Toyota’s Crown has turned heads with its unconventional sedan-meets-crossover design, aiming to carve out a unique niche in the automotive market. The Hybrid Max version, promising enhanced performance, sits at the top of the Crown lineup with a steeper price tag. After spending a week behind the wheel of the 2024 Toyota Crown Hybrid Max Platinum, it’s clear this model offers a mixed bag. While it delivers on speed for a Toyota, it raises questions about whether the performance gains justify the sacrifices, especially when compared to similarly priced competitors. Many potential buyers in regions like Sacramento, where I’m based, seem to be echoing these reservations, as Crown sightings on the road remain surprisingly rare.
Performance vs. MPG: A Questionable Trade-off
One of the most compelling aspects of the standard Toyota Crown is its impressive fuel efficiency. In my previous test of the base model, I achieved an average of 39.5 MPG, a remarkable figure for a vehicle of its size. This efficiency stems from its naturally-aspirated engine and hybrid system, producing a combined 236 horsepower. However, the Hybrid MAX configuration in the Platinum trim swaps the naturally aspirated engine for a turbocharged one, boosting total output to a more substantial 340 horsepower. This power bump translates to a quicker 0-60 MPH time, dropping from 7.3 seconds to a respectable 5.8 seconds – making it one of the faster Toyotas currently available.
However, this performance upgrade comes at a significant cost: fuel economy plummets to a disappointing 27 MPG. While 27 MPG isn’t terrible for a vehicle in this class, it’s a stark contrast to the standard Crown and surprisingly on par with non-hybrid competitors. For instance, a Genesis G80 with its 2.5L turbocharged engine, producing 280 horsepower, achieved the same 27 MPG in my testing without any hybrid assistance. Similarly, a BMW 330i, despite having nearly 100 less horsepower on paper, matches the Crown Hybrid Max’s fuel economy without relying on a hybrid system. In essence, the Hybrid Max powertrain delivers adequate performance, but it’s not a particularly efficient hybrid, especially considering the significant drop in MPG compared to the base Crown.
Interior Ambitions vs. Reality: Is it Truly Luxurious?
Stepping inside the Crown Hybrid Max, you’ll find a spacious cabin with ample legroom, particularly in the rear. However, with a near-$55,000 price tag and the “Platinum” badge suggesting top-tier luxury, the interior falls short of expectations. While it might represent a luxurious Toyota, it doesn’t quite measure up to the standards of a true luxury car in this price bracket. Consider the Lexus ES, Toyota’s own luxury brand offering, which is priced similarly and based on the previous Avalon platform that the Crown essentially replaces. The ES surpasses the Crown in interior refinement, material quality, and overall upscale ambiance. Even the base-spec Genesis G80 offers a more compelling luxury experience, with an interior that looks and feels genuinely special from the moment you open the door.
Further detracting from the luxury experience are several detail shortcomings. The steering wheel is cluttered with an overwhelming nineteen buttons, the gear lever feels clunky, and the heated seats and steering wheel provide barely perceptible warmth – a first-time complaint in my car reviewing experience. The trunk also exhibits a creaking sound upon opening, a recurring issue from a previous Crown test, and the plastic trunk release button feels cheap. Notably absent at this price point is a power trunk, a feature expected in vehicles marketed as luxury or near-luxury. While the Crown is well-equipped with safety and infotainment technology, these shortcomings in execution detract from the overall premium feel. The prominently placed, oddly shaped JBL speakers on the A-pillars are another questionable design choice, appearing as visual distractions in the cabin.
Driving Dynamics: Performance and Handling Disconnect
Behind the wheel, the Crown Hybrid Max reveals a steering system that is disappointingly numb and artificial, lacking feedback and driver engagement. While highway cruising is effortless, as expected in most modern cars, the promised sporty edge to complement the Hybrid Max’s increased power is simply absent. Mirroring its soft, rounded exterior styling, the Crown exhibits a lack of composure when pushed through corners or during quick changes in direction. While tire grip from the large 21-inch wheels is ample, the overall driving experience leans towards leisurely rather than dynamic.
Compounding the issue is the apparent lack of suspension tuning adjustments for the Hybrid Max model. The chassis struggles to effectively manage the increased power output in scenarios beyond straight-line acceleration, such as highway on-ramps. Competitors, and even the Avalon that the Crown replaces, offer a more engaging and dynamically capable driving experience when faced with anything other than straight roads.
Final Verdict: Style Over Substance?
The Toyota Crown Hybrid Max isn’t inherently a bad car, but it undeniably falls short of being compelling, particularly considering its price. The target demographic for the Crown is unlikely to prioritize the modest acceleration gains of the Hybrid Max. For those focused on fuel efficiency, the standard Crown offers a significantly more economical option. Buyers in the $50,000+ price range seeking a truly luxurious and well-rounded vehicle would be better served exploring alternatives like the Lexus ES or the Genesis G80, especially for those who value driving enjoyment and distinctive styling. While Toyota deserves credit for venturing beyond the SUV norm with the Crown, this particular iteration feels like a solution searching for a problem. The styling, while subjective, has also drawn criticism from various acquaintances, further contributing to the overall underwhelming impression.
2024 Toyota Crown Platinum Hybrid Max
Price as-tested: $54,590
Pros: Quick acceleration (for a Toyota), Spacious interior
Cons: Interior quality doesn’t justify the price, Disappointing fuel economy for a hybrid
