Experience Elevated Driving: The 2025 Toyota Crown - Where Sophistication Meets Everyday Practicality
The Enduring Legacy of the Crown: A Return to American Roads
The Toyota Crown boasts a rich and fascinating heritage in the American automotive landscape, being the inaugural Japanese vehicle imported to the U.S. post-WWII under the "Toyopet Crown" moniker. Initially celebrated for its compact efficiency compared to the larger American automobiles of the 1950s, it gained favor among affluent individuals and taxi operators. However, as domestic vehicle offerings evolved, the Crown's competitive edge diminished, leading to its withdrawal from the U.S. market, though its presence persisted in European and Japanese territories.
Reintroducing Elegance: The Crown's Reemergence Amidst Evolving Market Demands
The discontinuation of the full-sized Avalon sedan after the 2022 model year, attributed to a shift towards SUVs, might seem contradictory given the 2023 reintroduction of the Crown to the U.S. With dimensions closely mirroring those of the Camry, the Crown's return initially raised questions. Nevertheless, considering the impending arrival of the Lexus ES, the timing appears opportune for a vehicle that artfully combines premium attributes with accessible pricing.
Affordable Opulence: Unpacking the Crown's Value Proposition
Starting at approximately $41,000 and reaching up to $52,950 for the top-tier Platinum variant, the Crown is certainly not an entry-level purchase. However, its price point delivers substantial value. The Platinum trim, for instance, integrates Toyota's innovative Hybrid Max system, generating an impressive 340 horsepower—a significant upgrade from the Camry. This power is complemented by exceptional fuel economy, easily exceeding 30 miles per gallon.
Crafted Comfort and Distinctive Style: The Crown's Interior and Exterior Appeal
The Crown's cabin is adorned with luxurious leather, available in elegant color schemes such as white, black and tan, or a sophisticated all-black, depending on the trim. While sharing some interior design elements with the Camry, the Crown distinguishes itself with refined details and subtle accents of bronze and gold, elevating its overall ambiance. The seating offers unparalleled comfort. Externally, the vehicle commands attention with its sleek profile. The Nightshade configuration, priced around $49,000, features an alluring blue-gray finish paired with blacked-out grille and door handles, presenting a more upscale appearance than its cost suggests.
Efficiency Meets Exhilaration: The Crown's Impressive Fuel Economy
The Nightshade model, though not equipped with the Hybrid Max system, still showcases remarkable efficiency. It utilizes an enhanced hybrid system combined with Toyota's renowned 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 236 horsepower (an increase from the standard 208 hp). Despite its size, the eCVT transmission optimizes performance, contributing to an impressive average of 33 miles per gallon during a week of driving. This is particularly notable for an all-wheel-drive, full-sized sedan, positioning the Crown as a formidable option for those seeking spirited performance without compromising on fuel economy.
A Family-Friendly Companion: Practicality for Daily Life
Given its comparable size to the Camry, the Crown proved to be an excellent fit for transporting two toddlers. Installing child safety seats was straightforward, thanks to easily accessible top tether points and lower anchor points. Although the rear cabin lacks a separate climate control system, it does feature dedicated air vents, which were highly beneficial during warmer months. The reviewed model did not include integrated rear sunshades, but the deep window tint adequately compensated. Higher trim levels, however, do offer this convenience.
The Crown's Magnetic Presence: A Head-Turner on the Roads
In regions like Bend, Oregon, dominated by SUVs such as the Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and Lexus GX 550, the Crown sedan stands out. Its rarity on local roads made it a magnet for curiosity, drawing numerous inquiries from onlookers interested in its interior, family compatibility, and overall design. Despite its standard all-wheel-drive capability, its limited visibility in the area was a surprising observation.
Concluding Impressions: The Crown's Place in the Modern Automotive Landscape
The 2025 Toyota Crown effectively rekindles its 1950s essence: a captivating full-sized sedan equipped with advanced driving dynamics, including adaptive suspension and active cornering assist, and an inviting, opulent interior. Its functionality as a family vehicle further enhances its appeal, making it an attractive alternative for consumers desiring a touch of luxury without the steep price tags associated with Lexus, Mercedes, or BMW. The absence of a convertible option remains a minor personal regret.
Value Proposition: A Personal Reflection on the Crown's Price Point
Despite its many merits, the pricing of the Crown remains a personal point of contention. Justifying the cost for a sedan nearly identical in size to the Camry, especially when an AWD Camry with stylish leather seats can be acquired for significantly less, presents a challenge. While the Crown offers 263 horsepower in the reviewed model (compared to the 340 hp of the Hybrid Max), the added expense might not be warranted for those not seeking to make a distinct statement. Nevertheless, in a market increasingly leaning towards SUVs, the Crown represents a compelling and encouraging proposition, and its future performance will be keenly observed.
Unraveling the EV Market: Volkswagen's ID.4 Faces Headwinds
Production Halt: Volkswagen's Response to Shifting Market Dynamics
In a strategic adjustment, Volkswagen is temporarily suspending the manufacturing of its ID.4 electric sport utility vehicle at its Chattanooga, Tennessee assembly plant. This decision, slated to commence in late October, comes as dealerships report an accumulation of unsold ID.4 units. The production cutback will result in the furlough of approximately 160 employees, who will receive 80% of their regular wages during this period. While the duration of this pause remains unspecified, Volkswagen asserts that this measure does not signify a reduction in its long-term commitment to electric vehicles or its Chattanooga workforce.
