Is the Toyota Crown the same as Avalon?
No. The Toyota Crown and the Avalon are distinct models with different histories, markets, and powertrains. The Crown is a modern flagship sedan that Toyota has positioned for global markets (including the United States since 2023), while the Avalon was a traditional North American flagship that Toyota discontinued after the 2022 model year.
How they differ in purpose and market
To understand why they are not the same, it helps to look at their roles in Toyota’s lineup and where they were sold.
- Origins and market positioning: The Crown has its roots as Toyota’s Japan-centric flagship and was revived for global markets, including the U.S., in the early 2020s. The Avalon was developed primarily for North America as a full‑size flagship sedan before being retired from the U.S. lineup after 2022.
- Platform and engineering focus: The Crown emphasizes premium chassis tuning, advanced tech, and a modern aesthetic, reflecting a newer generation of Toyota’s design language. The Avalon rode a Camry-based platform with a more traditional large-sedan setup.
- Powertrain approach: The Crown offers a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with hybrid variants and typically includes all-wheel drive on certain trims. The Avalon relied on a V6 engine and a separate hybrid setup, with most configurations focused on front-wheel drive.
- Interior and technology emphasis: The Crown targets a tech-forward, upscale cabin experience with larger screens and Lexus-like cues in higher trims. The Avalon offered roomy interior space and comfort-oriented features aligned with mid‑to‑high‑end Toyota sedans, but with older design cues by comparison.
- Availability and lifecycle: The Crown remains in production and is marketed in multiple regions, including the U.S. in recent years. The Avalon has been retired in the U.S. market, marking a shift in Toyota’s sedan strategy.
In short, the Crown is positioned as a newer, premium sedan with a global reach, while the Avalon was a traditional North American flagship that Toyota phased out in favor of newer strategies.
Side-by-side by category
Below is a concise comparison by key categories to illustrate the differences more clearly.
- Performance and powertrains:
- Crown: Turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with hybrid variants; available all-wheel drive on certain trims; higher overall performance in many trims.
- Avalon: 3.5-liter V6 option plus a separate hybrid system; predominantly front-wheel drive in most configurations. - Platform and engineering:
- Crown: Modern TNGA-based architecture tailored to a premium driving experience and tech integration.
- Avalon: Camry-based platform emphasizing comfort and space for a traditional full-size sedan feel. - Interior and technology:
- Crown: Large digital displays, upgraded materials in higher trims, and a tech-forward cockpit.
- Avalon: Comfortable, spacious interior with Toyota’s safety tech suite, but with older design cues by the end of its run. - Market status:
- Crown: Active in the U.S. and other regions as a flagship sedan with ongoing production.
- Avalon: Discontinued in the U.S. after the 2022 model year; not part of current Toyota USA lineup.
Overall, the Crown and Avalon reflect different eras and strategies for Toyota’s sedan offerings, even as they share brand lineage.
Summary
The Toyota Crown is not the same as the Avalon. The Crown is a modern, premium sedan that Toyota has marketed globally (including the U.S. since 2023), featuring turbocharged and hybrid powertrains with available all-wheel drive and a tech-forward interior. The Avalon was Toyota’s traditional North American flagship, offered with V6 and hybrid options on a Camry-based platform, and it was discontinued after the 2022 model year in the United States. As Toyota’s lineup evolves, the Crown stands as the current flagship‑leaning sedan, while the Avalon remains a historical chapter in Toyota’s U.S. strategy.
