The Toyota Crown is far from a bright spot in the company’s U.S. sales charts, with sales tanking 70% YoY for the first three months of 2025. Since the Crown is imported from Japan, life is about to get tougher for this raised sedan due to the 25% auto tariffs announced by the Trump administration on April 2.
During our time with the Crown last year, we were impressed with its nice combination of style, performance, and comfort. The company has just announced the 2026 model year, marking its third model year in the U.S., and we spotted just two changes:
1. Smart Key System comes standard
The Smart Key System, which works on all doors and the trunk, is standard on all grades, including XLE. In MY2025, it was standard only from the Limited grade upwards.
2. Finish Line Red color
Toyota has replaced the Supersonic Red (MY2025) with the Finish Line Red (MY2026). The latter is also available in the bi-tone finish (Platinum grade), and is offered in the Crown Signia as well. Compared to the earlier color on the configurator, the shade appears a bit darker.
Toyota has not made changes to the features or specifications of the 2026 Crown. It comes with standard all-wheel drive and two hybrid options. The base grades, XLE, Limited, and Nightshade, use a 2.5L engine with Toyota Hybrid System and offer 41 MPG combined.
The Platinum gets the 2.4L Hybrid MAX system with 340 hp and 400 lb-ft, rated at 30 MPG. A 6-speed automatic pairs with the MAX setup. Suspension tech includes MacPherson struts, multi-link rear, swing valve shocks, and Adaptive Variable Suspension on the Platinum.
All trims feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Platinum also has a head-up display, digital key, and advanced parking tech. JBL audio with 11 speakers is standard on all but the XLE. All grades offer a wireless charger, USB-C ports front and rear, and dual-zone climate control.
Standard features include leather-trimmed seats, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and panoramic moonroof (except XLE). Safety kit includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, blind spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Colors that have been carried forward are Black, Oxygen White, Bronze Age, Heavy Metal, and Storm Cloud.
The 2026 Crown is priced starting at USD 41,440 (MSRP) for the XLE, with the top-end Platinum priced at USD 54,990 (MSRP).
Featured image: 2024 Toyota Crown
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
