The Toyota Crown has an all-new design for the 2023 model year — as it makes its return to the United States. It aims to compete against other midsize sedans, including the Honda Accord, which has a new design as well. However, the 2023 Toyota Crown has one huge benefit over the 2023 Honda Accord: all-wheel drive.

Unlike the 2023 Honda Accord, the 2023 Toyota Crown has all-wheel drive

All-wheel drive used to be a feature primarily for SUVs, trucks, and luxury vehicles. However, some mainstream sedans now offer AWD, too, including the 2023 Toyota Crown. Every Crown model comes standard with a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. Conversely, the 2023 Honda Accord doesn’t offer AWD. All Accord models are equipped with a front-wheel drive system.

With the added traction from its all-wheel drive system, the Crown is better for driving in adverse weather conditions than the Accord. This includes driving on rainy, snowy, and icy roads. Because of this, the Crown is a good choice for midsize sedan drivers that live in a harsh winter climate with heavy snow.

The extra traction from the AWD system is also beneficial for driving on poor-quality roads, such as ones with potholes, broken concrete, and cracks. Also, while the Crown is not a hardcore off-roader, the sedan is capable of light off-road use.

SUV-like design gives the 2023 Crown some advantages over the 2023 Accord

Technically, the 2023 Toyota Crown is a sedan. However, it has some SUV-like design characteristics that give it some advantages over the 2023 Crown. We already discussed the standard all-wheel drive, a common feature in SUVs.

Another SUV-like feature is the elevated ground clearance, which is higher than the 2023 Honda Accord. Like the AWD, the higher ground clearance is helpful for driving over snow and rough roads and terrain. The Accord is lower to the ground, so its underbody is more likely to strike some road and terrain elements that the Crown could clear. 

Furthermore, the Crown has a higher ride height than the Accord. As a result, it provides better outward visibility. With the superior outward visibility, drivers of the Crown can more easily see the road, other cars, and pedestrians. 

Other ways the Toyota Crown is better than the Honda Accord

There are other ways that the 2023 Crown midsize sedan is better than the 2023 Accord. This includes a more luxurious cabin, with high-quality craftsmanship and a more upscale look and feel. Additionally, the Crown offers interior features that are not available in the Accord, such as a fixed panoramic roof.

Also, the Crown provides a very quiet ride. Its high-strength structure minimizes vibration and noise. Plus, it has sound-absorbing materials and acoustic glass. 

Furthermore, with its two hybrid powertrain variants, the Crown is more powerful than the Accord. The base-level hybrid powertrain delivers 236 horsepower, while the Hybrid Max setup doles out 340 horsepower. In comparison, both Accord engine options have a lower output. The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generates 192 horsepower, while the hybrid powertrain produces 204 horsepower. 

With its standard all-wheel drive system, the 2023 Toyota Crown has a huge benefit over the 2023 Honda Accord. If you’re a midsize sedan shopper that needs extra traction on your journeys, then the AWD system is a key factor to consider.