The full-size sedan market has seen a shift, with Toyota shaking things up. The Avalon, a long-standing symbol of comfortable and reliable motoring, has been replaced by the Crown, a vehicle aiming for a more stylish and sophisticated appeal. This begs the question: Is the Toyota Crown truly better than the Avalon? This in-depth comparison dives into the key aspects of each vehicle, helping you determine which one best suits your needs and preferences.
Design and Styling: A Tale of Two Approaches
The Avalon always leaned towards a conservative, yet elegant design. It was a car that whispered luxury, not shouted it. Its spacious interior and smooth lines were appealing to a mature audience seeking comfort and practicality.
The Crown, however, takes a different path. Toyota has opted for a bolder, more eye-catching design. It features a higher ride height, a sloping roofline that gives it a coupe-like silhouette, and distinctive lighting signatures. It’s a car designed to turn heads and appeal to a younger, more style-conscious buyer.
Exterior Aesthetics: Boldness vs. Refinement
The Avalon’s exterior design was characterized by its long wheelbase, clean lines, and understated chrome accents. It presented a classic sedan profile, emphasizing space and comfort. It was a familiar and reassuring design that resonated with many.
The Crown showcases a completely different design language. Its raised stance, prominent grille, and fastback roofline create a more dynamic and modern appearance. The available two-tone paint options further accentuate its unique style. This design is more polarizing, but it certainly makes a statement.
Interior Design and Materials: Comfort and Technology
The Avalon’s interior was known for its spaciousness and comfortable seats. The materials used were generally high-quality, and the layout was intuitive and user-friendly. It prioritized practicality and ease of use.
The Crown’s interior aims for a more luxurious and technologically advanced feel. High-quality materials are used throughout, and the design is more contemporary. A large infotainment screen dominates the dashboard, and the overall ambiance is more upscale and modern.
Performance and Handling: A Matter of Driving Experience
The Avalon offered a comfortable and smooth ride, prioritizing ride quality over sporty handling. Its V6 engine provided ample power for everyday driving, and the suspension was tuned for comfort.
The Crown offers a more engaging driving experience, with a focus on handling and responsiveness. It features a choice of hybrid powertrains, including a powerful Hybrid MAX system that delivers impressive acceleration. The suspension is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and handling.
Engine Options and Fuel Efficiency
The Avalon was primarily available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, known for its reliability and smooth power delivery. Fuel economy was decent for its class. A hybrid version was also available, offering significantly improved fuel efficiency.
The Crown exclusively offers hybrid powertrains. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with electric motors, providing a balance of power and efficiency. The Hybrid MAX system, available on higher trim levels, combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors for significantly more power. The Crown delivers impressive fuel economy figures across its lineup.
Ride Quality and Handling Dynamics
The Avalon excelled in providing a comfortable and composed ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. Its handling was predictable and safe, but not particularly sporty. It was a car designed for relaxed cruising.
The Crown offers a more engaging driving experience, with sharper handling and a more responsive steering feel. While it still provides a comfortable ride, it’s more willing to tackle corners and feels more planted on the road. The available all-wheel drive system enhances traction and stability in all weather conditions.
Technology and Features: Modern Amenities vs. Traditional Simplicity
The Avalon offered a good range of technology features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of safety features. It was well-equipped for its time, but it wasn’t necessarily at the cutting edge of technology.
The Crown boasts a more comprehensive suite of technology features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and an advanced driver-assistance system. It represents Toyota’s latest technological advancements.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Avalon’s infotainment system was user-friendly and intuitive, but it lacked some of the advanced features found in newer vehicles. It offered the basics, but it wasn’t as visually appealing or feature-rich as some competitors.
The Crown’s infotainment system is a significant upgrade, featuring a large touchscreen display, wireless smartphone integration, and a variety of connected services. The system is responsive and easy to use, and it offers a wide range of features, including navigation, music streaming, and voice control.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Systems
Both the Avalon and the Crown offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features are designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
The Crown takes it a step further with its Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 which is a more advanced safety suite that enhances existing features while adding new ones.
