Historically, the sedan lineup has led the way for Toyota, but in recent years, it’s achieved a great deal of success with its SUVs, highlighted by the RAV4. And now, as the automaker brings its longtime sedan, the Crown, back to America, it gives it an SUV-like design. And for those deciding between the two models, the 2023 Toyota Crown has one big benefit over the 2023 Toyota RAV4. It’s more upscale.
2023 Toyota Crown is more upscale than the 2023 Toyota RAV4
For Toyota shoppers that desire greater luxury on their journeys, the 2023 Toyota Crown is likely the preferred pick. It has a more upscale design for both the exterior and interior. The SUV-like sedan has the practicality of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 — but provides the added benefit of a higher level of luxury.
Standout features for the Crown’s exterior include multibeam LED headlights, a fixed panoramic roof, 10-spoke alloy wheels, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Also, it’s the first vehicle from the Japanese automaker to offer a distinctive bi-tone exterior paint color option. Models with this color scheme have a wide black strip that runs along the hood, roof, and trunk.
2023 Crown has a roomier and quieter cabin than the 2023 RAV4
The upscale design of the 2023 Toyota Crown compared to the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is even more prevalent for the interior. It has a more premium look and feel — and is more technologically sophisticated. Notable interior features for the Crown include in-cabin LED lighting, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, over-the-air updates, an 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio System, a dual-zone climate control system, a wireless smartphone charger, cooled front seats, and heated front and rear seats.
Also, the cabin of the Crown is roomier than the RAV4. Along with more total passenger space, it provides more legroom — with 42.1 inches for the front seats and 38.0 inches for the rear, compared to 41.0/37.8 inches for the RAV4.
Plus, the Crown’s interior is quieter than the RAV4. Its high-strength structure minimizes vibration and noise. The sound-absorbing materials and acoustic glass minimize block out noise as well. Furthermore, the Crown is more comfortable, with ergonomically-designed seats that reduce fatigue and stiffness on journeys. The comfort is also aided by the smooth-riding suspension.
Other ways the Toyota Crown is better than the RAV4
There are other ways the 2023 Crown sedan is better than the 2023 RAV4 SUV. This includes stronger performance with higher output from its hybrid powertrains.
The Crown’s base-level hybrid powertrain delivers 236 horsepower, compared to 203 horsepower for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the RAV4. For those that desire greater performance, there’s the available Hybrid Max setup for the Crown, which churns out 340 horsepower. In comparison, the RAV4’s available hybrid powertrain produces 219 horsepower, while the Prime plug-in hybrid generates 308 horsepower.
Also, all Crown models come standard with an all-wheel drive system for extra traction. However, for the RAV4, AWD is optional, so customers have to pay extra.
Additionally, the Crown, as a redesigned model, might appeal to customers that desire the newest and freshest look in the automotive world. Conversely, the RAV4 hasn’t received a full redesign in several years.
With a more upscale design, the 2023 Toyota Crown sedan has a big benefit over the 2023 Toyota RAV4 SUV. The higher level of luxury is a key element to keep in mind for drivers choosing between the two models.
