2023 TOYOTA CROWN PLATINUM HYBRIDMAX POV TEST DRIVE

EV Channels Review

The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum with the Hybrid MAX powertrain is presented as a unique offering, aiming to blend sedan comfort with SUV-like capabilities. The reviewer highlights the powertrain's impressive 340 horsepower and quick acceleration, noting a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds and strong highway fuel economy that exceeds EPA estimates. However, a significant drawback is the powertrain's inconsistent and sometimes stuttering behavior at very low speeds, leading the reviewer to suspect a potential fault with the test vehicle. Despite this, the handling is praised as good, with adaptive dampers on the Platinum trim enhancing the ride quality across different drive modes. The steering is described as accurate and the overall refinement at highway speeds is good, though some road and wind noise are present. The reviewer finds the Crown's unique positioning, replacing the Avalon with a slightly raised, all-wheel-drive sedan, to be an interesting but potentially niche choice in the current market. While acknowledging the high MSRP and the potential for better value in lower trims, the Platinum's performance and distinctive styling, especially the two-tone paint, are appreciated. The primary criticism remains the low-speed powertrain refinement, but otherwise, the car is considered a compelling and fun-to-drive option with expected Toyota reliability.