Interior Space and Comfort: Prioritizing Passengers
The Avalon was renowned for its spacious interior, particularly its rear seat legroom. It was a comfortable car for long journeys, with ample room for passengers to stretch out.
The Crown offers a comfortable interior, but it doesn’t quite match the Avalon’s rear seat legroom. The sloping roofline can also impinge on headroom for taller passengers in the back. However, the Crown still provides a pleasant and well-appointed cabin.
Passenger Space and Cargo Capacity
The Avalon excelled in providing ample passenger space, especially in the rear seats. Its trunk was also generously sized, offering plenty of room for luggage and cargo.
The Crown prioritizes style over ultimate practicality, which results in slightly less rear seat legroom and trunk space compared to the Avalon. However, it still offers a comfortable and usable interior for most passengers.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Both the Avalon and the Crown offer a range of comfort and convenience features, such as heated and ventilated seats, a premium sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. These features enhance the overall driving experience and make the cars more enjoyable to own.
Pricing and Value: Weighing the Cost
The Avalon was positioned as a value-oriented full-size sedan, offering a lot of features for the money. It was a popular choice for buyers looking for a comfortable and reliable car without breaking the bank.
The Crown is positioned as a more premium vehicle, with a higher starting price than the Avalon. However, it also offers more standard features and a more luxurious interior. The value proposition depends on individual priorities and preferences.
Trim Levels and Standard Features
The Avalon offered a range of trim levels, each with a different set of standard features. It provided a good balance of features and price, making it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers.
The Crown offers a streamlined lineup of trim levels, each with a distinct set of features and styling cues. Even the base trim level is well-equipped, offering a good range of standard features.
Long-Term Ownership Costs: Reliability and Maintenance
Both the Avalon and the Crown are expected to be reliable vehicles, based on Toyota’s reputation for quality and durability. However, long-term ownership costs will depend on factors such as maintenance, insurance, and fuel consumption.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Sedan for You
So, is the Toyota Crown better than the Avalon? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize spaciousness, a comfortable ride, and a value-oriented price, the Avalon might still be a viable option on the used car market. However, if you’re looking for a more stylish, technologically advanced, and engaging driving experience, the Crown is the clear winner.
The Avalon was a classic full-size sedan that prioritized comfort and practicality. It was a reliable and comfortable car that served its owners well.
The Crown represents a new direction for Toyota, aiming for a more modern and sophisticated appeal. It’s a car that makes a statement and offers a more engaging driving experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual priorities and preferences.
What are the key differences in design and styling between the Toyota Crown and the Avalon?
The Toyota Crown adopts a more daring and unconventional design, blending sedan and crossover elements with its elevated ride height and fastback roofline. This unique aesthetic aims to appeal to a younger demographic seeking a distinctive and modern look. In contrast, the Avalon maintains a traditional sedan profile with a focus on understated elegance and a more mature, sophisticated appearance. It prioritizes a comfortable and spacious cabin, often featuring premium materials and a more conservative, yet luxurious, design.
The Crown’s bold exterior is further accentuated by its distinctive grille, sharp lines, and available two-tone paint options, setting it apart from other sedans on the road. The Avalon, on the other hand, emphasizes clean lines, a wider stance, and a more subtle design language. Its design focuses on creating a sense of refined luxury and timeless appeal, catering to those who prefer a classic and sophisticated sedan.
Which model offers a better driving experience: the Crown or the Avalon?
The driving experience differs significantly between the Crown and the Avalon, largely due to their differing design philosophies and intended audiences. The Crown, with its higher ride height and standard hybrid powertrain, aims for a balance of comfort and efficiency, offering a smooth and responsive ride. Its advanced technology and driver-assist features contribute to a confident and engaging driving experience, especially in urban environments.
