The Toyota Crown X Royal (S150, facelifted in 1997) represented a significant evolution of Toyota’s flagship sedan. Produced from 1998 to 1999, this iteration of the Crown continued the model’s long-standing tradition of providing luxurious transportation, particularly within the Japanese domestic market (JDM). The 2.5-liter 24V (200 hp) automatic variant occupied a sweet spot in the lineup, offering a balance of performance and comfort aimed at discerning buyers who prioritized a smooth driving experience over outright sportiness. It was positioned as a step up from the more economical engine options, while remaining more accessible than the top-tier trims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown X Royal (S150, facelift 1997) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 24V (200 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.5 kg/Hp, 133.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 170 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 200 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 255 Nm @ 4000 rpm, 188.08 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 1JZ-GE |
| Engine displacement | 2491 cm3, 152.01 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm, 3.39 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 71.5 mm, 2.81 in. |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l, 4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7 l, 7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1500 kg, 3306.93 lbs |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l, 18.72 cu. ft |
| Fuel tank capacity | 73 l, 19.28 US gal | 16.06 UK gal |
| Length | 4820 mm, 189.76 in |
| Width | 1760 mm, 69.29 in |
| Height | 1425 mm, 56.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm, 109.45 in |
| Front track | 1485 mm, 58.46 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1495 mm, 58.86 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm, 5.91 in |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.0 m, 36.09 ft |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 215/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown X Royal 2.5 was the 1JZ-GE engine, a 2.5-liter inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine was a staple of Toyota’s mid-to-upper range vehicles during the 1990s. The 1JZ-GE featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain operating four valves per cylinder, contributing to its respectable power output. Fuel delivery was managed by a multi-port fuel injection system, ensuring precise fuel metering for optimal combustion. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel-drive configuration were hallmarks of the Crown’s traditional layout. Paired with the 1JZ-GE was a four-speed automatic transmission, chosen for its smooth shifting and ease of use, aligning with the car’s luxury-oriented character. This transmission was not known for being particularly sporty, prioritizing comfort and refinement over aggressive gear changes.
Driving Characteristics
The 200 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque produced by the 1JZ-GE and automatic transmission combination provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration was smooth and linear, making it well-suited for highway cruising and city driving. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the Crown, or those equipped with the more powerful engines (like the 3.0-liter), this variant felt less responsive. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and comfort, resulting in a slightly less engaging driving experience. However, the smooth power delivery and quiet operation of the inline-six engine made for a refined and comfortable ride.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crown X Royal trim level was well-equipped, even by 1990s standards. Standard features typically included power windows, power locks, power steering, air conditioning, and a high-quality audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth or a combination of cloth and leatherette, with woodgrain accents adorning the dashboard and door panels. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, leather seats, and power-adjustable front seats. The X Royal trim aimed to provide a luxurious experience without the price tag of the absolute top-of-the-line models.
Chassis & Braking
The S150 Crown utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension was tuned for smoothness rather than outright handling prowess. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. While adequate for everyday driving, the braking system wasn’t particularly sporty. The Crown’s relatively heavy curb weight of around 3307 lbs meant that stopping distances were longer than those of lighter vehicles.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown X Royal 2.5 Automatic was generally well-received in Japan. Critics praised its comfortable ride, refined engine, and spacious interior. However, some noted that the automatic transmission and engine combination lacked the sporty feel of other Crown variants. Compared to the 1.8-liter models, the 2.5 offered a noticeable performance upgrade. When contrasted with the higher-output engines, it represented a more affordable and fuel-efficient option. Fuel economy was respectable for a vehicle of its size and class, and reliability was typically excellent, as expected from a Toyota product.
Legacy
The Toyota Crown S150, and specifically the 2.5-liter 24V automatic variant, has maintained a reputation for reliability and durability. The 1JZ-GE engine is known for its longevity, and well-maintained examples can still be found on the road today. In the used car market, these Crowns are appreciated for their classic styling, comfortable ride, and relatively affordable price point. While not a performance icon, the Crown X Royal 2.5 Automatic represents a refined and well-engineered example of Japanese luxury from the late 1990s, and remains a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking a comfortable and reliable classic sedan.
