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The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum.

Courtesy photo

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The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum.

Courtesy photo

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Inside the 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum.

Courtesy photo

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The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum.

Courtesy photo

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Inside the 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum.

Courtesy photo

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The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum.

Courtesy photo

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Nestled in the photo-inspiring landscapes of central Utah, in our hometown of Springville, we had the opportunity of spending the week this fall behind the wheel of the all-new 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum edition. This luxury sedan, while not as well-known in North America as some of its counterparts, being new to the market this year and set to take the place of the outgoing Avalon, is an embodiment of elegance, power and advanced technology, blending all as only Toyota can do.

Over the course of our weeklong journey through the stunning landscapes of both Springville and central Utah along with using the new sedan and an everyday diver, we tried to explore every facet of this remarkable new Toyota.

Exquisite design and craftsmanship

The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum made a statement from the moment we laid our eyes on it. Its sleek, sophisticated design showcases a sense of timeless luxury. The complete elegance of the exterior, with its clean lines and strikingly large front fascia, exerted a quiet yet undeniable presence. Attention to detail is evident in every curve and contour, as the exterior has been designed to look larger and feel larger than its predecessor the Avalon.

Slipping into the cabin is equivalent to stepping into a world of opulence. The Crown Platinum boasts lavish leather upholstery, meticulously crafted wood accents and brushed aluminum trims. The heated and ventilated front seats were infinitely adjustable, ensuring that both of us being driver or passenger were enveloped in comfort no matter what the outside world presented.

Advanced technology at our fingertips

The new Crown did not just end with luxury; it was also a showcase of cutting-edge technology. The intuitive infotainment system was anchored by a massive 12.3-inch touch screen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were seamlessly and wirelessly integrated, and the navigation system was incredibly responsive. The Platinum trim level 20-speaker Mark Levinson sound system provided an acoustic experience that was nothing short of spectacular.

One of the standout features is the advanced driver-assistance technology. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking made highway driving a breeze and, more importantly, are included at any trim level in the Crown. Additionally, the Crown boasted a unique artificial intelligence system that monitors driver behavior and provides real-time feedback for safer and more efficient driving.

Unleashing performance on Utah’s roads

Our test week turned out to be the perfect opportunity to explore the Crown Platinum’s performance capabilities by getting some time maneuvering through the local canyons and using it as an everyday driver. Powered by a Hybrid Max 2.4-liter turbocharged engine (unique to the Platinum trim) paired with a hybrid electric motor, this sedan delivers a combined output of 340 horsepower and a whopping 400.4 pound-feet of torque.

The powertrain operated seamlessly, providing a surge of power when needed while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency.

Behind the wheel, the Crown Platinum felt remarkably agile for its size. The adaptive air suspension adjusted to varying road conditions, offering a comfortable and composed ride, especially on the large 21-inch tires that came only on the Platinum trim. Switching to Sport mode elevated the driving experience, by enhancing throttle response and sharpening the steering for a more spirited ride.

The twisting mountain roads and expansive highways of Utah Valley and the surrounding mountains were effortlessly conquered by the Crown. The sedan’s precise handling, balanced weight distribution and refined suspension ensured that it was equally at home cruising along the freeway or carving through challenging curves of the Utah mountains.

Luxury meets practicality

Beyond its performance capabilities, the Crown Platinum was also a bright light in terms of practicality. It offered ample cargo space for a sedan of its class, making it very suitable for long trips and daily grocery runs alike. The rear seats, with their ample legroom and reclining function, ensured that anyone we had riding in the back traveled in style and comfort; it was a huge hit with the grandkids.

Fuel efficiency turned out to be a strong suit for the Toyota Crown thanks to its hybrid powertrain. Throughout our weeklong journey, we found that the sedan offered an impressive balance of power and efficiency, achieving an average of 30.3 miles per gallon, making it a practical choice for those concerned about fuel economy. Stepping into another trim level with the hybrid combination would deliver even a more impressive rating of 41 mpg combined.

A perfect marriage of luxury and efficiency

The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum was more than just a car; it was an experience. It married the opulence and craftsmanship expected from a luxury sedan with the efficiency and performance that modern drivers demand, even posing as a competitor to luxury brand Lexus. Utah Valley’s diverse landscapes provided us the perfect backdrop to test and showcase the Crown’s versatility and adaptability wherever we journeyed throughout the week.

It was hard to give up the all-new sedan at the end of our weeklong test drive, and we couldn’t help but appreciate the thought and engineering that went into this remarkable new Toyota. The Crown Platinum proved that luxury and efficiency are not mutually exclusive; they can exist harmoniously in one exceptional automobile. Whether we were traversing the open highways or navigating winding mountain roads, the 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum delivered us an experience that’s nothing short of impressive.

Base price: $52,350

Destination charge: $1,095

Price as driven: $55,217

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