The Avalon, particularly in its sportier TRD trim, prioritizes a more engaging and dynamic driving experience. Its lower center of gravity, refined suspension, and available V6 engine provide a more planted and connected feel to the road. While still comfortable, the Avalon offers a more traditional sedan driving experience with a focus on handling and performance, making it a better choice for drivers who enjoy spirited driving.
How do the interior features and technology compare between the Toyota Crown and Avalon?
Both the Toyota Crown and Avalon offer a well-appointed interior with a focus on comfort and convenience. The Crown boasts a modern and tech-forward cabin, often featuring a large touchscreen display, digital instrument cluster, and advanced connectivity options. Its interior design incorporates contemporary materials and styling, aiming to create a sophisticated and user-friendly environment.
The Avalon, while still equipped with modern technology, leans towards a more traditional luxury feel with its interior design. It often incorporates premium materials such as leather and wood trim, creating a more refined and comfortable atmosphere. The Avalon typically prioritizes passenger space and comfort, especially in the rear seats, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently travel with passengers.
What are the powertrain options available for the Toyota Crown and the Avalon?
The Toyota Crown exclusively offers hybrid powertrains, focusing on fuel efficiency and performance. The standard powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, while a more powerful Hybrid MAX option combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors for enhanced performance. This emphasis on hybrid technology underscores Toyota’s commitment to electrification and fuel economy.
The Avalon, in contrast, offers a more diverse range of powertrain options, including a traditional V6 engine and a hybrid variant. The V6 engine provides strong acceleration and a more traditional driving experience, appealing to those who prefer the sound and feel of a naturally aspirated engine. The Avalon Hybrid offers excellent fuel economy while maintaining a comfortable and refined driving experience.
How do the pricing and trim levels compare between the Crown and the Avalon?
The Toyota Crown is typically positioned as a premium sedan with a starting price that reflects its advanced technology and unique design. Its trim levels often focus on incorporating higher-end features and technology, catering to buyers seeking a luxurious and well-equipped vehicle. Due to its newer model status, the Crown’s pricing may reflect the innovative design and advanced hybrid system.
The Avalon generally offers a wider range of trim levels, catering to a broader spectrum of budgets and preferences. Its pricing can be more competitive, especially in its lower trims, making it an attractive option for those seeking a comfortable and well-equipped sedan without the premium price tag. The availability of both V6 and hybrid models also contributes to the Avalon’s diverse pricing structure.
Which model provides better fuel economy: the Toyota Crown or the Avalon?
The Toyota Crown, with its exclusive focus on hybrid powertrains, typically achieves significantly better fuel economy compared to the Avalon, particularly when comparing it to Avalon models equipped with the V6 engine. Its advanced hybrid systems are designed to maximize fuel efficiency, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious drivers and those seeking to minimize fuel costs. The efficiency is a cornerstone of the Crown’s appeal.
While the Avalon also offers a hybrid variant that provides competitive fuel economy, it generally falls short of the Crown’s superior efficiency. The Avalon’s V6 engine, while powerful and refined, consumes more fuel than the Crown’s hybrid powertrains. Therefore, for drivers prioritizing fuel economy above all else, the Crown is the clear winner.
Which sedan is ultimately better suited for families: the Toyota Crown or the Avalon?
While both the Toyota Crown and Avalon offer comfortable seating and a range of safety features, the Avalon generally provides a more practical and family-friendly interior due to its larger cabin and focus on passenger comfort. Its spacious rear seats and ample legroom make it a more suitable choice for families with older children or those who frequently transport passengers. The Avalon’s traditional sedan design also contributes to a more familiar and comfortable experience for passengers.
The Crown, with its more unconventional design and slightly smaller cabin, may not be as ideal for families requiring maximum space and practicality. While still comfortable, its sloping roofline may impact rear headroom slightly, and its focus on a more driver-centric experience may not prioritize passenger comfort to the same extent as the Avalon. However, families who value style and a more modern aesthetic may still find the Crown appealing.