Sedan Showdown: Toyota Avalon vs. Toyota Crown
A Side-by-Side Comparison of the Toyota Avalon and Toyota Crown: Key Differences Explained
As Toyota continues to evolve its lineup to keep pace with changing customer preferences, the iconic Toyota Avalon has been discontinued in Canada since 2022, making room for an exciting new model: the Toyota Crown. The Avalon, a trusted full-size sedan for over five generations, was phased out as Toyota shifted its focus toward SUVs and trucks, allowing the brand to reimagine its sedan offerings. The Toyota Crown steps into the spotlight as a worthy successor, bringing a fresh perspective to the luxury sedan category with hybrid powertrains, advanced technology, and a bold design that combines sedan and crossover elements. In this comparison, we’ll highlight the key differences between the two models, helping you understand why the Crown may be the ideal choice moving forward.
Overview of the Toyota Avalon and Toyota Crown
The Toyota Avalon earned its reputation for delivering a smooth, comfortable ride with ample space, premium materials, and high levels of reliability. With a refined and traditional full-size sedan design, it was the choice for drivers seeking an elegant yet understated vehicle for commuting and family trips alike.
The Toyota Crown, however, embraces a new direction. With a distinctive design that blends elements of a sedan and a crossover, the Crown reflects Toyota’s vision of modern luxury. Equipped with two hybrid powertrain options and advanced safety and technology features, the Crown appeals to drivers looking for a more fuel-efficient and tech-savvy experience without sacrificing the quality Toyota is known for.
Key Differences: Toyota Avalon vs. Toyota Crown
Design and Styling
Avalon: Known for its classic, streamlined sedan look, the Avalon offered a spacious cabin with elegant materials. Its traditional style focused on comfort and sophistication, which appealed to drivers seeking an understated, luxurious look.
Crown: The Crown’s design takes a bold departure from the Avalon’s classic styling. With a higher stance, sculpted lines, and even optional two-tone paint schemes, the Crown’s exterior merges sedan and crossover design elements. This elevated driving position offers a unique blend of SUV-like visibility with the sleek profile of a sedan.
Interior Features and Comfort
Avalon: The Avalon’s cabin prioritized passenger comfort and spaciousness, with quality materials and a quiet atmosphere. It was built for long drives, offering generous legroom and supportive seating throughout.
Crown: While the Crown also emphasizes comfort, it integrates advanced tech features as well. The cabin includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, along with high-end audio and climate control options, making it a more modern, tech-oriented experience. Its interior materials and seating are designed to balance luxury with sportiness.
Performance and Powertrain Options
Avalon: Powered primarily by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 301 horsepower, the Avalon was known for a refined driving experience and reliable performance, ideal for highway commuting and daily drives.
Crown: The Crown introduces hybrid powertrains, including a 2.5-liter hybrid and a 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid (Hybrid MAX) option. This makes the Crown a more eco-conscious choice, with the Hybrid MAX delivering up to 340 horsepower for a more dynamic driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency
Avalon: While the Avalon provided respectable fuel economy for a full-size sedan, its gas-only powertrain meant it couldn’t match the efficiency of Toyota’s hybrid options.
Crown: With two available hybrid powertrains, the Crown takes the lead in fuel efficiency. The hybrid models offer considerable savings on fuel costs, making the Crown an appealing option for drivers focused on reducing fuel expenses and minimizing environmental impact.
Safety and Technology
Avalon: Equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense™ 2.5+ suite, the Avalon was well-regarded for its standard safety features, including pre-collision systems, lane departure alerts, and adaptive cruise control.
Crown: The Crown upgrades to Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, featuring enhanced driver-assist technology, including a panoramic view monitor and an improved lane-keeping system. These additional features increase safety and visibility, making the Crown particularly advantageous for navigating busy city streets or crowded parking areas.
Pricing and Value
Avalon: Known for offering premium features at an accessible price, the Avalon was an excellent value for drivers seeking luxury on a budget.
Crown: While the Crown’s price point may be higher, its advanced hybrid technology and modern amenities add value through fuel savings and premium features. For drivers seeking a luxurious experience with Toyota’s latest tech and hybrid benefits, the Crown represents a strong long-term investment.
Why Choose the Toyota Crown?
With the Avalon discontinued as of 2022, Toyota decided to refocus on models that reflect evolving consumer preferences and demand for fuel-efficient and tech-integrated vehicles. The Crown not only fills the space left by the Avalon but elevates it, providing drivers with a hybrid-powered, tech-savvy, and uniquely designed option. The Crown is well-suited for those who loved the Avalon’s reliability and comfort but are ready for a more modern experience that meets today’s standards for luxury and efficiency.
For drivers in Ottawa and beyond, the Toyota Crown delivers on Toyota’s promise of quality and innovation while setting new standards for what a luxury sedan can offer.
Sources:
https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/crown/overview
https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/connect/2039/2019-toyota-avalon