2025 Toyota Crown: 6 reasons to love it, 3 reasons to think twice

Introduced for the 2023 model year, the Toyota Crown took the Avalon’s place as the brand’s flagship sedan. Toyota spared no expense in designing the all-new model, and it shows. The 2025 Toyota Crown brings with it a higher standard for modern sedans, even when the competition is dwindling.

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Starting at just under $41,500, the 2025 Toyota Crown marks the third year for the sedan, and it comes with a handful of changes. Heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel now come standard on all trim levels while the top-spec Platinum trim gains a standard head-up display. Most notably, there’s a new Nightshade trim that gives the Toyota Crown a more upscale aesthetic.

Toyota

Reason to love it #1: efficient hybrid powertrain

Most midsize sedans offer high efficiency as a selling point, and the Toyota Crown doesn’t deviate from that formula. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine comes paired with front and rear electric motors and an eCVT. Altogether, that powertrain earns up to an EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined. According to the Crown’s spec sheet, the midsize sedan’s base engine delivers a respectable 236 horsepower.

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Reason to love it #2: upscale alternative to the Toyota Camry

Toyota has done its best to make the Toyota Camry a one-size-fits-all midsize sedan, but there are just some niches it can’t fill. That’s where the 2025 Toyota Crown comes in. Both models come equipped with a hybrid powertrain, but the Crown is longer and taller than the Camry, whereas the Camry is a bit wider and offers a touch more headroom. The Crown also boasts a more well-appointed list of standard equipment.

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Reason to love it #3: Lexus-like interior

If you’re looking for a Lexus-like interior, but don’t want to pay the price of a luxury car, the Toyota Crown can be a good middle ground. All 2025 Toyota Crown models come equipped with upscale amenities, including a heated steering wheel, as well as heated and ventilated front seats. Heated rear seats come standard, which isn’t something you see often outside of luxury models.

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All Crown models except the base XLE include a panoramic moonroof and LED lighting strategically placed throughout the cabin. While the XLE trim offers a six-speaker sound system, all other trims boast an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system. A smartphone charging pad comes standard across the lineup.

Reason to love it #4: Hybrid Max provides high performance in a sedan

Midsize sedans aren’t known for their performance, especially not those bearing Toyota badges. The 2025 Toyota Crown aims to break the mold, though, with the top-spec Platinum trim rolling out with a Hybrid Max powertrain that generates torque at low RPM for a sportier driving experience.

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The Hybrid Max powertrain consists of a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with front and rear electric motors. Power comes channeled through a direct-shift six-speed automatic transmission. That combination delivers 340 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque and earns up to an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined.

Reason to love it #5: standard all-wheel drive

The XLE, Limited, and Nightshade trims come equipped with Toyota’s Electric On-Demand All-Wheel Drive system. A separate rear-mounted electric motor takes the place of a transfer case and driveshaft and provides additional power to the rear wheels as needed.

Toyota

The Platinum trim features Full-Time Electronic All-Wheel Drive paired with the Hybrid Max powertrain. This AWD system optimizes rear wheel drive force, further improving maneuverability, stability, and acceleration.

Reason to love it #6: Nightshade edition adds some contrast

We’ve seen Toyota implement the Nightshade edition on other models throughout their lineup, and now it’s the Crown’s turn. Built off the Limited trim, the Nightshade model comes with design changes that add contrast to the model’s other trim levels.

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The Nightshade trim features dark badging and black accents, including black door handles, mirror caps, and shark fin. The newest addition to the Crown lineup rolls out on athletic 21-inch matte-black finished wheels.

Reason to think twice #1: polarizing styling

Typically, sedans are relatively low to the ground, but the 2025 Toyota Crown rolls out with a taller design and raised suspension. The style itself can be polarizing, with consumers either loving it or hating it. It’s clear Toyota wanted to appeal to drivers who want the height of an SUV in four-door sedan form.

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Reason to think twice #2: not a Lexus

The 2025 Toyota Crown is a worthy successor to the well-appointed Avalon sedan, but it still isn’t a Lexus. The luxury marque carries more prestige with it, much like Audi and Mercedes-Benz, and it isn’t the Crown’s rather polarizing style that’s the issue.

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Premium materials come standard, and the well-appointed Crown’s spec sheet could be mistaken for that of a Lexus. At the top-spec Platinum trim, there’s little doubt that the 2025 Toyota Crown could compete with luxury models – if only it wasn’t for the Toyota badging.

Reason to think twice #3: pricing could be an issue

There’s no doubt the 2025 Toyota Crown maintains the level of luxury expected of the brand’s flagship sedan. The midsize model starts at just under $41,500, and that might be an issue for some consumers. With an interior similar to that of a Lexus and a rather high price for a Toyota, it could mean trouble for the midsize sedan. The Toyota Camry, for reference, starts at around $29,000 and tops out under $35,000.

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If you’re in the market for a luxury car with a bit more height, the 2025 Toyota Crown is likely the model for you. Before you buy, however, give the Lexus ES a test drive considering the two are close in price and amenities.

About the author

Joseph Pudlewski

Contributing Writer, Autoblog

Joseph Pudlewski is an automotive writer and editor with over a decade of experience. While his hands-on experience spans a wide range of vehicles, his recent focus is on the EV, supercar, and motorsports segments. He brings a dual perspective to his work, blending a deep passion for high-performance vehicles with the practical insights of a family man. Based in Ohio, his portfolio includes work for publications like Hot Cars and content creation for various automotive websites and dealerships.