The Toyota Crown and the Toyota Avalon represent distinct chapters in Toyota’s flagship sedan history. For decades, the Avalon stood as the pinnacle of Toyota comfort and spaciousness in North America. Now, the Crown arrives with a reimagined approach, blending sedan and crossover elements. This raises a crucial question for car buyers: Is the Toyota Crown as big as the Avalon? This article delves into a detailed comparison of their dimensions, interior space, and overall design, helping you understand which car better suits your needs.
Exterior Dimensions: A Tale of Two Designs
To accurately assess the size difference, we need to look at the numbers. The Avalon, a traditional full-size sedan, prioritized length and a low-slung profile. The Crown, on the other hand, embraces a higher ride height and a more coupe-like silhouette, influencing its overall dimensions.
Let’s consider specific measurements to understand the variances between these two vehicles. This information can directly impact your decision-making process, especially if garage space or maneuverability is a concern.
Length: The Long and Short of It
The Toyota Avalon traditionally boasts a longer overall length compared to the Crown. This extra length often translates to enhanced rear legroom and potentially a larger trunk. However, it also affects the car’s turning radius and ease of parking in tighter spaces.
While the precise figures may vary slightly depending on the model year and trim level, the Avalon generally extends a few inches beyond the Crown. This difference, while seemingly minor, contributes to the Avalon’s more imposing presence on the road.
Width: A Matter of Stance
Width is another key dimension. A wider car generally provides more shoulder room for passengers and a more stable feel on the road. Both the Avalon and the Crown are reasonably wide vehicles, but subtle differences exist.
Typically, the Avalon holds a slight advantage in width. This contributes to the feeling of spaciousness inside the cabin. However, the Crown, with its modern design, still offers ample width for comfortable seating.
Height: The Crown’s Unique Advantage
Here’s where the Crown distinguishes itself significantly. The Crown features a considerably taller roofline than the Avalon. This is a deliberate design choice, contributing to the Crown’s raised driving position and increased headroom, both of which are reminiscent of a crossover or SUV.
This height difference is perhaps the most visually apparent distinction between the two cars. It directly impacts the driving experience and the overall perception of interior space.
Wheelbase: The Foundation of Space
The wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear axles, is a critical factor in determining interior legroom and ride quality. A longer wheelbase generally translates to a smoother ride and more space for passengers, particularly in the rear seats.
The Avalon has traditionally been known for its generous wheelbase, contributing to its reputation as a comfortable long-distance cruiser. The Crown, while not as long in wheelbase, still offers a respectable amount of space, thanks to its clever design and packaging.
Interior Space: Comfort and Capacity Compared
Beyond the exterior dimensions, the interior space is what truly matters to passengers. Headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, as well as cargo capacity, are crucial considerations when choosing between the Crown and the Avalon.
Front Seat Comfort: A Shared Experience
In the front seats, both the Crown and the Avalon offer a comfortable and spacious experience for the driver and front passenger. The seats are typically well-bolstered and supportive, providing good comfort for long journeys. Both cars offer ample headroom and legroom for most adults.
The primary differences in the front seats come down to design and features. The Crown boasts a more modern and tech-focused interior, while the Avalon leans towards a more traditional and luxurious aesthetic.
Rear Seat Legroom: A Key Differentiator
Rear seat legroom is often a deciding factor for buyers who frequently carry passengers in the back. The Avalon, with its longer wheelbase and overall length, traditionally offered more rear legroom than the Crown. This made it a popular choice for families and those who prioritize rear passenger comfort.
The Crown, while not as spacious as the Avalon in the rear, still offers adequate legroom for most adults. However, taller passengers might find the Avalon to be more comfortable on longer trips. The sloped roofline of the Crown can also slightly impact headroom for taller rear passengers.
Headroom: The Crown’s Advantage Returns
Here again, the Crown’s increased height gives it an edge. Thanks to its taller roofline, the Crown provides ample headroom for both front and rear passengers. This can make the interior feel more airy and less claustrophobic, especially for taller individuals.
