The Toyota Crown XI Royal (S170) 3.0 24V, produced between 1999 and 2001, represented a significant iteration of Toyota’s flagship sedan. Positioned as a premium offering within the S170 generation (1999-2001), the 3.0 24V model aimed to provide a blend of luxury, performance, and Toyota’s renowned reliability. This variant occupied the upper echelon of the Crown lineup, offering a more powerful engine and refined features compared to the lower-trim models. The Crown, historically a symbol of Japanese automotive excellence, continued to be primarily marketed within Japan, though limited exports did occur. The S170 generation sought to modernize the Crown’s image while retaining its core values of comfort and dependability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XI Royal (S170) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 24V (220 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1999 year |
| End of production | 2001 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.1 kg/Hp, 140.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm, 187.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 220 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 294 Nm @ 3600 rpm, 216.84 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 2JZ-FSE |
| Engine displacement | 2997 cm3, 182.89 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm, 3.39 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm, 3.39 in. |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l, 5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7.5 l, 7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1570 kg, 3461.26 lbs |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l, 18.72 cu. ft |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l, 18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal |
| Length | 4820 mm, 189.76 in |
| Width | 1765 mm, 69.49 in |
| Height | 1455 mm, 57.28 in |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm, 109.45 in |
| Front track | 1495 mm, 58.86 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1475 mm, 58.07 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 155 mm, 6.1 in |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.6 m, 34.78 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 | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown XI Royal 3.0 24V is the 2JZ-FSE engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine is notable for its direct fuel injection system, a technology that improves fuel efficiency and power output compared to traditional port fuel injection. The 2JZ-FSE utilizes a DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain, contributing to its high-revving nature and efficient cylinder filling. The engine produces 220 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 294 Nm (216.84 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. Paired with this engine is a 5-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth and comfortable shifts. This transmission was tuned to prioritize comfort over outright performance, with gear ratios selected to provide relaxed cruising and adequate acceleration. The engine is longitudinally mounted, driving the rear wheels, a configuration traditional for larger Japanese sedans.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0-liter engine and automatic transmission combination delivered a refined driving experience. While not overtly sporty, the Crown XI Royal offered ample power for comfortable highway cruising and confident overtaking. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t particularly quick to downshift, meaning the engine sometimes felt slightly strained when demanding immediate acceleration. Compared to the manual transmission options available on other Crown trims, the automatic version prioritized ease of use over driver engagement. The rear-wheel-drive layout provided a balanced feel, though it wasn’t as nimble as front-wheel-drive competitors. The suspension, tuned for comfort, absorbed bumps effectively, contributing to a smooth ride quality.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crown XI Royal 3.0 24V was generously equipped, reflecting its position as a premium model. Standard features typically included power-adjustable seats, climate control, a high-quality audio system, and woodgrain interior trim. Leather upholstery was common, and many examples featured power windows, power locks, and power mirrors. Optional extras could include a navigation system, upgraded audio components, and a sunroof. The interior design emphasized luxury and spaciousness, with comfortable seating for five adults. The dashboard layout was functional and well-organized, though it lacked the cutting-edge styling found in some European competitors.
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 front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety. The chassis was designed for rigidity and refinement, minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness. The steering employed a rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive control. The 205/65 R15 tires offered a good balance of comfort and grip.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown XI Royal 3.0 24V was generally well-received in the Japanese market. Critics praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and refined engine. However, some noted that its styling was conservative compared to more modern designs. Compared to other Crown trims, the 3.0 24V offered a significant performance advantage, but at a higher price point. Fuel economy was reasonable for a vehicle of its size and engine displacement, but not class-leading. Reliability was a strong point, as expected from a Toyota product. Compared to European luxury sedans, the Crown offered a different set of priorities, emphasizing comfort and dependability over outright sportiness.
Legacy
The 2JZ-FSE engine, found in the Crown XI Royal 3.0 24V, is known for its durability and longevity. Well-maintained examples can still provide reliable service today. The Crown XI Royal has become a sought-after classic among Japanese car enthusiasts, appreciated for its blend of luxury, performance, and Toyota’s engineering prowess. In the used car market, these models command a premium compared to lower-trim Crown variants. The direct injection technology employed by the 2JZ-FSE was a precursor to the more widespread adoption of this technology in modern engines, demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to innovation. The Crown XI Royal 3.0 24V remains a testament to Toyota’s ability to create a refined and dependable luxury sedan.
