Toyota has long been synonymous with reliability and practicality, and the Avalon was a prime example of this ethos—consistently described as being just fine. However, Toyota is no longer content with simply being inoffensive and competent. Enter the 2024 Crown, a hybrid raised sedan that boldly redefines Toyota’s identity. 

This transformation is intriguing and somewhat polarizing. The Crown is available in three trim levels: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Last year, we tested the Limited model, which comes standard with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder hybrid engine, paired with three electric motors and all-wheel drive. Despite its audacious design, the Crown Limited was still largely reminiscent of the Avalon in terms of its “perfectly nice” demeanor. 

This time, however, we got our hands on the Platinum trim, which showcases a completely different personality. The Platinum trim is where hybrid power meets performance. Under the hood is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with three electric motors, delivering a remarkable 340 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed wet clutch automatic transmission that offers silky rev-matched downshifts, allowing the Crown to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just over five seconds. 

The Platinum trim also features an upgraded suspension system with adaptive dampers, making it a surprisingly agile vehicle on rough and twisty roads. The Crown feels well-balanced over any road surface and around corners, with steering that is equally responsive and connected. However, the Crown Platinum can be a bit of a troublemaker. Its silky-smooth transmission, eager turbocharger, and refined suspension system make for an incredibly smooth and streamlined driving experience. So smooth, in fact, that you might not even realize you’re cruising at over 85 mph, which seems to be its sweet spot. 

While the exterior design of the Crown is bold and daring, the interior is more conservative but impeccably crafted with high-quality materials. The Platinum’s leather front seats are both heated and ventilated, and the rear seats are also heated. The sleek climate-control panel, situated below the 12.3-inch touchscreen, would look perfectly at home in a Lexus. Furthermore, the Crown’s interior maintains a Lexus-like hush, even at high speeds. 

The Crown’s pricing starts at $41,045 for the XLE, which remains a “perfectly nice” sedan. The Platinum trim, however, starts at $57,060, which may be a tough pill to swallow for a Toyota that straddles the line between sedan and crossover. But with its Rolls-Royce-like two-tone paint and oversized 21-inch wheels, it certainly stands out from the crowd. And once you’re behind the wheel, it will leave that crowd in its dust. 

The 2024 Toyota Crown Platinum is a bold and ambitious vehicle that represents a new direction for Toyota. It is a vehicle that defies categorization and blending elements of hybrid power and high-performance capabilities. While it may not be for everyone, it is a testament to Toyota’s willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible and is undeniably a vehicle that demands attention as well as respect. 

2024 TOYOTA CROWN PLATINUM

 STARTING PRICE: $41,440 
AS-TESTED: $57,060 

PERFORMANCE:

ENGINE: 2.4-LITER 4-CYLINDER TURBOCHARGED HYBRID 
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 340-HP / 400 LB-FT 
TRANSMISSION: DIRECT SHIFT 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC 
DRIVETRAIN: ALL-WHEEL DRIVE 
EPA MPG: 29 / 32 / 30 
AS-TESTED MPG: 28.8-MPG (COMBINED)