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Thinking about buying a 2025 Toyota Crown? Here are other top choices to consider

Thinking about buying a 2025 Toyota Crown? Here are other top choices to consider

Yahoo01-03-2025
The Toyota Crown, Toyota's Japanese-market flagship sedan, replaced the Toyota Avalon in the lineup starting with the 2022 model year. With its short-yet-tall proportion, sloping rear, and two-tone paint, it elicits either puzzled looks or thumbs up. There seems to be no middle ground.
The Crown XLE or Limited are powered by a 236-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission that returns 41 mpg. The Crown Platinum gets a 340-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid driveline and a six-speed automatic transmission that returns 30 mpg.
A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen anchors the center of the instrument panel, equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi 4G connectivity for up to five smartphones.
Despite its price, the 2025 Toyota Crown doesn't feel luxurious or sporty. Its handling is unremarkable, and the interior trim quality is average. Yet if it appeals to you, we recommend considering a few other options before settling on one. The Crown starts at $41,440.Starting at $45,400, the Acura TLX is priced slightly higher than the Crown, but it delivers a far more athletic driving experience.
The base TLX Technology has a 272-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. It's little more than a Honda Accord with airs, so we'd recommend opting for the Type S, which comes with a far more appropriate 355-hp turbo 3.0-liter V-6 and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive.
The 2025 Acura TLX Type S is very much a sports sedan, although that comes with the trade-off of a fairly firm ride. The adaptive dampers keep the body flat through corners, but don't soften the ride. It helps make up for the touch pad interface for the infotainment system, the skimpy rear-seat legroom, and smaller 13.5 cubic-foot trunk.
This tasty midsized sports sedan brings a decidedly different flavor to the party.
Starting a little above the Crown at $43,995, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is a true European sports sedan that's not as roomy as the Crown, and has a small 13 cubic-foot trunk.
But it proves to be a most entertaining dance partner thanks to its lusty turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive is optional. Responsive and athletic, this is a true driver's car.At $47,895 to start, the CT5 is among the pricier competitors here, yet it boasts a distinct design and benefits from a makeover for 2025. It gains a 33-inch-diagonal LED color touchscreen with 9K resolution and an instrument panel with a straightforward design that's easy to use.
A feeble 237-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine remains standard, but the better choice is the optional 335-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. A 360-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and a ten-speed automatic transmission is standard on the sportier CT5-V. Both rear-wheel- or all-wheel drive are offered, as well as GM's excellent Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system.
Often overlooked, the Cadillac CT5 handles very well and is enjoyable to drive. However, its interior quality could be better for the price, and its trunk is tiny, at 11.9 cubic feet.Similar in size and price, the Lexus ES 350 is a far better value. For starters, it wears the Lexus badge, and its interior is trimmed accordingly.
It's offered as the ES 250, with a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. The ES 350 comes with a 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, front-wheel drive, and a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. You can also opt for the 300h, with a 215 horsepower four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, a continuously variable automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.
Of the three, the ES 350 is the one to have. It's a classic Lexus; being a comfortable roomy sedan with plenty of power, a tranquil ride, and a quiet cabin. It's better trimmed than the Crown and its 17 cubic-foot trunk ­is larger than the Crown's 15 cubic-foot trunk. The ES 350's $42,040 starting price isn't significantly higher, either.Once known for their safety, Volvos are now known for their style. With a price starting at $42,600, their sleek Scandinavian sophistication sets them apart from the competition. It comes with a wholly ordinary 247-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine or as a 456-horsepower plug-in-hybrid with all-wheel drive and 41 miles of pure electric driving range.
The S60 has good room for four, or five if they're friendly, although the rear seat sits low. The 15.6 cubic-foot trunk is about the same size as the Crown's.
Its steering is quick, precise and perfectly weighted. Body lean is well-controlled, and the interior oozes Scandinavian luxury. If you want one, you'll have to act fast, since the 2025 model is its final year of production.
If the 2025 Toyota Crown is an unusual sedan, so too are its rivals, which all boast distinct personalities and flavors. The Alfa Romeo, Acura, and Cadillac offer a more entertaining driving experience, while the Lexus and Volvo offer a more luxurious nameplate and experience for about the same cost as the Crown.
Which one of these would you prefer in your garage?
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