2026 Toyota Crown Review: An Upscale Camry Option That Isn't Essential

      Caleb Jacobs

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      I've always found the Toyota Crown intriguing. It has a unique design, setting it apart in both positive and negative ways, and it offers more than just a mundane daily driver. Personally, I'm fond of the concept of a raised sedan. But how does it actually feel to drive?

      The Crown is a product of its time; I can’t see why it would need to exist any other way. While it isn't necessarily a bad car, it resembles any other four-door Toyota, except it features elevated suspension to appeal to those who believe they require an SUV. The main issue is one of compromise.

      After experiencing it for a week, I'm convinced that the Crown is perfectly acceptable if you’d prefer a vehicle other than a Camry for various reasons. Its fuel efficiency remains impressive, it comes standard with all-wheel drive, it offers more luxury, and it has ample space for two, three, or even four passengers. Ultimately, it boils down to whether or not you appreciate its design.

      Caleb Jacobs

      Overview

      Toyota reintroduced the Crown in 2022, bringing back the nameplate after a 50-year hiatus. At that time, we were uncertain about what to make of it, and I still feel that way. It’s a blend of sedan and crossover, combining the familiarity of the former with the height of the latter.

      In my opinion, every Crown should come equipped with mud flaps and a cargo rack to enhance its appearance. I realize not everyone shares my view. Without any striking exterior modifications, the Toyota feels unremarkably generic rather than capable of tackling rugged terrains. The rear three-quarter view is particularly odd, possessing a lot of empty space below while the back half neither appears sharply defined nor entirely rounded. It also features a raccoon-like facade.

      Caleb Jacobs

      Despite that, the interior is genuinely nice. A friend of mine, Chris Tsui, referred to the Toyota Crown as the world's greatest luxury car, and while that designation is provocative, I understand his perspective—at least in the sense that functionality equates to luxury. I agree that all controls are logically arranged, and everything needing backlighting is adequately illuminated.

      The Crown offers two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder, which was in the model I tested, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter hybrid. Regardless of the choice, both come with battery assistance and an electronically continuous variable transmission. The base engine provided 236 hp and was rated by the EPA at 41 mpg combined, which is quite impressive.

      Driving the 2026 Toyota Crown

      I can hardly provide any memorable insights about the Crown's driving experience. Does that reflect poorly on my reviewing skills? Possibly. However, it might also indicate that the Crown simply performs its intended function, much like most Toyotas do.

      Outside of a few people expressing curiosity about what it was, my experience with the Crown was largely uneventful. It transported me from home to church and back several times while using minimal fuel. I assume the turbo engine would have added an element of excitement, but ultimately, buyers prioritize convenience, practicality, and fuel efficiency over thrills.

      If I had to describe the driving dynamics of the Crown, I’d say it handles well enough without feeling overly soft and remains capable without providing a strong sense of confidence. You never have the impression of rolling over during ordinary driving, despite the higher ride height. At the same time, there’s no urge to push its limits since that isn’t its purpose. It’s a family vehicle that hasn’t advanced beyond its basic form.

      It excels in that it offers few discomforts, which certainly holds value. The Toyota Crown is remarkably comfortable. It just doesn’t impress with its refinement or performance.

      Caleb Jacobs

      As a 6'5" driver, I had ample space in the driver’s seat, which is a plus in vehicles smaller than SUVs. In fact, the Crown felt significantly more comfortable than the Corolla Cross I tested around the same time, largely due to superior ergonomics. Even with my wider seating position, I never felt cramped, which is noteworthy given my size in relation to the vehicle.

      I must say, I appreciate the seamless integration of the 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the similarly sized digital gauge cluster. Neither appears as if it were simply added on, nor do they feebly attempt to exude luxury beyond the Crown's pricing. Many automakers, particularly European ones, try to enhance the premium feel of their interiors with oversized touchscreens, and it often falls flat. Thankfully, this is not the case with the Toyota here.

      If you simply want a reliable daily driver that can handle the road a bit better than most, then the Crown is a commendable option.

      Pros and Cons

      The interior of the Crown is definitely one