If you’re wondering “What exactly is a Toyota Crown?” — let’s start with the simple truth:
👉 The Toyota Crown is a premium, hybrid-only large sedan with a raised crossover-style stance, luxury comfort, Toyota reliability, and the kind of engineering that quietly lasts for 300,000 km when maintained right.
And since you’re here, you’re probably thinking about buying one used.
Good news: you landed on the right page. By the time you finish this guide, you’ll know everything a smart buyer should know: gas mileage, configurations, real horsepower differences, interior comfort, oil type, maintenance tips, yearly upgrades, prices in the USA / Canada / UK / Australia… plus where to actually find a good used one.
As an electromechanic with 17 years of hands-on experience, my job here is simple:
👉 Give you real, practical advice, not marketing talk — so you choose the right Toyota Crown and avoid the money traps.
Let’s dive straight in.
Table of Contents
The 2023 Toyota Crown — The Return of a Legend (and the Best Value Buy)
When the 2023 Crown landed, Toyota didn’t just revive a model name — they reinvented it. Calling it a “sedan” doesn’t even do it justice. It sits higher, feels more luxurious, and drives like the smoothest hybrid Toyota has ever tuned.
Engine & Configurations — Two Very Different Personalities
Toyota launched the Crown with two distinct setups:
1. 2.5L Hybrid (236 hp) — the smooth, efficient one
- Brilliant for daily use
- Ultra-quiet
- Uses the same reliable hybrid architecture Toyota is famous for
2.4L Turbo Hybrid Max (340 hp) — the performance one
- Strong acceleration
- Sportier feel
- Ideal for someone who wants “Lexus-like power” without paying Lexus prices
This is your first big decision as a buyer, and it defines the whole experience.
Gas Mileage — A True Selling Point
- Standard Hybrid: ~42 MPG combined
- Hybrid Max: ~30 MPG combined
If fuel savings matter to you, the standard hybrid is the winner by a mile.
Interior, Practicality & Towing
The 2023 Crown interior is genuinely premium:
- 12.3-inch display
- Noise-insulated cabin
- Comfortable raised ride height (great for older drivers)
Towing capacity?
👉 None. Like most modern sedans, it isn’t rated for towing.
Maintenance Must-Know: Oil Type & Capacity
For a Crown, oil is not optional knowledge. It is essential.
- 2.5L Hybrid: ~5.7 quarts of 0W-16 synthetic
- Hybrid Max: Different spec — always check with VIN
Using the correct oil improves hybrid longevity dramatically.
Used Pricing (Real Market Averages)
- The early adopters have taken the biggest depreciation hit, which is great for you. Here’s the real-world landscape:
- USA: $35,000 – $48,000 USD. A clean, lower-mileage XLE offers the best blend of tech and value.
- Canada: $47,000 – $65,000 CAD.
- UK: Not sold new there, but you’ll find Japanese imports. For a similar vibe without the import hassle, check used Lexus ES hybrids.
- Australia: Strictly an import model, so prices swing wildly based on spec and importer reputation.
My Take: *Finding a well-kept 2023 is a fantastic move. You get the groundbreaking design and all the tech, often for thousands less than a new one. The Hybrid Max is a blast, but for 90% of buyers, the standard hybrid’s magic carpet ride and 42 MPG are the Crown’s killer app.*
Now that the 2023 model introduced the “new Crown” era… what did Toyota change the following year? Let’s move into it.
The 2024 Toyota Crown: The Refined Value Play
For 2024, Toyota made the Crown smarter by making it more accessible. The soul of the car is identical, but they added a new entry point that makes a ton of sense.
Configurations & Technical Specs
Same engines as 2023:
- 236 hp hybrid
- 340 hp Hybrid Max
But the real news?
👉 The new Crown LE trim.
A more affordable configuration without cutting the soul of the vehicle.
Gas Mileage
Identical to the 2023:
- 42 MPG for the standard hybrid
- 30 MPG for Hybrid Max
Still one of the most efficient large sedans on the market.
Interior Refinements
The LE trim proves that a premium experience doesn’t require a platinum credit card. You still get a fantastic, quiet cabin, dual-zone climate, and great tech. It trims some luxuries but keeps the heart of the car intact.
