What model is replacing Toyota Avalon?
The model replacing the Toyota Avalon in the United States is the Toyota Crown, introduced for North America in the 2023 model year as the Avalon’s successor.
The Avalon was phased out after the 2022 model year as Toyota shifted toward a premium, electrified sedan lineup. The Crown arrives with a distinct design, modern technology, and electrified powertrains aimed at attracting buyers who previously considered the Avalon or Lexus ES, while signaling Toyota’s push toward a more upscale, technology-forward lineup.
Timeline and rationale: Avalon’s successor
To understand how the Crown fits into Toyota’s strategy, here are the key milestones and the reasoning behind designating the Crown as Avalon’s replacement.
The Crown was launched in North America for the 2023 model year as the brand’s new flagship sedan, effectively taking over the role of a large, rear- or all-wheel-drive-oriented four-door from the Avalon.
- Replacement role: In the U.S. market, the Crown was positioned as the spiritual successor to the Avalon, offering upscale features and a focus on comfort and technology.
- Platform and engineering: The Crown rides on Toyota’s Global Architecture Korea/GA-K family (the same broad platform family used for other mid-to-full-size Toyotas), enabling front-engine layouts with optional all-wheel drive on select trims.
- Powertrain strategy: Toyota offers turbocharged gasoline engines paired with hybrid systems for the Crown, delivering strong performance with efficiency and the option of a more electrified setup on certain trims.
- Market positioning: The Crown is marketed as a premium, technology-forward sedan that sits between the Camry in size and appeal and the Lexus ES/LS in luxury perception, appealing to traditional Avalon buyers seeking a more upscale experience without stepping into a Lexus.
In short, the Crown’s introduction represents Toyota’s intent to fill the gap left by the Avalon with a new-generation flagship that emphasizes electrification, upscale interiors, and a distinctive design language.
What the Crown offers
Below is a snapshot of features and configurations that distinguish the Crown from the Avalon and position it as a modern replacement in Toyota’s lineup.
Trims and powertrains
- Powertrain options include a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four with a hybrid system, with all-wheel-drive available on certain trims for improved versatility and performance.
- Multiple trims offer varying levels of luxury, technology, and safety equipment, with higher-end variants emphasizing premium materials, advanced infotainment, and driver-assistance features.
- Hybrid configurations emphasize efficiency, while the turbo hybrid setups provide spirited performance for buyers seeking a more dynamic driving experience.
Conclusion: The Crown brings a modern, electrified powertrain lineup and a premium interior to a segment previously anchored by the Avalon, aiming to attract traditional sedan buyers toward Toyota’s newer flagship.
Availability, pricing context, and market reach
Understanding where the Crown fits in terms of availability and cost helps clarify its role as Avalon’s successor in North America.
- Availability: The Crown has been rolled out across the U.S. model lineup for the 2023 model year, with dealer allocations and trim options expanding over time.
- Pricing guidance: Base and mid-range trims are positioned to be competitive with other mid-to-full-size sedans in its class, with higher trim levels priced closer to premium-luxury offerings depending on equipment and options.
- Market scope: While the Crown is a North American emphasis for Toyota’s sedan strategy, it is also sold in other global markets under the Crown name, reflecting a broader brand strategy beyond the Avalon’s footprint.
Conclusion: By introducing the Crown as Avalon’s replacement in North America, Toyota aims to keep its traditional sedan customers engaged with a model that blends performance, technology, and luxury cues in a single, distinctive package.
Summary
In summary, the Toyota Crown serves as the replacement for the Avalon in the United States, representing Toyota’s pivot toward a premium, electrified flagship sedan. The Crown carries forward Avalon’s spirit of comfortable, feature-rich transport while integrating newer powertrains, modern technology, and a bolder design language intended to appeal to traditional Avalon buyers and new shoppers alike.
