The Toyota Crown sedan is coming back to the United States with a unique new design. See how it stacks up with the RAV4 crossover SUV, which is the most popular model in the Toyota lineup. Check out this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Crown comparison.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Crown: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Crown comparison, we evaluated multiple areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

RAV4 vs. Crown: Performance

On the performance front, the 2023 Toyota Crown sedan has both a higher base engine horsepower output and maximum horsepower output than the 2023 Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV. Prospective buyers of the Crown have a choice of two hybrid powertrain variants. The base-level one produces 236 horsepower, while the Hybrid Max setup generates 340 horsepower.

In comparison, the RAV4 offers three engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower), a hybrid (219 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 horsepower). 

RAV4 vs. Crown: Gas mileage

For efficiency, the fully gas-powered RAV4 gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid gets a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. Also, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 94 combined MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode. 

In comparison, the Crown has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg for the Hybrid Max setup and 41 combined mpg for the base-level hybrid powertrain. 

RAV4 vs. Crown: Towing

The 2023 RAV4 and 2023 Crown are evenly matched for towing. Both Toyota models have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. 

RAV4 vs. Crown: Off-road capabilities

Both vehicles offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the RAV4 is better for off-road use. For one, it has considerably higher ground clearance than the Crown (up to 8.6 vs. 5.8 inches). Also, unlike the Crown, the RAV4 has off-road-focused models with the TRD Off-Road, Adventure, and Woodland Edition trims.

RAV4 vs. Crown: Passenger and cargo space

Which Toyota model is bigger: the 2023 RAV4 crossover SUV or the 2023 Crown sedan? The Crown provides slightly more passenger space, with a total passenger volume of 100 cu-ft, compared to 98.9 cu-ft for the RAV4. The RAV4 offers much more storage space, though. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft, compared to 15.2 cu-ft for the Crown.

However, the cabin of the Crown is more upscale, with its liberal use of high-quality materials and more premium features.

RAV4 vs. Crown: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the RAV4 and Crown have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, both Toyota vehicles offer a complimentary maintenance plan, with two years or 25,000 miles of coverage.

RAV4 vs. Crown: Price

Which Toyota model costs more: the 2023 RAV4 crossover SUV or the 2023 Crown sedan? The starting price of the 2023 RAV4 ranges from $27,575 MSRP for the LE trim up to $45,460 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 Crown ranges from $39,950 MSRP for the XLE trim up to $52,350 MSRP for the Platinum trim.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Crown: Which vehicle is better?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Crown comparison, each Toyota model has various advantages. For the 2023 RAV4 crossover SUV, advantages include an efficient plug-in hybrid model, off-road capabilities, cargo space, and a lower price. Conversely, the advantages for the 2023 Crown sedan include more powerful powertrain options, passenger space, and a more upscale cabin.