The Avalon, while still offering decent headroom, might feel slightly more confined, particularly in the rear seats. This difference is most noticeable for passengers who are above average height.
Cargo Capacity: Trunk Space Matters
Trunk space is an important consideration for many buyers. The Avalon, with its traditional sedan design, typically offers a larger trunk than the Crown. This extra space can be useful for carrying luggage, groceries, or other cargo.
The Crown’s trunk space is still respectable, but it might not be as accommodating as the Avalon’s for larger items. The sloped rear roofline of the Crown can also slightly impact the shape and usability of the trunk.
Design and Style: Appealing to Different Tastes
Beyond size, the design and styling of the Crown and Avalon are distinct. The Avalon embodies a classic, elegant sedan aesthetic, while the Crown embraces a more modern, coupe-like design with a higher ride height.
Exterior Styling: A Modern Reinterpretation vs. Traditional Elegance
The Avalon’s exterior is characterized by its long, flowing lines and a low-slung profile. It exudes a sense of traditional luxury and sophistication. The front grille is typically large and prominent, and the overall design is clean and understated.
The Crown, on the other hand, features a more daring and contemporary design. Its raised ride height and coupe-like roofline give it a distinctive presence on the road. The front fascia is more aggressive, and the overall design is more angular and sculpted.
Interior Design: Tech-Forward vs. Luxurious Comfort
The Avalon’s interior is designed for comfort and luxury. It features high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and a focus on quietness and refinement. The dashboard layout is typically traditional and user-friendly.
The Crown’s interior is more tech-focused and modern. It features large touchscreen displays, sleek lines, and a more minimalist design. The focus is on creating a connected and engaging driving experience.
Driving Experience: How Size Impacts Handling
The size and dimensions of a car directly impact its driving experience. The Avalon, with its longer wheelbase and lower center of gravity, typically offers a smooth and stable ride. The Crown, with its higher ride height and more responsive suspension, provides a more engaging and dynamic driving experience.
Ride Quality: Smoothness vs. Responsiveness
The Avalon is known for its smooth and comfortable ride. It absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease, making it an ideal car for long-distance cruising. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness.
The Crown offers a more responsive and engaging ride. The suspension is firmer, providing better handling and cornering ability. The raised ride height also gives the driver a better view of the road.
Handling and Maneuverability: Nimble vs. Stable
The Avalon, due to its larger size, can feel less nimble in tight spaces. Its turning radius is also larger than the Crown’s. However, its stable and planted feel on the highway inspires confidence.
The Crown, with its smaller size and more responsive steering, is easier to maneuver in city traffic and parking lots. Its tighter turning radius makes it more agile and fun to drive.
The Verdict: Which Size is Right for You?
So, is the Toyota Crown as big as the Avalon? The answer is nuanced. While the Avalon traditionally boasts a longer length and sometimes slightly more width, the Crown stands taller. The Avalon offers more rear legroom and trunk space, but the Crown provides ample headroom thanks to its design. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize rear passenger legroom, trunk space, and a traditional sedan experience, the Avalon might be the better choice. If you prefer a more modern design, a higher driving position, and ample headroom, the Crown could be a better fit. Consider your lifestyle, driving habits, and the needs of your passengers when making your decision. Test driving both vehicles is highly recommended to get a true feel for their size and driving characteristics. Understanding the nuances of each model will assist you in making an informed decision.
What are the key differences in body style between the Toyota Crown and Avalon?
The Toyota Crown distinguishes itself with a unique, slightly elevated fastback sedan design, blending elements of a traditional sedan with a crossover-like profile. This distinct styling sets it apart from conventional sedans, aiming to appeal to buyers seeking a more modern and adventurous aesthetic. Its raised ride height also contributes to a more commanding driving position and easier ingress and egress.
In contrast, the Toyota Avalon adheres to a more classic, full-size sedan silhouette. It prioritizes a spacious and comfortable interior within a traditional sedan format. While the Avalon offers its own sense of style, it remains firmly rooted in the expectations of what a large sedan should look and feel like, focusing on elegance and refinement over adventurous design choices.