The Struggle for Sales: Deep Discounts Fail to Ignite Demand for ID.4
A primary factor behind the production slowdown is a discernible weakening in sales performance. According to analyses by Kelley Blue Book, the ID.4 saw an average discount of an astonishing $11,004 per vehicle in July. A substantial portion of this reduction, approximately $7,500, originates from the federal EV tax credit, an incentive scheduled to conclude at the end of September. Dealerships appear to be accelerating sales efforts in anticipation of a further decline in demand once this significant rebate is no longer available. Even with attractive lease agreements, such as a compelling offer on the 2025 ID.4 in August, and despite upgrades in range and power for the latest model year, the vehicle has been unable to counteract the general deceleration in showroom traffic.
Navigating the Broader Landscape: VW's EV Ambitions Amidst Market Realities
This production adjustment for the ID.4 in the U.S. arrives shortly after Volkswagen celebrated a global milestone of 1.5 million ID. electric vehicle sales. While this achievement showcases the scale of VW's global electrification endeavors since 2020, the ID.4's challenges in the American market underscore the irregular progression of the electric vehicle transition. The market is experiencing a softening of demand, heightened rivalry from major players like Tesla and BYD, and aggressive pricing strategies that are eroding profit margins. Concurrently, Volkswagen is exploring new revenue avenues, including controversial subscription models in the UK that offer enhanced horsepower for a monthly fee. While such models might find traction in more mature EV markets, U.S. consumers continue to prioritize affordability and incentives, suggesting a different market dynamic.
The Crucial Stakes: ID.4's Role in Volkswagen's Electric Future
The ID.4 holds a pivotal position as Volkswagen's most budget-friendly electric offering in the United States, making its market performance instrumental to the company's overarching strategy. The decision to halt production highlights the inherent dangers of overestimating market demand and vividly illustrates the continued reliance of EV sales on government subsidies and incentives. For prospective buyers, the ID.4 currently represents one of the most compelling values in the electric vehicle segment, thanks to substantial discounts. However, for Volkswagen, the more profound question revolves around the ID.4's viability and sales trajectory once these financial supports diminish, and whether it can avoid becoming a cautionary tale in the broader shift towards electric mobility.
In an unexpected twist blurring the lines between automotive innovation and legal enforcement, an electric muscle car owner found himself ticketed for an excessively loud exhaust—a component his vehicle fundamentally lacks. This incident shines a spotlight on Dodge's innovative, albeit controversial, Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system, designed to mimic the raw power of a traditional combustion engine through synthesized sounds. Reaching volumes comparable to high-performance gasoline cars, this system has propelled an electric vehicle into a legal grey area, sparking debate about how existing noise regulations apply to simulated sound. The scenario unfolds in Minnesota, where strict noise ordinances meet cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, leading to a surprising encounter with law enforcement for an unsuspecting driver.
The focal point of this intriguing case is a Dodge Charger Daytona EV, owned by an individual identified as Mike. While navigating the streets of Stillwater, Minnesota, a locality known for its stringent noise regulations, Mike was pulled over by a state trooper. The officer's attention was drawn to Mike's vehicle following a separate incident involving another car making excessive noise. Despite Mike's attempts to explain the electric nature of his car and the absence of a conventional exhaust system, the officer proceeded to issue a citation. This ticket encompassed three distinct offenses: operating a vehicle with a loud muffler/exhaust, failing to display a front number plate, and causing a public nuisance.
Dodge's motivation behind developing the Fratzonic system is rooted in a desire to preserve the visceral experience associated with traditional muscle cars, especially as the industry transitions towards electrification. This system employs an elaborate setup of speaker boxes, chambers, plenums, and "exhaust outlets" to produce a powerful, artificial engine roar. While designed to immerse drivers in a simulated high-performance environment, the system's effectiveness in truly replicating the nuances of a combustion engine sound remains a subject of debate among enthusiasts. Nonetheless, its ability to generate significant decibel levels underscores a deliberate effort by Dodge to bridge the sensory gap between classic muscle cars and their electric successors.
The legal ramifications of this event remain uncertain. Months after the initial stop, Mike reported that the ticket had not yet appeared in the court system, despite his regular inquiries. This delay suggests that even legal authorities may be grappling with the unprecedented nature of applying traditional vehicle noise statutes to a car that produces sound artificially. The case prompts crucial questions about the interpretation of current laws in the face of evolving automotive technologies. It highlights a burgeoning challenge where the distinction between genuine and simulated vehicle attributes becomes increasingly indistinct, presenting both opportunities for innovation and complexities for regulation.
This unique encounter with law enforcement serves as a compelling illustration of the unforeseen challenges that arise when pioneering automotive technology intersects with established legal frameworks. It underscores the necessity for updated regulations and clearer guidelines to address the complexities introduced by advancements like simulated engine sounds in electric vehicles. The incident with the Dodge Charger Daytona EV is a harbinger of discussions to come, pushing boundaries on how we perceive and regulate vehicular characteristics in an increasingly electrified and technologically sophisticated automotive landscape.