Previewing the 2024 Toyota Crown Hybrid: What to expect

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Toyota introduced the very first Crown in 1955 when it was meant for a much wider set of buyers in its home base of Japan. It wasn't up until the mid-1960s (and later) that the nameplate started drawing the type of clientele that would make this one of the most prestigious cars in the Land of the Rising Sun.

As the new Toyota flagship sedan, the sixteenth-generation model not only has to uphold the Crown's rich and historically-significant legacy but do so while also competing in a new world where luxury SUVs thrive with little opposition. Introduced in the U.S. as a 2023 model in July 2022, the sixteenth-gen model is a hybrid-only car.

The Toyota Crown is set to receive its first update in a few months, which will bring it up to the 2024 model year. Here's what we expect from the 2024 Toyota Crown in the U.S. Kindly be aware that the details and images showcased in this article pertain to the current model year, and we will update this page as additional information comes to light.

The 2024 Toyota Crown Hybrid will be a carryover model, featuring the same design as the outgoing car. There's no denying the huge leap of faith that Toyota committed itself to when it laid the foundation for the sixteenth-gen model's styling. Molded by what the brand calls its "lift-up" design, the resultant outcome is one that divides opinions. While the top half of the exterior casts the shadow of a sedan on a sunny day, the muscular and raised lower half is more reminiscent of a modern crossover.

Toyota clearly understands the draw of crossovers and that it's significantly bringing down the demand for typical sedans year after year in most markets. So, it's understandable why the company chose to go down this particular design path. However, one of the risks associated with amalgamating easily identifiable but juxtaposing design peculiarities of a sedan and a crossover into one car is that the outcome may be perceived as confusing rather than coherent.

Up close, the new-generation Crown Hybrid has a slick front fascia with smooth lines across the sloping hood and flared fenders. The slim LED headlamps get eyebrow DRLs while another LED light bar stretches across the top of the main grille. Meanwhile, a massive but recessed air intake is integrated directly into the bumper with gloss black surrounds. A coupe-like roofline is clearly noticeable, and so are the large 21-inch alloy wheels, high-set ground clearance plus black cladding underneath the doors and around the wheel wells.

The wraparound effect at the back of the new Crown Hybrid looks unique, especially when finished in one of the two-tone paint schemes. The rear is also home to a full-width LED light bar, which merges with the Toyota logo in the center. Other obvious styling details include a subtle boot-lip spoiler, easily-legible ‘Crown’ lettering, and a satin silver lower bumper trim.

The Toyota Crown Hybrid sits on the TNGA-K platform, which underpins many other large models from Toyota as well as Lexus, such as the Grand Highlander, Camry, RAV4, RX, and TX. Not only is the ring frame structure under the body made out of lightweight yet high-strength materials, but its structural rigidity has also been enhanced by combining strong adhesives with different construction techniques such as plate spot and laser welding.

Toyota engineers have revised the TNGA-K platform for the new Crown Hybrid for NVH improvements. Strategically-placed insulation and clever suspension tuning ensure tire and suspension noise is kept at bay, whilst various empty spaces such as the door frames, window openings & wiring harnesses have been sealed. Similarly, vital components like the inner rocker and the bulkhead are connected using a special adhesive to improve NVH levels further.

The engineers didn't stop there, either. In order to further enhance the sense of tranquility and occupant comfort, they sealed off the space between the engine bay and cabin. The same treatment was performed in the region just above the headliner and underneath the lush carpets. Meanwhile, an acoustic windshield goes hand-in-hand with the well-thought-out placements of various in-cabin trim and materials – all in an effort to keep away unwanted disturbances.

The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system in the Crown Hybrid is fitted with reduced vibrations and enhances comfort, as engineers have used softer bushing in the front MacPherson struts while also coating its coil springs in a special polyurethane material. There's more structural adhesive used with specially-designed mounting points for the seats to tune out road vibrations. The new Crown's AVS system is fitted with a linear solenoid-type actuator that minimizes excessive body roll and pitching moments, while the damping force of these variable-rate shock absorbers changes based on the drive mode selected by the driver.

Sitting at pretty much the top of the family hierarchy, the new-generation Crown Hybrid is a full-size sedan. It measures 196.1 in. in length, 72.4 in. in width, and 60.6 in. in height and has a 112.2 in. wheelbase. These dimensions will most likely remain unchanged as the model transitions into the 2024 model year.

The 2024 Toyota Crown Hybrid should feature the same interior as the outgoing car, as it will be a carryover model. However, the features included in the grades, also expected to be the same – XLE, Limited, and Platinum, could be a little different.

