THIS TOYOTA AVALON REPLACEMENT DESERVES A ‘CROWN’!
Not many people may be aware that the first car Toyota introduced to the U.S. consumer was the Toyopet Crown in 1955. The popular sedan in the Japanese market is one of the longest-running passenger-car name plate from the automaker. So, when news came out that the Crown would replace the large-size Avalon in the U.S. market, it perked up everyone’s attention. As it should, since Toyota basically has an all-new sedan (or is it a crossover from the looks of it?) nowhere close in resemblance whatsoever to the outgoing ride.
Under the hood of the Hybrid Max sits a 2.4-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine putting out 340 horsepower and 400 pounds-feet of torque. A front and rear electric motor assists with saving fuel. The Crown hybrid is mated to an easy-to-engage 6-speed auto gearbox with paddle shifters in the top-level Platinum trim. A sport-tuned suspension handled via an independent MacPherson strut front and multilink rear soaks up road bumps with ease. Communicating what the Toyota is up to at all times is a precise electric power rack-and-pinion steering. And how do such varying drive modes as eco, normal, comfort, sport, sport+ and custom sound? Mind you, this is no speed demon, but 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds is quite an achievement in a 4,343-pound vehicle.
With a 5-inch taller profile than the Avalon, the bold, sleek and innovative Crown sports quad LEDs with a body-colored front bumper and black grille/strip. Our test drive came with the optional two-tone paint job of bronze age/black blend. You like it or you don’t, we loved it! Greeting the occupants is a superbly fitted and finished cabin made upscale with generously sprinkled body-color/metal look accents throughout. Two 12.3-inch displays, one for infotainment and the other presenting information to the driver, get one’s attention. Trunk space is 15.2 and when compared to the Camry’s is less by just .1 cubic feet. Other standard goodies are power tilt/slide moon roof, dual-zone auto a/c, keyless entry/engine start, eight-way power and heated/cooled front seats, leather shifter and seats, rearview camera, paddle shifters, heated rear 60/40 seats, which also fold, wireless phone charge pad and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.
Dual front airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, stability and traction controls, panoramic view monitor, blind spot and rear-cross traffic alerts, smart-stop technology, front/rear parking assists, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system are included. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes a pre-collision system to detect pedestrians, lane trace alert with steer assist and dynamic cruise control. Traffic Jam Assist, a subscription service, activates steering, gas and brake pedals under 25 mph.
Looking to buy a ride similar to the Avalon with potent performance and a top-notch cabin? Then its substitute will not disappoint you. The Crown delivers smooth and linear acceleration with exceptional steering and body control. It’s worthy of a ‘crown’ in the ever-impressive Toyota roster!
CROWN (PLATINUM)
Tires: 225/45R21
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 196.1 inches
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 60.6 inches
Fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons
City: 29 mpg
Highway: 32 mpg
Base price: $53,070
Price as tested: $55,140
Web site: www.toyota.com
Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an
automotive editor/columnist for the
Tampa Tribune. Email him at
motoringflorida@gmail.com