How do the interior dimensions of the Crown and Avalon compare?
The Toyota Crown, while boasting a distinctive exterior design, offers a surprisingly comfortable and well-appointed interior. Rear legroom is ample, making it suitable for adult passengers, and the overall cabin design prioritizes a modern and technologically advanced feel. The use of high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements contribute to a premium experience for both driver and passengers.
The Avalon, traditionally known for its spaciousness, provides generous amounts of legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for all occupants. It’s built with passenger comfort in mind, making it a top choice for those who prioritize a roomy and comfortable ride, especially on longer journeys. The Avalon’s focus on maximizing interior space makes it well-suited for families or individuals who frequently travel with passengers.
Which car offers better fuel economy, and why?
The Toyota Crown generally offers superior fuel economy due to its exclusive hybrid powertrain options. These hybrid systems combine gasoline engines with electric motors, resulting in significantly improved mileage, particularly in city driving. The Crown’s focus on efficiency makes it an attractive option for environmentally conscious buyers and those seeking to minimize fuel costs.
While the Avalon has offered hybrid options in the past, it was also available with a more powerful V6 engine which, while providing strong performance, would typically consume more fuel than the Crown’s hybrid powertrains. The availability of different engine options in older models of the Avalon allows for a trade-off between fuel efficiency and power, whereas the Crown emphasizes maximizing fuel economy across its trim levels.
What are the technological features that differentiate the Crown from the Avalon?
The Toyota Crown often features the latest advancements in Toyota’s technology suite, typically including a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display. It may also incorporate newer driver-assistance features and connectivity options, positioning itself as a technologically forward-thinking choice. Expect features like over-the-air updates and cloud-based navigation to be present.
While the Avalon also boasts a respectable array of technological features, it sometimes trails slightly behind the Crown in terms of cutting-edge innovation. It prioritizes user-friendliness and reliability, often incorporating proven technologies that are well-established and easy to operate. Although it may not always feature the absolute newest gadgets, it still offers a comprehensive suite of modern features.
How does the driving experience differ between the two models?
The Toyota Crown offers a more engaging and dynamically tuned driving experience, thanks to its sportier suspension and responsive handling. Its raised ride height provides a unique perspective from the driver’s seat, contributing to a feeling of control and confidence. The hybrid powertrains also deliver instant torque, making acceleration feel brisk and effortless.
The Avalon, on the other hand, is engineered for a smooth, comfortable, and refined ride. Its suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a serene and relaxing experience for both the driver and passengers. The Avalon prioritizes effortless cruising and a quiet cabin, making it ideal for long-distance travel.
What is the typical price range for a new Crown versus a new Avalon?
The Toyota Crown often occupies a slightly higher price point compared to the Avalon, reflecting its more advanced technology and premium positioning within Toyota’s lineup. This price difference is generally justified by the Crown’s exclusive hybrid powertrains, distinctive styling, and available luxury features. The higher starting price reflects its focus on innovation and advanced features.
The Avalon, while still representing a significant investment, typically offers a more accessible entry point into the full-size sedan segment. Its focus on spaciousness, comfort, and reliability makes it an attractive value proposition for buyers seeking a well-equipped and dependable vehicle. The slightly lower price can make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a large and comfortable sedan.
Which car is better suited for families, and why?
The Avalon’s spacious interior and focus on passenger comfort make it a strong contender for families. Its generous rear legroom and large trunk provide ample space for passengers and cargo, making it well-suited for road trips and daily family activities. The comfortable ride quality and quiet cabin also contribute to a pleasant experience for all occupants.
While the Crown offers a comfortable interior and modern amenities, its sloping roofline might slightly compromise rear headroom for taller passengers. However, the Crown’s available safety features and driver-assistance technologies are beneficial for families. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual family needs and preferences, with the Avalon prioritizing space and the Crown offering a more stylish and technologically advanced option.