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Is the Toyota Crown a plug in?

No, the Toyota Crown is not a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The Toyota Crown is a traditional gasoline-powered sedan that does not have an electric motor or the ability to be recharged from an external power source.


Detailed Overview of the Toyota Crown


The Toyota Crown is a full-size luxury sedan that has been in production since 1955. It is one of Toyota's flagship models and is primarily sold in Japan, though it is also available in some other markets. The current generation of the Toyota Crown was introduced in 2018 and features a range of gasoline-powered engine options, including both four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines.


The Toyota Crown does not have any hybrid or electric powertrain options. It is solely powered by internal combustion engines that run on gasoline. This means the Crown cannot be plugged in to recharge a battery, nor does it have the ability to run solely on electric power for any distance. It is a traditional gasoline-powered sedan without any electrified components.


Comparison to Toyota's Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Models


In contrast to the non-electrified Toyota Crown, Toyota does offer a range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles in its lineup. Some of Toyota's popular hybrid models include the Prius, Camry Hybrid, and RAV4 Hybrid, all of which combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery pack. Toyota also sells plug-in hybrid versions of the Prius and RAV4, which can be recharged from an external power source and driven in all-electric mode for short distances.


However, the Toyota Crown does not currently have any hybrid or plug-in hybrid variants available. It remains a traditional gasoline-powered sedan without any electrified powertrain options.

Does the Toyota Crown have to be plugged in?


The Toyota Crown has all of the features and comfortable interior you know and love about Toyota, but with an electric motor powered by a plug-in battery.



Is the Toyota Crown a plug-in hybrid?


No, the standard Toyota Crown sold in the U.S. is not a plug-in hybrid; it is a regular hybrid. However, other Crown models, such as the Crown Estate and Crown Sport available in markets like Japan, are offered as plug-in hybrids (PHEV). The U.S. model is available with a standard hybrid and the Hybrid MAX powertrain, but not a plug-in option. 

  • U.S. Market: The Toyota Crown available in the U.S. is a traditional hybrid. It does not have a plug-in feature, and the battery is recharged through driving and braking. 
  • Other Markets: Other versions of the Crown, such as the Crown Estate and Crown Sport, are available as plug-in hybrids in regions like Japan. 
  • Potential for future PHEV in U.S.: Some reports suggest that a plug-in hybrid Crown variant might be introduced in the U.S. in the future. 



Why is the Toyota Crown not selling?


The Toyota Crown is not selling well due to its awkward market position between a sedan and an SUV, a high price point for a mainstream-badged vehicle, and a lack of consumer familiarity with the model in the North American market. The vehicle replaced the larger, traditional Avalon, but its lifted, crossover-like sedan style doesn't fit neatly into buyer preferences, which have shifted heavily towards conventional SUVs. 
Key reasons for low sales

  • Confusing market segment: The Crown has a unique design that combines sedan proportions with a higher, crossover-like stance, which creates an identity crisis in a market that is largely divided between traditional sedans and SUVs. 
  • High price point: The 2024 model starts at over $40,000$ 40 comma 000$40,000, and some consumers are hesitant to spend this much on a car with a Toyota badge, especially when compared to more established luxury brands or more familiar Toyota models. 
  • Replaced a declining segment: The Crown took the place of the Avalon, a large sedan that was already experiencing declining sales due to the market's shift to SUVs and crossovers. 
  • Lack of consumer familiarity: The Crown was not sold in the US for decades, so the nameplate lacks the brand recognition and history that might have helped it succeed like some other revived models have. 
  • Competition: It faces strong competition from both traditional sedans and a vast number of SUVs and crossovers already available in the market. 
  • Inconsistent branding: Toyota's attempts to position the Crown as a more interesting and unique vehicle may not resonate with mainstream buyers who are more accustomed to the brand's conventional offerings. 



Does the Toyota Crown need to be charged?


Hybrid Electric Vehicles start, refuel and handle like the gas-only Toyotas you already know and love—just with better mpg ratings. Even though they run on a combination of gas and battery-powered electric motor(s), they don't use a plug to charge their battery.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.