If you haven’t noticed recently, the Toyota Avalon has made a graceful departure. To follow in its footsteps, Toyota has relaunched an old name that dates back to Japan, 1955, known as, the Crown. With the Avalon appealing to a very specific older demographic, the Crown slides right in as the perfect suitor in the shape of a high-riding sedan with crossover like proportions and a simplicity mind set.  

Looking like It could be a rally cross style sedan, the Crown reminds us of the old Honda Accord Cross Tour from nearly two decades ago. And even though the Crown looks like it is sitting high like a crossover, with less than 6-Inches of ground clearance, Its nearly identical to the clearance of the Toyota Camry. But thanks to Its optional 21-Inch wheels, it gives the Crown exceptional proportions that make It feel more like a concept car with crossover characteristics.  

The Crown comes as a hybrid only vehicle carrying all-wheel drive as standard. Depending on the trim level, the Crown could carry different personalities. The entry XLE and Limited models come equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors in the front and one electric motor in the back. Combined, it delivers a total output of 236-horsepower. The rear electric motor is not like your traditional all-wheel drive system as there is no driveshaft that connects it to the front wheels. Instead, the rear electric motor supplies 54-horsepower on its own and serves as a contingency form of support. Serving like a second-string player, this system is always active and ready to be play when road conditions get dicey or curvy. The all-wheel drive system also engages when first setting off from a stop to help give that extra assist, so the front wheels just aren’t doing all the leg work.  

Much like the Toyota Avalon, the Crown, fitted with this entry-level engine can be easily described as ‘just fine.’ It’s not exactly what one would say is quick, but it is not slow either. It requires just over 7-seconds to achieve 60-mph and with the use of its electronically controlled continuous variable transmission, the engine buzzes away as the rpms climb higher and higher. Overall, it is an impressive set up that isn’t going to win over the hearts of driving enthusiasts, but for those that enjoy some good fuel economy, the Crown supports a comforting 41-mpg’s. A number we received during our week of mix highway & city driving and matches the EPA rating to a tee.  

If you’re someone that likes a little more oomph to your get-a-long and don’t really care about fuel economy, the Crown Platinum steps it up a nickel with its turbocharged 2.4-liter Hybrid Max powertrain system that delivers 340-horsepower and 400 lbs-ft of torque. It is claimed that the Platinum with spring up to 60-mph in roughly 5-seconds, making it a sleeper in the streets, and a freak in the sheets.  

However, since our experience was with the middle-grade Limited, we stuck to the world of mundane simpleness. And the Crown delivers just that in terms of driving familiarity. Despite its 21-inch wheels, the ride quality was sufficiently smooth providing a comfortable demeanor that handles politely with minor feedback to the wheels. It is the kind of car that does just fine for what its intended purposes are for.  

Inside, there is nothing showy about the Crowns cabin design. Carrying a Lexus like flavor, there are quality materials and soft touch materials on all the important places that should age well over time. With the Limited model, it carried the usual suspects of heated seats – both front and rear, a panoramic glass roof, and a large 12.3-inch touch screen display with wireless phone pairing. It also featured Toyota’s infamous 11-speaker JBL audio system that brings out the juicy beats when arguing against talk radio or jamming the oldies station, like 90’s on 9 SXM.  

The cabin is a quiet place with comfortable seating arrangements for both front and rear occupants. The height of the Crown makes for such easy accessibility for certain demographics that may have bad backs or weak knees. Trunk space may not seem sufficient from the outside but open it up to reveal there is so much cargo space, even a Mafia Boss would approve.  

Pricing for the Crown starts at $41,045 for the XLE and tops out around $54,500 for the Platinum. This may sound like a lot, but in the grand scheme, Toyota is targeting those that aren’t necessarily a badge snob. The Crown is the kind of vehicle where you get Lexus like quality tucked behind a Toyota mask. And considering the concept of the sedan is dying, Toyota managed to find a way to bring the best of both worlds together.