Like the Toyota Highlander, the all-new 2023 Toyota Crown features a bold SUV-like stance. However, the hybrid-only Crown aims to replace the discontinued Toyota Avalon as the large sedan in Toyota’s lineup. With base model pricing slightly higher than the outgoing Avalon or the standard Highlander, the Highlander Hybrid still costs a little more. So, how does the Toyota Crown have an advantage?

2023 Toyota Crown vs. 2023 Toyota Highlander

The 2023 Toyota Crown and 2023 Toyota Highlander both come with standard driver-assist safety features provided by Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) that includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and automatic high beams.

In addition to TSS, both models receive “complimentary maintenance” at your Toyota dealership’s service department for two years or 25,000 miles. The no-cost service includes regular factory-scheduled maintenance items such as oil and filter changes, tire rotations, fluid level adjustments (coolant, brake, windshield washer, etc.), and multi-point vehicle inspections (designed to find potential problems before extensive damage occurs).

Why you should consider the 2023 Toyota Crown

Toyota lists the “distinctly crafted” all-wheel drive (AWD) 2023 Crown’s starting MSRP at $39,950 for the base XLE trim. The Limited trim’s starting price climbs to $45,550, and the range-topping Platinum trim will set you back $52,350. 

XLE and Limited trimmed Crowns employ a 236-hp hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors powered by a 230.4-volt Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack.

The Platinum trim powertrain features the same battery pack with dual electric motors but uses a more powerful turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine to produce 340 hp. A six-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties in the Crown Platinum, while lower trims employ a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The 2023 Toyota Highlander and Hybrid are both still great options

The non-hybrid 2023 Toyota Highlander comes in six trim levels, with starting prices ranging from $36,420 to $49,275. A complete list of trim levels and prices includes the following:

• L – $36,420
• LE – $38,820
• XLE – $41,820
• XSE – $43,415
• Limited – $46,075
• Platinum – $49,275

All non-hybrid Highlander models feature a turbocharged 265-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional AWD. Upper trims include standard premium features like a 12.3-inch multimedia display, a Panoramic View Monitor, and a Blind Spot Monitor.

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Hybrid Toyota Highlanders come in five different trims, including the following:

• LE – $40,220
• XLE – $43,220
• Bronze Edition – $45,980
• Limited – $47,475
• Platinum – $50,675

2023 Highlander Hybrid powertrains feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine paired with two electric motors in FWD models for a combined 243 hp. An additional electric motor powers the rear wheels in AWD models. 

The 2023 Toyota Crown’s advantage over the Highlander is fuel economy

The 2023 Toyota Crown’s biggest advantage over the Toyota Highlander is its fuel economy, especially in Crown XLE and Limited trims. The lower-trimmed, less powerful Toyota Crown models get an EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined city and highway fuel economy rating. For comparison, non-hybrid FWD Highlanders only get 25 mpg combined, and AWD non-hybrids get 24 mpg combined based on EPA estimates. 

Is the Highlander Hybrid more fuel efficient than the 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum?

The combined fuel economy advantage shifts to the FWD Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s 36 mpg and the AWD Highlander Hybrid’s 35 mpg compared to the AWD Crown Platinum’s 30 mpg. However, the Platinum trim Crown offers nearly 100 more horsepower than the Highlander Hybrid. Comparing XLE and Limited trimmed Crowns to the Highlander Hybrid is a fair horsepower battle, but the fuel economy advantage shifts back to the Crown. 

The bottom line is that the 2023 Toyota Crown XLE features AWD, 236 hybrid hp, gets 41 mpg combined, starts at $39,950, and seats five people. For comparison, the 2023 Highlander Hybrid LE with AWD has 243 hybrid hp, gets 35 mpg combined, starts at $40,220, and provides seating for up to eight. 

The Toyota Crown’s advantage is enough to sway many buyers, but only you can decide if you’ll be one of them.