I have always felt a sense of comfort in Toyota’s flagship full-size sedan, despite having wished for a bit of extra oomph. Well, this 2025 Toyota Crown Platinum Hybrid Max offers exactly that — it is not the perfect car, not by a long shot, but it suits my needs and preferences much better than most.
What’s under the hood?
Instead of the 236-horsepower hybrid powerplant in the entry-level Crown, the Platinum trim gets the upgraded Hybrid Max powertrain. It uses a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder instead of the normally aspirated 2.5 inline-four, churning out 340 horsepower and a whopping 400 pound-feet of torque all-in. This healthy power bump allows the Crown to feel lively and in turn makes it a far more enjoyable experience. Throttle response is quick, power delivery is linear, and while it does not make the Crown a sports sedan, it does bring the Crown closer to what a luxury vehicle is supposed to be when the cabin is not filled with the annoying buzz from the non-turbo powertrain.
The Crown Platinum is rated to consume 8.1 L/100 km of fuel in the city, 7.3 on the highway, and 7.8 combined. Those figures are not bad at all for a big sedan weighing upwards of 4,300 pounds and putting out well over 300 horsepower. The standard, non-turbo hybrid powertrain is significantly better on gas, rated at 5.7 L/100 km combined, but I think the extra gas is justified here. The Crown Platinum also accepts regular-grade fuel to fill its 55-litre tank.
Interior impressions
With those complaints of mine finally addressed, I can focus on the upscale interior appointments that truly make me feel most at-home in the Crown. Toyota’s materials and fit-and-finish are top-notch, and I love the touch of gold spanning across the dashboard for some extra elegance. The dual 12.3-inch displays are well-integrated into the dash design, and the infotainment is easy to use. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported, and while Toyota’s 11-speaker JBL sound system is not the most crystal-clear out there, I enjoyed the Crown’s overall calming ambience.
In terms of tech, Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite of active safety and driver assists is standard across the entire Crown lineup. The Platinum takes it a few steps further with a heads-up display and a more advanced parking system, along with other niceties such as adaptive dampers, a power-adjustable steering column, and a power trunk, to name a few.
Living with the Crown Platinum
Those who know me also know that I love a big coupe, ideally with an equally big V8 under the hood. I always prefer a bit of comfort over cornering prowess, and I love being seen coming out of a sports car. However, I actually feel most comfortable in a sedan; I can truly relax without needing to contort into and out of a tight space, and frankly, I need the space for my kids. This is where the Crown fits the bill — there is plenty of room for my family of five, and our gear fits neatly into the 430-litre trunk thanks to the very wide opening.
However, as I alluded to in the opening paragraph, the Crown Platinum offers many things that I like in a car but it is not perfect. I find the suspension tuning to be a bit too soft to get the blood pumping, and that the front seats are too wide for long-distance support. These are just minor nit-picks, though. The Crown’s advantages outweigh its drawbacks.
Is the Crown Platinum worth it?
The 2025 Crown starts at $54,937 including destination but before taxes for the entry-level Limited trim, and leaps to $64,370 to start for the Platinum. Add $255 for our tester’s Supersonic Red paint, and our tester rings in at $64,625 as-tested. This puts it at the very top end of the mainstream sedan market, and shoppers would undoubtedly compare it against entry-level luxury sedans.
The thing is, the 2025 Toyota Crown Platinum Hybrid Max can actually hold its own. It offers a unique blend of premium packaging, comfort, and value, and it will always feel like my favourite cozy sweater. Except with the Hybrid Max powertrain, I will not forget about it when I take it off — if I even take it off in the first place.
