2027 Toyota Crown

The 2027 Toyota Crown may appeal to you if you're not interested in a traditional SUV or sedan. It's a large sedan that features a raised ride height and comes standard with all-wheel drive. It's also only available as a hybrid and features an attractive interior well equipped with a generous list of standard features. To top it off, the Crown has a sleek coupe-like design, and you can get it with a distinctive-looking two-tone exterior color. The 2027 Toyota Crown receives a handful of minor enhancements, which range from new glossy black exterior accents to additional features on lower trim levels. Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid powertrain (dubbed THS 5) is also added for 2027, though Toyota hasn't yet divulged whether the new system will produce more power or yield improved fuel economy.

Edmunds spotlight: Unconventional but still a (pricey) Toyota

As unorthodox as the Crown is on the outside, it delivers what Toyotas are known for inside. The sedan has a smooth ride, spacious seating and a quiet interior. Like all Toyotas, it comes standard with a sizable package of advanced driver aids. The Crown's interior is also well built, easy to use, and features large display screens. Its base hybrid engine delivers a respectable 41 mpg combined. But if you opt for the top Platinum trim, you'll get the powerful but less efficient 340-horsepower Hybrid Max powertrain. The Crown is a neat alternative to a conventional sedan or SUV, and expect it to turn some heads. But before you head over to the dealership, make sure you're OK with its rather high price tag.    

Competitors to consider

The Crown's rivals are the hybrid variants of the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. The Crown is about the same size as those three but is less efficient. However, it's the only one that comes standard with all-wheel drive. The Crown is also the most expensive one because it comes with standard features like leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The Hybrid Max engine is by far the most powerful engine any of the four hybrids offer. Although it's only rated at 30 mpg combined, that's impressive for a 340-hp all-wheel-drive sedan. And for those who want an even higher ride height and more cargo space, opt for the Crown Signia SUV.

The Toyota Crown will only appeal to a shopper who has a taste that's as unique as it is. If you take the plunge on Toyota's raised hybrid sedan, you'll be rewarded with a solid vehicle that will stand out from all the mainstream SUVs and sedans on the road.