2025 Toyota Crown XLE Review: Is it a Better Hybrid Sedan Than a Camry?

The 2025 Toyota Crown: A Unique Hybrid Sedan

• 👑 The 2025 Toyota Crown, specifically the XLE trim, is a unique vehicle in Toyota's lineup, replacing the Avalon and aiming to bring more luxury and a distinct driving experience.
• 💡 Historically, the Crown name dates back to the 1950s, and in the US market for model year 2025, it exists as both a sedan and a crossover SUV (Crown Signia).
• 🎨 The exterior features a 'Storm Cloud' paint color, standard LED lighting, and a mix of gloss black, silver, and gunmetal gray accents, with a distinctive front grille design.

Exterior Design and Features

• ⚠️ A point of contention is the flat black cladding around the fender openings and side skirts, which the reviewer feels is more suited for an SUV, despite the Crown being a sedan with a traditional trunk.
• ✨ The XLE trim, being the entry-level luxury model, incorporates bright shiny metal work and color-matched door handles.
• 🚗 The rear design is praised for its clean lines, integrated LED lighting, and a gloss black accent, with no visible exhaust.

Powertrain and Performance

• ⚙️ Under the hood is a 2.5L inline-4 engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 236 horsepower and utilizing a nickel-metal hydride battery pack for reliability.
• 🚀 Mated to a CVT, it achieves 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 116 mph.
• ⛽ The standout feature is its fuel efficiency, with an impressive EPA rating of 42 MPG city, 41 MPG highway, and 41 MPG combined.
• ⚡ All Crown models are all-wheel drive, with the rear wheels powered by an electric motor, eliminating the need for a traditional driveshaft.

Interior Comfort and Technology

• 💰 The XLE trim has an MSRP of approximately $43,000 and features a clean interior design with soft-touch materials and contrast stitching.
• 📱 A 12.3-inch infotainment system with Toyota's multimedia software is standard, though the backup camera resolution is noted as not the best.
• 🔌 The cabin offers three stages of heated and ventilated seats, dual climate control, wireless charging, and two USB-C ports.
• 🔑 The key fob design is criticized for being uninspired, lacking a distinct 'Crown' branding.

Rear Seat and Trunk Space

• 💺 The back seat offers ample space, potentially more than the Avalon it replaced, with large pockets and two USB-C ports.
• 🥶 Rear seats are heated (one-stage), but lack ventilation in this trim.
• 📦 The trunk provides 15 cubic feet of storage space, includes a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and importantly, comes with a spare tire.

Driving Experience

• 🛣️ In sport mode, the Crown offers a composed and comfortable ride, with supportive seats and a well-integrated interior feel.
• 💨 Acceleration is described as instantaneous, and the CVT, while not a favorite, is acknowledged for maximizing MPG.
• 🔊 Road and outside noise are more audible than in Lexus vehicles, but wind noise is minimal. Visibility is excellent, even through the sloping rear glass.
• 🚗 The vehicle is highly maneuverable, handles well with minimal body roll or nose dive, and the all-wheel-drive system enhances its capability in various climates.
• ✅ Toyota's hybrid system is seamless, contributing to the excellent fuel economy, and the inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist.