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For buyers that want to reduce carbon emissions without the inconvenience of going all-electric, the Toyota Crown is a palatable option.

After 27 years of service, the iconic Toyota Avalon name rolls into the sunset for 2022, with a new flagship Toyota on the horizon. For 2023 the radical Toyota Crown becomes the latest luxury offering from the Japanese brand. Completely unlike any Toyota that precedes it, the Crown offers big-body sedan comfort, the latest in technology, and Prius-like hybrid efficiency unseen in cars of this class. For buyers that want to reduce carbon emissions without the inconvenience of going all-electric, the Toyota Crown is a palatable option with its striking two-tone paint schemes and unique body cladding. But will that be enough for buyers to ignore the humble Toyota badge when paying for its German-like price tag? We will soon see the all-new Toyota Crown arriving at U.S. dealerships this Winter.

Note: While we wait for official word from consumers on the upcoming Crown, HotCars' 'Costs, Facts, And Figures' rating defaults to 1 out of 10. Once we start fielding what owners think of this upcoming vehicle, we'll be sure to update the score to reflect what drivers think.

The 2023 Toyota Crown arrives on US shores with two unique powertrains. While one places efficiency primarily over performance, a gutsy top-trim variant still maintains its green status. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid whose output totals 236 horsepower. In comparison, the top trim 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine features aggressive engine mapping and three gutsy electric motors to increase power to an impressive 340 horsepower. Both cars utilize an eCVT transmission, but do not let the name scare you; it differs significantly from standard CVT transmissions. The eCVT does not contain belts like the standard transmission but instead electric motors with a single reduction gear. The engine is almost entirely here for battery charging purposes. A third additional electric motor lives in the rear "eAxle" and provides power to the rear wheels.

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The 2023 Toyota Crown advances the companies already excellent Hybrid-Max system. When it comes to the system's character, potential buyers can think of it as a more powerful Prius. As the battery depletes, the engine kicks on and shuts back off after adequately charging, allowing the car to operate in EV mode. Since it incorporates true electric motors, you get the instant torque of a total BEV without ever needing to charge using a plug. Flooring the accelerator in the top Platinum trim brings the large sedan to 60 in a mere 5.9 seconds, much quicker than the Avalon it replaces. But since this a hybrid, efficiency is the main focus, and the base Crown returns an excellent 38 MPG in mix driving. Switching into Eco mode will allow drivers to crest the 40 MPG mark at the expense of quick acceleration. Going up to the 340 horsepower Platinum will require some sacrifice, though, as it only receives a combined rating of 28 MPG.

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Inside the 2023 Toyota Crown the overall design is very reminiscent of the Lexus ES. It is not nearly as radical as the vehicle's exterior but still manages to be decidedly modern. As a luxury Toyota, a full suite of luxuries is apparent when stepping inside. Standard eight-way power seats with lumbar are standard for both driver and passenger. Depending on how eco-friendly they wish to be, buyers can choose between vegan material or genuine leather. The steering wheel is a three-spoke design with a clear layout, controls for the multimedia, as well as the standard adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist. Just behind it sits a standard 12.3-inch digital cluster with excellent graphics. A unique power gauge shows when the battery is charging and changes to a tachometer when the engine engages. A clear speedometer sits to the right. The center is modestly configurable, though there is little mirroring from the infotainment.

Another 12.3-inch screen for the multimedia flanks on the right side features the latest generation of Toyota software. However, most consumers will likely use the standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base system features six speakers, while the "Limited" and "Platinum" trims feature an 11-speaker JBL surround sound system. Across the dash, a bronze trim piece separates a row of tactile buttons for the climate system as well as controls for seat heating and ventilation. The center console features a unique upright wireless phone charger, and the same odd shifter consumers find in the Prius. In the back seat, the sloping roof and the panoramic sunroof eat into headroom, though legroom is decent and comparable to the Camry. There is rear seat heating and two USB-C ports for rear passengers. Despite what the exterior styling suggests, this car is not a hatchback though a proper trunk lives in the back with a full-size spare tire.

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While the Crown carries the humble Toyota badge, it is taking the place of the brand's long-running Avalon flagship. As such, pricing isn't nearly as humble as the Toyota nameplate might suggest. The XLE will begin at approximately $40,000 while the ranging topping Platinum will just crest the $50,000 figure. Though if you are all about comfort and do not care about brand snob appeal, the Crown is an undeniably excellent option. It features incredible efficiency, unique styling, and an excellent array of standard features. We look forward to seeing the Crown arrive at dealerships stateside in the coming months.

Randy Gardner is a writer, entrepreneur, and general car nut based in Orlando, Florida. Randy was born into the car scene, spending his entire childhood hunting down and restoring classic cars with his father. From 1950s MoPars to 1980s Saabs, it's no surprise his primary focus is on the unloved underdogs of the car world. Randy began contributing to Hot Cars in March of 2021.