Thanks to the raised height, ingress & egress are not challenging for most buyers. Another positive aspect is the quality of materials and their respective fit & finish – almost stepping on the toes of its Lexus brethren. In fact, one glance at the dashboard and 12.3-inch touchscreen design remind many buyers of cars from the Lexus stable – which is a great thing. Keeping pace with that is the practical yet plush cabin that blends smooth curves with pleasing lines while still keeping physical controls handy.

The leather upholstery found in the higher variants will offer a rich feel, although the Softex and black woven fabric seats of the entry-level variant will be a far call from being bargain-basement. 8-way power-adjustable front seats with heating will likely be standard. Adding to its extensive list of equipment will be features like a panoramic glass roof, Smart Key System, LED ambient lighting, wireless charging, multi-zone climate control, customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Toyota Hybrid System Indicator, and up to 6 individual drive modes.

Developed in North America, the new Toyota Audio Multimedia System comprises the aforementioned 12.3-inch touchscreen. It's capable of receiving Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, along with being easy to use with good-quality graphics and animations. A Drive Connect feature integrates the Intelligent Assistant and a cloud-based navigation system, whilst the infotainment system not only boasts Wi-Fi connectivity but also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The new Crown Hybrid's Toyota Audio Multimedia System also provides Connected Services such as Remote Connect, Service Connect, and Safety Connect. While the last two are part of a 10-year trial package, Remote Connect is a subscription service that comes as part of the Advanced Technology package (standard on the Platinum variant). The Remote Connect feature comes along with a Digital Key, allowing users to control various car functions such as locking & unlocking the doors & trunk, energizing the powerplant, and the ability to share the car keys with friends and family – all via the Toyota mobile app.

All variants of the 2024 Crown Hybrid should come with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0). This safety suite bunches together several modern technologies such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and built-in automatic braking, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) that latches onto the vehicle in front while pairing with Lane Tracing Assist that monitors visible lane markers on the road.

Meanwhile, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist provides the driver with audible and visual alerts (even applying some steering force) if the system detects a lane change without the turn indicators being engaged. However, if the DRCC is already active, it makes the necessary inputs to keep the Crown centered in the designated lane. The TSS 3.0 package also includes Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The 2024 Toyota Crown Hybrid's safety nest will be emboldened by Proactive Driving Assist. Given certain conditions are met, this system works by using a raft of modern sensors (including the DRCC) to keep the vehicle at a safe distance from other road users such as other motorists, pedestrians & even bicyclists. If need be, the system is designed to help the car steer while applying the brakes gently enough to ensure unimpeded forward progress.

On top of all these, the hybrid sedan will be available with Toyota's Advanced Park System. It utilizes multiple sensors and the car's own computing might to manipulate various controls, allowing the Crown Hybrid to parallel or perpendicular park without requiring major driver inputs. To summarize, the 2024 Toyota Crown Hybrid will be bristling with several safety nannies to keep its occupants safe.

The 2024 Toyota Crown will be available with two hybrid powertrains: Fourth-gen Toyota Hybrid System (THS IV) and Hybrid MAX.

THS IV clubs a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated gas engine with two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, which results in 236 hp of total power. Hybrid MAX teams up a 2.4-liter turbocharged gas engine with two motors, also located at the front and rear, but with different outputs. It produces 340 horsepower and 400.4 lb.-ft. of torque.

The THS IV powertrain will likely be available in the XLE grade and the Limited grade, while the Hybrid MAX powertrain will likely available in the Platinum grade. The base and mid-level grades should have an eCVT and on-demand all-wheel drive, while the range-topping grade should have a direct shift 6-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive. Common to all of them will be a nickel-metal hydride battery pack.

The 2024 Crown with the THS IV powertrain will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and the 2024 Crown with the Hybrid MAX powertrain will complete the same in just 5.7 seconds. Of course, the car will need premium gas (91-octane) to achieve those numbers.

Prices of the 2024 Toyota Crown Hybrid may start at around USD 41,000. Expect an official announcement about the prices and release date in Q3 2023 (July-September 2023). The first units of the new model may begin rolling into dealerships in the final weeks of the year.

With the Crown Hybrid, Toyota has envisioned a new future for the brand's (and one of Japan's) most historic cars. While the world's markets have seen a lot of change in the years since the Crown's first claim to fame, Toyota thinks it's important enough to be brought back to life with a whole series of changes and additions.

The 2024 Toyota Crown Hybrid could reach U.S. dealers towards the end of the year.

The base 2024 Toyota Crown Hybrid will likely be priced at around USD 41,000.

Featured Image Source: Toyota

With a Master's Degree in Business Management & Administration, I’ve been working as an International Automotive News Editor since 2014, and have gained a wealth of knowledge and insight into hybrid and electric vehicles.