2025 Toyota Crown Review: Premium Hybrid Sedan Blending Innovation and Comfort

Toyota's 2025 Crown redefines the luxury sedan with crossover-like road presence and elevated seating height, built on the TNGA-K platform shared with other Toyota premium models. Exclusively hybrid, the Crown offers two powertrain choices: a standard hybrid delivering smooth performance and exceptional fuel efficiency, and a more powerful Hybrid Max variant available on the Platinum trim, pairing a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors for a combined 340 hp. The design is sleek yet modern, with a spacious cabin filled with advanced multimedia and driver-assistance technologies. Ride comfort is a focus, aided by adaptive suspension and dynamic rear steering, making the Crown equally adept for daily commuting and relaxed highway cruising.

What they’re saying

Good Comments

• “The Crown's 340-horsepower Hybrid Max powertrain provides thrilling acceleration paired with impressive torque.” — CarPro

• “Its elevated seating and crossover-like ride height offer commanding visibility and easier ingress/egress.” — CarExpert

• “The cabin boasts two sharp 12.3-inch screens with responsive infotainment and wireless smartphone integration.” — Edmunds

• “Adaptive Variable Suspension and additional drive modes deliver a refined balance of comfort and sportiness.” — Car and Driver

Bad Comments

• “Second-row headroom is compromised by the sloped roof, and the middle rear seat isn’t ideal for taller passengers.” — CarPro

• “The cabin styling is pleasant but somewhat uninspired, lacking the wow factor found in some rivals.” — Edmunds

• “The JBL audio system, while capable, does not quite match the richness of competing luxury brands.” — Car and Driver

• “The ride leans more toward crossover comfort, which may disappoint traditional sedan purists.” — CarExpert

Key Specifications Overview

• Powertrain: Hybrid Max (2.4L turbo + electric, 340 hp) or standard hybrid (2.5L Atkinson-cycle + electric, 236 hp)

• Transmission: 6-speed automatic (Hybrid Max), e-CVT (standard hybrid)

• Drivetrain: Standard all-wheel drive

• Fuel Economy / Range: Standard hybrid up to 42 mpg combined (EPA), Hybrid Max around 29-32 mpg

• Acceleration: Hybrid Max approx. 0-100 km/h under 6.0 seconds

• Weight: Approx. 1971 kg

• Seating Capacity: 5

• Cargo Capacity: Spacious trunk with power liftgate

• Safety Rating: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with advanced driver-assistance features

• Price Range: Approx. $46,000 to $53,000 USD (varies by trim)

Key Specifications Table

Price Range Table

(Ordered by geographical location, biggest market first: £UK, $USA, AUS, NZ, EU)

Performance and Driving Experience Overview

The Toyota Crown Hybrid Max impresses with lively acceleration courtesy of its twin electric motors combined with the turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 340 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Despite tipping nearly 2 metric tons, it sprints from 0-100 km/h in just under 6 seconds, packing ample punch for overtaking. Adaptive Variable Suspension smooths the ride even on rough surfaces, while Dynamic Rear Steering enhances agility and handling precision at speed. The driving modes—Normal, Eco, Sport, Sport+, Comfort, Custom—offer a tailored experience for varied conditions. The hybrid system excels in fuel efficiency, especially during city driving, delivering EPA-estimated mileage up to 42 mpg in the basic hybrid.

Interior and Technology

The Crown’s cabin blends premium materials with high-tech features including dual 12.3-inch displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment. The multimedia system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside over-the-air updates. Front leather seats are heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable with white contrast stitching adding visual flair in Platinum trim. The second row features heated seats, USB-C ports, and a panoramic glass roof brightens the interior despite limited side window height due to sloping roofline. Ambient LED lighting and a power liftgate add convenience. The driver benefits from Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with an extensive list of active safety and driver-assistance technologies, including traffic jam assist and lane change assist.

Battery and Range Considerations

The Crown uses a nickel-metal hydride battery pack that recharges via regenerative braking, with no plug-in charging capability. The hybrid system is well-optimized for efficiency, allowing extended ranges with minimal fuel consumption. The Hybrid Max's larger powertrain trades some fuel economy for increased performance but remains competitive within its class.

At a Glance Table

Pros and Cons Overview

The 2025 Toyota Crown impresses as a tech-forward, comfortable hybrid sedan with crossover-like presence and efficiency. Strengths include strong Hybrid Max performance, high-tech cabin, and advanced safety suite. Downsides are limited rear headroom, lack of plug-in hybrid option, and a cabin styling that may feel conservative compared to some rivals.

Pros and Cons Table

Overall Verdict

The 2025 Toyota Crown is a compelling choice for buyers seeking a hybrid sedan that combines luxury, performance, and modern technology with crossover practicality. Its powerful Hybrid Max powertrain and comfortable, tech-laden interior cater to those valuing refinement and efficiency over bold styling or traditional sedan dynamics. While it may not appeal to enthusiasts craving sporty driving, the Crown excels as a sophisticated daily driver with ample safety and convenience features.

Sources

• CarProcarpro

• CarExpertcarexpert

• Edmundsedmunds

• Car and Drivercaranddriver

• HotCarsgetteltoyotaocala