The Toyota Crown XI Royal (S170) 3.0 Four 24V, produced between 1999 and 2001, represented a sophisticated iteration of Toyota’s flagship sedan. Positioned as a premium offering within the S170 generation (1999-2001), this variant combined a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a four-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-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, continued to serve as Toyota’s top-of-the-line sedan in the domestic market, emphasizing comfort and refinement over outright sportiness.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XI Royal (S170) |
| Type | 3.0 Four 24V (220 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7 kg/Hp, 142.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm, 190.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 220 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 294 Nm @ 3800 rpm (216.84 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 2JZ-GE |
| 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 | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.2 l (7.61 US qt | 6.34 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1540 kg (3395.12 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 | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm (109.45 in.) |
| Front track | 1490 mm (58.66 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| 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 |
| 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 was the 2JZ-GE engine, a 3.0-liter (2997 cc) inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its smooth power delivery and relatively high specific output. The 2JZ-GE utilized a multi-port fuel injection system, ensuring precise fuel metering for optimal combustion. The engine’s robust construction and oversquare design (86mm bore and 86mm stroke) allowed it to rev freely while maintaining good low-end torque. 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 rapid gear changes. The full-time four-wheel drive system employed a viscous coupling center differential, automatically distributing torque between the front and rear axles based on traction conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 220 horsepower and 294 Nm (216.84 lb-ft) of torque delivered by the 2JZ-GE and four-speed automatic resulted in a driving experience geared towards relaxed cruising rather than spirited acceleration. While adequately powered for highway merging and overtaking, it wasn’t as responsive as the manual transmission or higher-output variants. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and comfort, meaning it didn’t always select the optimal gear for maximum performance. The four-wheel drive system provided enhanced stability and traction, particularly in inclement weather, making it a confident all-season vehicle. Compared to the Crown’s other engine options, such as the smaller 2.5-liter inline-six, the 3.0 offered a noticeable increase in power and refinement. However, it lacked the sporty character of potential turbocharged options available in other markets.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crown XI Royal trim level represented a high degree of equipment. Standard features typically included power-adjustable front seats, woodgrain interior trim, a premium sound system, automatic climate control, and power windows and locks. Leather upholstery was standard, contributing to the luxurious feel of the cabin. Optional extras could include a navigation system, upgraded audio components, and a sunroof. The interior design emphasized comfort and spaciousness, with ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard layout was functional and well-organized, though it lacked the modern aesthetic of some contemporary rivals.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown XI Royal featured a double wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension was tuned for absorbing bumps and minimizing body roll, prioritizing passenger comfort over sharp handling. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, coupled with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The braking performance was adequate for the vehicle’s weight and power, but not particularly sporty. The steering utilized a rack and pinion system, providing reasonably precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown XI Royal 3.0 4WD Automatic was generally well-received in the Japanese market. Critics praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and refined powertrain. However, some noted that the automatic transmission could feel sluggish at times, and the handling wasn’t as engaging as some of its European competitors. Compared to other Crown variants, the 3.0 4WD offered a premium experience, justifying its higher price tag. Fuel economy was reasonable for a vehicle of its size and class, though not exceptional. Reliability was a strong point, as with most Toyota products of this era.
Legacy
The 2JZ-GE engine, in general, is renowned for its durability and longevity. The Crown XI Royal 3.0, when properly maintained, has proven to be a reliable vehicle, with many examples still on the road today. The four-speed automatic transmission, while not the most advanced, is also generally robust. In the used car market, these Crowns are appreciated for their classic styling, comfortable ride, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability. They represent a unique blend of Japanese luxury and engineering, offering a distinctive alternative to more common European or American sedans. Parts availability remains good, though some trim-specific components may be harder to find. The Crown XI Royal 3.0 4WD Automatic remains a testament to Toyota’s commitment to building high-quality, long-lasting vehicles.
