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Reviving a nameplate that hasn't been used in the US since 1972, the Toyota Crown is the Japanese automaker's attempt to bridge the gap between sedans and SUVs. But the question remains: is that something drivers are looking for? We share our first impressions of the Crown's unique styling, hybrid powertrain, and whether it's a suitable replacement for the dearly departed Toyota Avalon. We also discuss a viewer's issues with trying to fix their car's software issues and glitches with a dealership mechanic.
SHOW NOTES
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00:00 – Introduction
00:13 – First Impressions: 2023 Toyota Crown
18:19 – Question: It seems that mechanics have a hard time diagnosing issues with electronics, will that increase with electric vehicles?
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2023 Toyota Crown Reinvents the Modern Sedan
2023 Toyota Crown
Guide to Car Safety
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It looks a bit aggressive on the design side; sporty. I’m confused about who Toyota envisions driving this.
It’s going to sell as well as that tall Honda Accord thing. 😑
Replacement for the Avalon? I think not!
Seems strange to introduce a new, large sedan when they are dying off. Why didn’t Toyota just improve the Avalon?
This oddball version of the new Toyota Crown is to cars what the platform running shoe is to footwear. We can only hope Toyota brings over one of the more functional Crown models that made their debut last summer.
Crown would been more functional if it didn’t have a trunk
The crown.. i likey
$50K I’m getting a NX350H. Or a Venza.
This is more roomy than the NX. We are looking to buy the NX hybrid as well.
It’s a swing and a miss IMO and I don’t see it holding value to the many new models coming out.
I am confused by why this is not a hatchback. It looks like a hatchback – why not make it functional? Instead you get the utility of a standard trunk opening. It seems like a lost opportunity for added functionality in a large vehicle.
C.R. , love the podcast, consider showing longer, extended views of the car interior, exterior without interruptions. In my opinion, I rather see more of the feature car and less of the podcasters talking.
Consumer reports: Keep talking about this CVT. Everyone who is into cars (your viewers) pretty much know this, whats called eCVT is a Motor/Generator/Engine combined transmission, not really CVT, same as Highlander Hybrid, RAV4 hybrid, which are same as a Prius from 20 years ago. Appreciate if you can drop this CVT thing, refer to as what it is. Also, you talk about this Hybrid as if you don’t know anything about it. Its exactly same as Highlander Hybrid power train and has been discussed in many channels on here on YouTube.
Kelly presented very good perspective about this car as well as answered the question from viewer very well.
With this ridiculous car shortage anything will sell and Toyota knows that and by the way I hope you enjoy the markups their dealer enjoys to give you.. I’ll pass
Don’t see how or why EVs would pose greater diagnostic and/or service problems than ICE cars: EVs include many fewer moving parts, to say nothing of less in the way of fluids and consumables.
This is not the way to save sedans.
It might be DOA like the Arteon
I’m in my late 60s and I don’t like this styling or the massive center console or the short windows. The Camry, Avalon, and Corolla are too low to the ground. The RAV4 isn’t comfortable on long trips. The Highlander is too big. Toyota just isn’t cutting it for me anymore.
Why do you people keep saying that the sedan market is dying. There are a few of us unless we are dying as well. Who will never buy an SUV or a truck. So cars like this will still appeal to us. Also as old folks, we can’t turn as far over our shoulders to see things coming as we used to. So having blindside monitoring services will more than compensate for the rear view that we normally would try to achieve.
It’s not dying it’s shrinking
The sedan-style trunk is really stupid. It makes the vehicle less useful and it’s still a high-riding SUV so you don’t get sedan fuel economy.
Keep in mind during the launch, the crown will have multiple body styles coming soon. Not sure about to the states.
This will be a hit with the geriatric buying group. A lot of grandchilren will then be inheriting these things. They will glady enjoy the large back seats with small windows for privacy. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Just a little confused by this vehicle.
I do not want ANY WHEEL SIZE that requires low-profile tires!