To buy an electric vehicle (EV) or not to buy – that is the question! On the one hand, you want to do your part to lower your carbon footprint by driving a low (or no) emissions vehicle. However, EVs can be pricey and may present you with charging station issues – at home and in your travels. So, what’s a civic-minded car buyer to do? As is the case in many dilemmas, compromise is usually the answer.
If you are not ready to take charge (pun intended) and buy an all-powered electric car, a hybrid may be for you. What’s a hybrid? It’s a car powered by a combination internal combustion engine (gas) and an electric motor.
According to Reuters analytics, sales of hybrid vehicles in the United States jumped 76% from 2021 to 2022. The main reason hybrids have become so popular is fuel savings – especially for people who do a fair amount of city driving. And, fuel savings equate to more dollars in your pocket because you do not need to fill up the tank as much as you do with a gas-powered car. In addition to money savings, the regenerative “self-charging” battery means there is no need to plug it in. All you need to do to charge the battery is drive.
The Toyota Crown
Although hybrid automobile manufacturers range from Ford to Ferrari, Toyota continues to be a leader in the hybrid arena. In 1997, the Japanese car giant introduced the world to the first hybrid vehicle and has been “driving” the market for the last 30 years. What is new and different from Toyota in 2024 in hybrid land? To top the market, Toyota has introduced the appropriately named Crown - a full-size, 4-door hybrid sedan that is geared for those who prefer the comfort and style of a larger car as opposed to a boxy SUV. Since rival options like the Nissan Maxima and Chrysler 300 have been discontinued, the Crown is the obvious choice for the person who cares about fuel efficiency without forgoing higher-end amenities and class.
So, let’s take a good look at the Toyota Crown:
Performance Facts
The Crown comes in three trim levels - the standard XLE ($40,000+), midlevel Limited ($45,000+), and top-end Platinum ($53,000+). What separates the XLE and Limited models from the Platinum is the hybrid drive systems. If your priority is fuel efficiency, the XLE and Limited are for you. If you prefer a little more of a kick, the Platinum trim has more power and speed. The standard hybrid offers 236 horsepower, which is more than most people need for around-town driving and even highway speeds – 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds. With the non-turbo 2.5-liter hybrid powertrains in the XLE and Limited Crown, you can expect to see 41 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. The Crown Platinum comes in a bit lower at 30 mpg combined because it prioritizes a little more power over fuel economy.
Exterior
Regardless of the option you select, the Crown is elegant and streamlined in design. All models come standard with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) as well as LED taillights and stop lights. In addition, all Crowns offer heated power outside mirrors with turn signals and blind spot warning indicators. Another plus worth mentioning is the 2-tone paint scheme - featuring a black hood, roof, and trunk contrasted with various choices for the body color. Currently, the 2-tone option is only available in the Platinum Crown.
Although the plain-as-day 4-door sedan proudly stands separate from its SUV cousins, ironically, there is a favorable similarity. Because the Crown sits higher than ordinary sedans (almost 4 inches taller than the Toyota Camry), getting in and out of the car is much easier compared to similar models.
Interior
Once inside, you may not want to exit the simple and yet classy 5-passenger cabin. Creature comforts include acoustic noise-reducing glass in the windshield and front windows. And speaking of glass, the standard fixed panoramic roof adds “airiness” and light to the cabin. In addition, the Limited and Platinum Crowns come standard with heated and ventilated front seats.
Also included in the Limited and Platinum package is a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia screen with 11 speakers. The system is wireless (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible) complete with SiriusXM satellite radio. And, don’t forget to take advantage of the voice commands like, “Hey, Toyota, what’s the latest traffic report near me?” Your own virtual driving assistant.
Warranty
The Crown series, as is the case for other Toyota vehicles, offers three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first warranty. All power trains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. Especially important for hybrid vehicles – the hybrid batteries are covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles. In addition, Toyota throws in a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan as well as roadside assistance for the first two years or 25,000 miles.
To learn more about the Toyota Crown, visit Shore Toyota.
