With their unconventional designs, the Toyota Crown and Venza don’t seamlessly fit into a vehicle class. Both midsize models have SUV and sedan characteristics — with the Crown technically a sedan — and the Venza a crossover SUV. Also, the two vehicles have some good qualities, but the 2023 Toyota Crown has a giant strength over the 2023 Toyota Venza: better performance with its more powerful hybrid engine options.

2023 Toyota Crown has better performance than the 2023 Toyota Venza

Both the 2023 Toyota Crown and the 2023 Toyota Venza come exclusively equipped with hybrid powertrains. However, the ones for the Crown are more powerful, especially for the Hybrid Max setup. If you desire a Toyota vehicle that’s strong on the performance front, then the Crown is likely the preferable pick.

Prospective buyers of the Crown sedan have a choice of two hybrid powertrain variants. The base-level version combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors — delivering an output of 236 horsepower. And for even greater performance, there’s the Hybrid Max in the Platinum trim, which features a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. It churns out 340 horsepower.

In comparison, the Venza crossover SUV only offers one powertrain option. It’s similar to the base-level one in the Crown — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors. However, its output is only 219 horsepower. 

2023 Crown also has better driving dynamics than the 2023 Venza

Also, the 2023 Toyota Crown has better driving dynamics than the 2023 Toyota Venza. Despite its large size, the Crown provides decent cornering abilities, per MotorTrend. 

Additionally, while both vehicles emphasize a smooth and relaxing ride over athletic handling, the Crown sedan delivers a sportier driving experience. This is especially the case for the Platinum trim and its adaptive dampers.

Furthermore, the Crown provides quicker acceleration. It goes from 0-60 mph in as low as 5.7 seconds. In comparison, it takes 7.6 seconds for the Venza crossover SUV to complete the sprint.

Other benefits of the Toyota Crown over the Venza

The 2023 Crown has some other benefits over the 2023 Venza. This includes a slightly roomier interior. The Crown offers a total passenger volume of 100 cu-ft, while the Venza has 98.3 cu-ft. Also, there’s more legroom in the Crown. It has 42.1 inches for the front seats and 38.9 inches for the rear, compared to 40.9/37.8 inches for the Venza. 

Both Toyota models have an upscale interior. However, the cabin in the Crown is more luxurious, particularly for the Platinum trim.

Also, the Crown is more technologically advanced. This includes a more capable infotainment system. Additionally, it has the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driving assistance technologies, with added features — and the ability to operate in a wider range of conditions. This includes better detection of cyclists and pedestrians. In comparison, the Venza has the previous-generation TSS 2.5+ suite. 

With its superior performance, the 2023 Toyota Crown midsize sedan has a giant strength over the 2023 Toyota Venza midsize crossover SUV. For automotive shoppers choosing between the two vehicles, the better performance is a factor to consider — especially those that desire a more engaging driving experience.