2025 Toyota Crown Nightshade Edition
05/03/2025
Shahed Hussain
After the Avalon departed the lineup in 2021, Toyota introduced the Crown in 2023 as its replacement. Both the Crown and the related Crown Signia wagon are priced higher than the previous Avalon. All Crown models are hybrids with all-wheel drive.
The base Crown XLE Hybrid AWD starts at $41,440 and the range tops out at $54,990 for the Platinum Hybrid Max AWD. We tested the Nightshade Hybrid AWD priced at $48,765. Options on the test vehicle included illuminated door sills ($345), mudguards ($155), side puddle lamp ($165), dash cam ($375), rear bumper applique ($69), connected services trial ($325), and carpet mat package ($319). The total including the $1,095 delivery fee added up to $51,613.
Toyota powers the Crown with two different gas engines: a 184-hp 2.5L inline-4 (Hybrid) or 264-hp 2.4L inline-4 turbo (Hybrid Max). Only the top Crown Platinum gets the Hybrid Max powertrain. All other Crown models are powered by the DOHC 2.5L inline-4 rated at 184-hp @ 6,000 RPM, and 163 lb.-ft. @ 3,600-5,200 RPM. A 5.0 Ah nickel-metal hydride battery pack powers an 88 kW/149 lb.-ft. (front) and 40 kW/89 lb.-ft. (rear) electric motors to augment the gas engine. Total system power adds up to 236-hp. An electronically-controlled CVT sends power to an on-demand AWD system. The EPA fuel consumption rating is 42/41 MPG (city/hwy.). We averaged a less impressive 31-32 MPG covering mostly highway miles. Toyota claims the 0-60 MPH sprint in 7.6 seconds (Hybrid) or 5.7 seconds (Hybrid Max).
The Crown uses the typical MacPherson strut front suspension, complemented by a multi-link rear setup in the rear. Coil springs and stabilizer bars are at both ends. Steering is via a motor-assisted rack-and-pinion setup geared for 2.64 turns lock-to-lock. Disc brakes are at all four corners, 12.9-in. vented rotors in front, solid 12.5 in. rotors on the rear axle. The Crown Nightshade and Platinum get 21-in. alloy wheels and 225/45R21 Bridgestone Turanza EL450 all-season tires; smaller 19-in. alloy wheels are on the XLE and Limited. Curb weights range from 3,980 lbs. to 4,343 lbs.; the Nightshade Edition weighs in at 4,013 lbs.
As the top sedan in the Toyota lineup, the Crown combines excellent materials and build quality. The overall impression is of understated luxury. The Crown's heated front seats are covered in perforated leather and offer ample lateral support and comfort. Rear seats accommodations are spacious for two passengers, and up to three people for short trips. Front and rear headroom is limited for passengers over 6 ft. tall, due to the panoramic glass roof and sloping roofline.
Like other vehicles in its class, the Crown adopts a digital gauge cluster with a simulated analog speedometer and tachometer; a configurable center display area shows vehicle status. The heated leather-wrapped steering wheel has integrated audio, phone and cruise control settings. The widescreen infotainment display shows navigation maps, audio, and other vehicle data. Most settings are accessed via the touchscreen, except for the audio volume knob. Climate control buttons are arrayed below the center vents. Dual USB-C ports, 12V outlet, wireless phone charging bin, and cupholders are located next to the stubby electronic shifter.
Toyota engineers tuned the Crown's suspension to deliver a compliant ride. Spring and damper settings effectively absorb impacts from potholes and patched road surfaces. The steering system filters out most road surface feedback. Steering power assist is tuned to optimize highway stability. We noticed some crosswind sensitivity due to the Crown's higher body height. Brake actuation is progressive with good pedal feel. Minimal wind, tire and engine noise make the Crown an excellent choice for extended road trips.
The hybrid powertrain's gas engine and electric motors blend their outputs seamlessly, delivering excellent low speed acceleration and acceptable midrange response. From a stop, the Crown accelerates in EV mode, followed by the gas engine starting once underway. When the battery pack is fully charged, the electric motors propel the Crown up to 45 MPH. While coasting, the gas engine turns off and restarts as needed. The on-demand AWD system works unobtrusively to prevent torque steer and wheelspin. As highway speeds, the hybrid powertrain delivers leisurely acceleration beyond 80 MPH. We expect that the Crown Platinum's 340-hp powertrain should improve performance, but at the expense of higher fuel consumption.
The Crown is an attractive luxury sedan, especially in the base $41K XLE trim. In our opinion. the Crown Nightshade doesn't add enough value to justify the price differential from the XLE or Limited models. We would be tempted to get the top Crown Platinum for its superior powertrain, but the $55K price is difficult to justify versus the competition from other brands.
