Is the Toyota Crown plug-in?
Yes—the Crown is offered with a plug-in hybrid option in some markets, but not all Crown models are plug-in. In many regions, you’ll find hybrid (HEV) or gasoline-only variants instead.
Overview of the Crown’s powertrains
The current Toyota Crown lineup spans multiple powertrain options. The core Crown range combines a traditional petrol engine with a hybrid system (HEV). In Japan and a limited number of overseas markets, Toyota also offers a plug-in hybrid version (PHV) that can be charged to run on electric power for a portion of daily driving. Availability varies by market and model year, so it’s essential to check local specifications to know which variants are offered where you live.
How plug-in and hybrid Crown variants differ
The key differences center on whether the car can be charged to extend electric driving and the size of the battery. The PHV variant includes an external charging port and a larger battery, enabling some all-electric driving, while the HEV relies on the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking without external charging. In practice, the PHV is designed for shorter trips with electric-only operation, with the gasoline engine providing extended range when needed.
Note that exact figures such as battery capacity, electric range, and charging times depend on market and model year.
Below is a quick look at market availability and how to identify PHV variants where offered.
- Japan: Crown is available in both HEV and plug-in hybrid (PHV) configurations. The PHV adds external charging and electric driving capability for urban use.
- Other markets: Availability of the PHV Crown is more limited. Some regions may offer only HEV or gasoline-powered Crown variants, with the plug-in option not currently marketed in those locales.
In short, if you specifically want a Toyota Crown with plug-in capability, your best bet is to check the Japanese market or official regional listings for PHV variants in your area, and verify the exact model year and specifications with a dealer.
How to verify if a Crown you’re considering is plug-in
To confirm a Crown’s drivetrain, look for charging hardware and badges, and check official documentation for PHV designations. The following steps can help you verify whether a Crown is plug-in.
- Look for an external charging port on the side of the vehicle (often near a rear fender). A charger inlet indicates a plug-in hybrid variant.
- Check for PHV or Plug-in Hybrid badging on the rear, doors, or tailgate.
- Review the instrument cluster and infotainment displays for EV mode availability and the battery gauge when the vehicle is charged.
- Consult the local official Toyota site or contact a dealer to confirm whether a PHV Crown is offered in your market for the model year you’re interested in.
If you’re shopping for a used Crown, also verify battery health and charging history, since degraded batteries can limit electric-only range and overall efficiency.
Summary
The Toyota Crown does offer a plug-in hybrid variant in certain markets, most notably Japan, but it is not universally available. Many regions see the Crown primarily as a hybrid (HEV) or gasoline-powered model, with the plug-in option limited by market and year. Always confirm the exact drivetrain options for your market and model year with a dealer before making a decision.
Does the Toyota Crown have 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 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.
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.
