1999-2001 Toyota Crown XI Royal (S170) 2.5 Four 24V (200 Hp) 4WD Automatic

The Toyota Crown XI Royal (S170) 2.5 Four 24V, produced between 1999 and 2001, represented a sophisticated iteration of Toyota’s flagship sedan. Positioned as a premium offering within the eleventh generation of the Crown (S170 series), this variant combined a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-six engine with a four-speed automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system. It catered to buyers seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and all-weather capability. The Crown, historically a symbol of Japanese automotive excellence, held a prominent position in the domestic market, often favored by executives and government officials. This particular model aimed to maintain that prestige while incorporating contemporary technology and design elements.

Technical Specifications

Powertrain & Engine Architecture

The heart of the Crown XI Royal 2.5 was the 1JZ-GE engine, a 2.5-liter (2491 cc) inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively high output for a naturally aspirated engine of its time. The 1JZ-GE utilized multi-port fuel injection, ensuring precise fuel delivery for optimal combustion. The engine was longitudinally mounted in the engine bay, a configuration common in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Paired with this engine was a four-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth and comfortable shifts. This transmission wasn’t known for its sportiness, prioritizing refinement over aggressive gear changes. The all-wheel-drive system was a full-time setup, providing enhanced traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Driving Characteristics

The 200 horsepower and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque delivered by the 1JZ-GE and four-speed automatic resulted in a driving experience geared towards comfortable cruising rather than outright performance. Acceleration was adequate, but not particularly brisk, with a 0-60 mph time estimated around 9-10 seconds. The automatic transmission, while smooth, lacked the responsiveness of a manual gearbox, and the gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and relaxed driving. Compared to other Crown variants, such as those equipped with the 3.0-liter engine, the 2.5L felt less powerful, but offered improved fuel economy. The all-wheel-drive system provided a secure and planted feel, especially on slippery surfaces, making it a practical choice for regions with inclement weather.

Equipment & Trim Levels

The Crown XI Royal trim level was well-equipped, reflecting its position as a premium offering. Standard features typically included power-adjustable front seats, woodgrain interior trim, a high-quality audio system, automatic climate control, and power windows and locks. Leather upholstery was common, and many examples featured optional extras such as a sunroof, navigation system (a relatively new feature at the time), and upgraded sound systems. The interior design emphasized luxury and comfort, with a focus on creating a refined and relaxing cabin environment. The dashboard layout was functional and well-organized, with easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls.

Chassis & Braking

The Crown XI Royal utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension was tuned for smoothness, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The chassis was designed for rigidity, contributing to the car’s overall stability and handling. The relatively heavy curb weight of 1590 kg (3505 lbs) did impact handling agility, but the all-wheel-drive system helped to mitigate this.

Market Reception & Comparison

The Crown XI Royal 2.5 4WD Automatic was generally well-received by Japanese consumers, who appreciated its blend of luxury, comfort, and all-weather capability. Critics praised the smooth ride, refined interior, and the security provided by the all-wheel-drive system. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the punch of larger displacement alternatives, and the automatic transmission wasn’t particularly engaging. Compared to the 3.0-liter Crown variants, the 2.5L offered better fuel economy, but at the expense of performance. Reliability was a strong point, as with most Toyota products of this era, and the Crown enjoyed a reputation for durability and longevity.

Legacy

The Toyota Crown XI Royal 2.5 4WD Automatic, while not the most powerful or sporty variant of the S170 generation, remains a respected and sought-after classic. The 1JZ-GE engine is known for its robustness and longevity, and well-maintained examples continue to provide reliable transportation today. In the used car market, these Crowns are valued for their comfort, refinement, and all-weather capability. Parts availability is generally good, although some trim-specific components may be difficult to source. The Crown XI Royal represents a high point in Japanese luxury car design and engineering, and it continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts and collectors alike.