This Budget Hybrid Will Make You Rethink Speed and Affordability

When it comes to cars, the term ‘budget’ is ambiguous. We buy specific kinds of cars because we have specific needs. These same needs apply when we choose a hybrid. It has to be what we want and be able to do what we need. If the buyer needs a budget three-row, seven-seat SUV hybrid with AWD, the choice will be the most affordable such vehicle, as opposed to the lowest-cost hybrid on the market.

Now if you had a few criteria in mind that made your vehicle an all-arounder – things like hybrid, speed, and affordability – you don’t have a lot of options that can do them all efficiently. However, there’s one Japanese hybrid that manages to carve out a decent balance of all these things while also bringing in the element of handsome styling. Here’s the model that will fit your bill.

The Toyota Crown Platinum Sprints T0 60 MPH In 5.1 Seconds

The Toyota Crown Platinum is powered by the Hybrid Max configuration, which is a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine and an electric motor on the rear axle. Together, this setup churns out 340 horsepower, that allows the car to sprint to 60 mph in just over five seconds. The XLE and Limited are powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine and three electric motors, giving 236 horsepower. The Platinum trim is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the others come with a CVT.

While the Crown’s ride is aimed at refined comfort over sporty handling, the Platinum is equipped with active suspension that will firm up the ride when needed. It also has dynamic rear steering, which reduces the turning circle of the top trim version. Disc brakes front and back give ample stopping power.

2025 Toyota Crown Platinum Specifications

The 2024 Toyota Crown Platinum Starts At Under $55,000

The Toyota Crown has an MRSP of $41,440, while the top trim Platinum starts at $54,990. The Crown gets excellent ratings from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, which means the buyer can essentially get a very good, premium spec sedan at just over $40,000. There is a $4,500 difference between the entry-level and the mid-range, mainly made up of a panoramic sunroof, better infotainment, sound, and interior materials.

Toyota Crown Range

The Toyota Crown Platinum costs over $50,000 so the budget in this case is not cheap. It is a large premium sedan and it is decidedly quick. The Crown is available in three trim levels, all with hybrid engines. At first glance, the Toyota Crown does not look like a Toyota sedan. Toyota sedans are nice, but they are normal cars. The Crown looks more upmarket than Toyota should be allowed to look. It reminds of a Lexus, a Genesis, or a mid-range expensive German saloon. The Crown has a long on/off history in the US, and the most recent iteration was introduced in 2023.

The Toyota Crown is a premium sedan, distinguished from its peers by its taller stance, giving an almost SUV-like ride-height feel. The cabin is decidedly premium, spacious, and very comfortable. The XLE and Limited trims are great cars, but it is what you find under the hood that sets the Platinum in a different category.

An Overall Score Of 82/100 As Per J.D. Power Ratings

J.D. Power has rated the Toyota Crown as the best large hybrid car of 2025, with a score of 82 out of 100. The ratings were:

• Quality and Reliability 81
• Driving Experience 82
• Resale 86
• Dealership Experience 78

It is interesting that the second and third-place large hybrids were also Toyota models, namely the Tundra (81), and the Sequoia (80). Consumer Reports scored the Crown at 81.

No Dearth Of Features In The 2024 Toyota Crown

Just as the exterior of the Crown seems beyond the Toyota expectation, the interior provides a delightful invitation to the aspirational buyer seeking affordable luxury. The cabin looks and feels premium, and the higher trim levels add noticeably to the Crown experience. But even the entry-level XLE will satisfy the most discerning buyer. It almost feels as if Toyota decided to compete with Lexus, its own luxury brand.

Exterior Features

• Quad-LED projector low- and high-beam headlights, Automatic High Beams, and auto on/off function
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• LED Rear Lights
• 21-in. 10-spoke machined-finish alloy wheels with black accents (Platinum)
• 19-inch multi-spoke machined-finish two-tone alloy wheels (XLE and Limited)

Standard Cabin Features Include:

• Leather-trimmed front seats with seatback pockets
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
• 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Heated leather steering wheel
• Leather-trimmed shift knob
• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• Wireless charging pad

The large infotainment touchscreen is controlled by Toyota’s new software interface. This is a noticeable improvement on the previous system, seamlessly integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include onboard Wi-Fi, and USB-C ports. The XLE has six speakers, while the other two trims come with 12. The Platinum also adds a head-up display as standard.

Safety Features

Most Toyota vehicles come standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, and this includes the Crown as well. The whole range comes standard with a range of features that includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlamps. Safety features may vary with trim levels, but include:

• Driver and front passenger anti-whiplash seats
• Eight airbags
• Collapsible steering column
• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
• Advanced part or backup camera
• Tire pressure monitor
• Child seat anchors
• Side impact beams
• Lane change assist
• Hill start assist
• Rear seat reminder
• Safe exit alert

How The Crown Stacks Up Against Its Rivals

The Toyota Crown is in an odd buying space. In terms of name badge, it ranks with Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Hyundai, and the like. But in luxury and performance, especially regarding the Platinum, it matches, beats, or at least gets close to several more recognizably premium brands. Toyota’s undeniable build quality, reliability, and resale value match that of any automaker.

It is easy to compare the Crown to the Hyundai Sonata or the Honda Accord. But, it won’t be out of place to compare it to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Volvo. This may seem like too much of a jump for a humble Toyota, but if we remember the quality of the Japanese brand, and then look at the tale of the tape, perhaps the Crown is not that humble.

Toyota Crown Platinum vs. Rivals

Toyota Crown Platinum Is Fast And Affordable

The Mercedes E-Class is more expensive than the Crown, and slightly slower to sixty. It does offer more genuine luxury though. The BMW 530 is also a brilliant option, very similar to the Merc. The natural competitor to the Platinum is the Lexus ES, which is in the same price range, but significantly slower. The other Lexus sedan is the LS, but that is in a way different price class. The Lexus RX is comparable, except it is a crossover.

The motoring snob in all of us would consider the mainstream luxury Germans or the Lexus. But if you are looking for price, performance and are willing to settle for prime as opposed to luxury, the Toyota Crown Platinum would be worth more than a second look. Add to that Toyota’s legendary reliability, low running costs, and trade-in value retention, and the Crown becomes a compelling option. The Crown also sets itself apart from other sedans by its elevated seating position, which gives it a somewhat SUV character.