Is the Toyota Crown electric or hybrid?
The Crown is not a fully electric vehicle. It is primarily offered as a hybrid, with some plug-in hybrid variants available in select markets, and there is no fully electric Crown in production as of 2025.
The Crown has a long history as Toyota’s luxury sedan, and in its current generation the emphasis is on electrified propulsion to balance efficiency, performance, and comfort. Below is a detailed look at its propulsion options, availability by region, and how it fits into Toyota’s broader electrification strategy.
Propulsion options available on the Crown
These are the main powertrain configurations that have appeared in recent Crown generations; availability varies by year, market, and trim.
- Hybrid electric (HEV): A gasoline engine paired with electric motors and a battery, delivering combined efficiency and smooth power delivery.
- Plug-in hybrid (PHV/PHEV): A variant with a larger battery that can be charged from external power and can drive on electric power alone for a range before the hybrid system engages.
- Internal-combustion-only (ICE): Some Crown configurations retain a traditional gasoline engine without electric assist, depending on the market and trim.
In short, Crown propulsion centers on hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems rather than a pure electric drive in the vast majority of markets as of today.
Geography and availability
Where Crown electrified variants appear depends on regional strategy and regulations. Toyota has traditionally offered hybrids in Japan and a limited selection of markets outside Japan. A fully electric Crown has not been released as part of the global lineup.
- Japan: Primary market for the Crown, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants across most trims.
- Global markets: Crown is offered mainly with hybrid propulsion in many regions; fully electric Crown options are not widespread as of 2024-2025.
This distribution reflects Toyota’s broader electrification strategy, which prioritizes hybrids and plug-in hybrids in the Crown lineup while expanding BEV offerings in other model families.
How this fits into Toyota’s broader electrification plan
Toyota’s electrification push spans hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and BEVs. The Crown’s role is to provide a premium, comfortable experience with electrified propulsion, rather than to redefine the market with a dedicated BEV. A dedicated electric Crown has not been introduced by 2025.
Future prospects
Industry and market signals suggest Toyota will expand its BEV offerings, but Crown buyers looking for electric driving should consider Toyota’s BEV lineup (such as the bZ family) and stay tuned for any future Crown BEV announcements.
Key distinctions between the Crown and other Toyota electrified models
Compared to Toyota’s BEV-focused models, the Crown remains hybrid-first in its current generation, with a focus on luxury and refinement rather than solely on electric performance.
- Powertrain emphasis: Crown prioritizes hybrid and plug-in hybrid propulsion over pure electric drive in its current lineup.
- Market positioning: Crown targets upscale sedan buyers seeking a refined, comfortable ride with electrified efficiency.
- Availability: BEV Crown options are not widespread in North America or most markets as of 2024-2025.
- Overall design philosophy: Crown emphasizes luxury features and a smooth, quiet ride alongside its electrified powertrains.
For consumers seeking a fully battery-electric Toyota, the brand’s BEV-focused models (such as the bZ lineup) are the more direct option, while the Crown offers an electrified luxury experience.
Summary
The Toyota Crown is not an electric vehicle. It centers on hybrid and plug-in hybrid propulsion, with no widespread fully electric Crown in production as of 2025. While Toyota continues to expand its BEV offerings elsewhere in its lineup, the Crown remains a hybrid-first luxury sedan in most regions, with future Crown BEV developments to watch for in the coming years.