Used Market Pricing
Prices are nearly twins, with a tiny premium for the newer model year. You’re paying for one less calendar year and potentially more remaining factory warranty.
Canada: $45,000 – $68,000 CAD.
USA: $33,000 – $50,000 USD.
Expert Advice on Choosing
Here’s my personal tip from watching the market: The 2024 LE or XLE is the Crown’s sweet spot. You’re getting a nearly-new car, the phenomenal hybrid fuel economy, and that head-turning style for significantly less than a loaded Camry Hybrid. Unless you crave AWD or the turbo’s shove, this is the configuration I’d stalk on used car sites.
With the lineup now solid from affordable to luxurious, what was left for 2025? A style and tech tweak that changes the game for some.
The 2025 Toyota Crown — The Sharper, More Connected One
The 2025 Crown is a mid-cycle refresh — and while the engines didn’t change, the experience did.
What’s Actually New?
- A bolder front and rear design
- A redesigned steering wheel
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto now standard on all trims
Mechanically, it’s the same reliable setup as 2023–2024.
Engine & Performance
- 236 hp hybrid
- 340 hp Hybrid Max
No power increases, just refined tuning and a cleaner look.
Gas Mileage
Still:
- 42 MPG for standard hybrid
- 30 MPG for Hybrid Max
Interior Feel
The cabin feels slightly more modern thanks to the new interface and wireless connectivity.
My Honest Buyer Insight
If the updated styling speaks to you and wireless connectivity matters, the 2025 is a great choice.
If not, a 2023–2024 will save you money with almost identical performance.
You know the model years — now here’s where to actually find a used Toyota Crown you can trust.
Where to Buy a Used Toyota Crown Near You
USA & Canada
Your best friend is the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. Search directly on Toyota’s national website. This is where you’ll find the cleanest cars with the best extended warranty. For private sales and non-CPO dealer cars, Autotrader and Cars.com are essential. Be prepared to expand your search radius—the perfect spec might be a state or province over.
UK & Australia
This is import territory. You’ll be looking at specialist Japanese import dealers. The keyword here is “specialist.” Do not buy a hybrid import from a general used lot. You want a dealer who specializes in Japanese imports, understands the F-grade auction sheets, and can handle all the compliance. Always, always budget for a separate, rigorous pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with Japanese-market Toyotas.
FAQs
Is the 2025 Toyota Crown electric or gas?
It’s a gas hybrid, not a fully electric vehicle.
Is a Toyota Crown bigger than a Camry?
Yes — the Crown is larger, sits higher, and feels more premium.
What is the horsepower of a 2025 Toyota Crown?
You can choose between:
- 236 hp (standard hybrid)
- 340 hp (Hybrid Max turbo hybrid)
What is a 2023 Toyota Crown?
It’s the first year of the new Crown generation — a hybrid-only, raised sedan with excellent MPG and premium comfort.
How much horsepower does a 2024 Toyota Crown have?
Same as 2023 and 2025:
- 236 hp hybrid
- 340 hp Hybrid Max
What is the difference between the 2024 and 2025 Toyota Crown?
Mostly:
- Updated front and rear design
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
- Minor cabin refinements
No mechanical differences.
Final Word & My Handshake Advice
Look, after all that detail, here’s the simple truth: The used Crown is a smart choice for the buyer who gets it. You’re choosing brilliant fuel economy and standout comfort over a traditional luxury badge.
If I were you, I’d let one thing guide my final decision more than anything else: the paper trail. A perfect maintenance history, especially on the hybrid system, is worth more than a flashy trim or a super-low price. A Toyota Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Crown might cost a bit more upfront, but that backed warranty is like buying a giant insurance policy for your peace of mind—and in my experience as a mechanic, it’s almost always worth it.
I hope this guide cuts through the noise and gives you the confidence to find your perfect Crown.
Your Turn — Talk to Me
If you have any question about:
- Toyota Crown trims
- Used car buying
- Maintenance advice
- Or if you want me to write a full guide on another model…
👉 Leave a comment — I’m here to help you with anything you need.