Is the Toyota Crown AWD or FWD?
In short, the Toyota Crown is available with both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, depending on trim and market. AWD (via Toyota’s E-Four system) is common on modern Crown hybrids, while some variants can be FWD.
This article explains how the Crown’s drivetrain options work, what E-Four means for performance and fuel economy, and how to identify which system is in a given model year or region. It also covers how availability can vary by market and trim level.
Current drivetrain basics for the Crown
Understanding the Crown’s drivetrain starts with Toyota’s E-Four system, which adds an electric motor to the rear axle to deliver all-wheel drive as needed. This setup is typically paired with hybrid powertrains in the Crown lineup, improving traction and stability, especially in low-grip conditions.
Before assessing whether a specific Crown is AWD or FWD, it helps to know that the system is designed to be transparent to the driver: you drive normally, and the car automatically apportions torque to the front and rear wheels based on traction needs. Some trims or regional variants may offer FWD as the default without the rear-electric-motor assist.
Key takeaway: modern Crown hybrids are predominantly designed for AWD via E-Four, but FWD variants do exist in certain markets or trims.
How E-Four AWD works in the Crown
The E-Four setup integrates an electric motor on the rear axle that can drive the rear wheels independently of the gasoline engine. When extra traction is required, the system engages the rear motor to provide AWD without a traditional driveshaft connecting the front and rear axles. This architecture helps with fuel efficiency and smooth operation in everyday driving while offering safer handling in adverse conditions.
Because E-Four is tied to the hybrid system, Crown models equipped with this setup generally deliver their AWD capability as part of the hybrid powertrain package, rather than as a pure gasoline-only AWD system.
- The Crown’s all-wheel-drive capability is usually delivered through Toyota’s E-Four system, which adds a rear-mounted electric motor.
- AWD is commonly paired with hybrid powertrains, enhancing traction while aiming to preserve efficiency.
- Some markets or trims may offer a front-wheel-drive configuration, particularly where the focus is on efficiency or cost reduction.
Below are the central points about how the Crown’s AWD feature typically appears across recent generations.
In summary, you’re most likely to encounter AWD on the Crown when you choose a hybrid variant, but FWD options can exist depending on the region and trim level.
Market and trim variations
Availability of AWD versus FWD for the Crown varies by country and by specific model year. Manufacturers often tailor options to regional demand, regulations, and dealer packages. The latest Crown generations are designed to provide AWD through the E-Four system on many hybrid trims, while some markets may position FWD variants as the entry-level option or as a non-hybrid choice.
- In many regions, the Crown Hybrid lineup uses E-Four AWD as a standard or widely available option, especially on higher-grade trims.
- Some markets offer FWD-only variants, often in base or non-hybrid configurations, to emphasize fuel economy and lower prices.
- The presence of AWD is usually indicated by badges or by the equipment list in the window sticker or owner's manual; when in doubt, verify with the dealer or check the VIN and build spec.
Before reading the bullet points, note that the following statements describe typical patterns rather than universal guarantees for every market:
Dealers can confirm whether a specific Crown is equipped with E-Four AWD or is FWD by checking the vehicle’s build sheet, the window sticker, or the owner’s manual for drivetrain details.
How to tell which system your Crown uses
There are several practical indicators to confirm whether your Crown is AWD or FWD. These steps help you avoid confusion when buying a used model or evaluating a new one:
- Check the drivetrain badge on the rear of the car; AWD badges or E-Four branding are common indicators of all-wheel drive.
- Inspect the window sticker or Owner’s Manual for the drivetrain specification (AWD/E-Four vs. FWD).
- Review the spec sheet from the dealer or the vehicle’s online listing, which usually states whether AWD is included.
- Look for a rear electric motor emblem in the wheel well area or on the rear axle area in some trims, which can indicate E-Four AWD.
Before you read the steps, note that some indicators are more obvious on certain model years than others:
If you’re uncertain after these checks, contact a Toyota dealer with the vehicle’s VIN for an authoritative confirmation of the drivetrain configuration.
Why this matters for performance and ownership
Choosing between AWD and FWD affects handling, traction, and fuel efficiency. AWD with E-Four can improve grip in rain, snow, or slick conditions and can contribute to better stability in cornering. However, AWD configurations can have a slight impact on fuel economy when compared to lighter FWD versions, particularly in driving conditions that don’t demand all-wheel traction. For buyers in regions with challenging weather or limited road grip, AWD variants can offer tangible safety and confidence benefits.
Summary
The Toyota Crown is not locked into a single drivetrain layout. Modern Crown models generally offer AWD via the E-Four system on hybrids, providing rear-wheel drive assistance when needed, while some trims and markets still offer FWD configurations. When buying or assessing a Crown, check the window sticker, owner’s manual, or dealer specification to confirm whether the specific vehicle is AWD or FWD, as availability varies by market and trim.
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.
Is the Toyota Crown an AWD?
Available in Limited and Platinum grades, with standard electronic on-demand All-Wheel drive system. The Toyota Crown is ready to take you on a breath-taking ride.
Is the Toyota Crown front wheel drive?
Driving Confidence
Designed to give you peace of mind for days that are less than perfect, Toyota Crown Signia's Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) sends up to 80% of power to the rear wheels for more muscle, or automatically operates in FWD mode to optimize fuel efficiency.
Is the Toyota Crown good for snow?
I had no business being there! That said, the Crown Signia with winter tires is great in the snow. As long as you don't try to go on unplowed back roads, is fine with up to 6 inches of snow. The AWD is not as good as Subaru, but for normal on road driving I don't have any issues with traction.
