering technologies, including an adaptive suspension system and intelligent rear-wheel steering. We evaluated and engaged with the restricted supplier, assessing their projected volume capabilities.
Despite languid acceleration and numb steering, which impede the Crown’s potential for fuel efficiency, we were surprised by its performance. The Toyota brand’s unique charm lies in offering an eco-friendly, reliable, cozy, and surprisingly luxurious experience that rivals the Camry or RAV4. The driving experience is delightfully refined and sumptuous, consistently meeting expectations without the adaptive suspension, making it a compelling choice for those seeking the luxury of a German sedan at a lower maintenance cost while still delivering a similar sense of indulgence.
Unfortunately, the 2.5-litre engine exhibits a thrashing quality, accompanied by unpleasant sounds when operating in cold conditions or under heavy load, potentially benefiting from additional soundproofing measures behind the firewall. The incessant whining of the electrical motors was what truly grated on us. As the vehicle accelerates or brakes, the sound of its regenerative system produces an ear-piercing whistle that oscillates between high and low pitches, eerily resembling the wail of a police siren, prompting anxious drivers to frantically scan their mirrors for an imaginary cop car nipping at their heels. Granted, a faint whisper can still be heard, even with the volume turned down to near silence.
Efficiency is the secret to the Crown’s success. With the even-handed throttle software combined with aggressive acceleration and coasting whenever possible, we achieved an impressive fuel economy of 6.5 L/100km. In this chilly, late-autumn environment, where cabin heaters are running at maximum capacity, it’s likely that the single-digit temperatures contribute to Toyota’s claim of an impressive 5.7 L/100km combined fuel rating for the vehicle in question. While it may seem counterintuitive, this hybrid prefers using electric vehicle (EV) mode more frequently than before, and it’s noticeably less inclined to switch on the engine instantly. On 60 km/h streets, the Crown truly shines, leveraging its electric vehicle (EV) mode to effortlessly glide through gentle cruises. Carefully navigating the slumbering beast’s proximity without triggering its fiery wrath becomes a thrilling puzzle, where a calculated step can yield a substantial reward in the form of overflowing coffers. With an impressive fuel efficiency of over 800 kilometers per tank fill-up, this vehicle truly stands out for its economical performance.
Because giant sedans were almost guaranteed to fail outside of Asia, Toyota decided to strategically limit its offerings in Canada to just the crossover and wagon variants only. While the Crown’s reserved strategy may not initially captivate, its luxurious experience, expansive amenities, and storied legacy as Japan’s premier taxi company offer niche customers a compelling narrative to rally behind, and much to look forward to. While it may not meet our expectations, this ride-hailing service has the potential to offer the most effective solution.
2025 Toyota Crown Restricted
Oxygen White
$54,387
$54,642
2,850
4,980 / 1,840 / 1,539
1,804
2.5-litre, inline-four cylinder engine, paired with two electric motors and a nickel-metal hydride battery
236 mixed hp
eCVT
Entrance engine, eAWD
: 6.5
: Bridgestone Turanza ; 225/55R19
