The Toyota Crown XIV Royal (S210) 2.5 V6 24V, produced from 2012 to 2014, represented a continuation of Toyota’s flagship sedan lineage, primarily aimed at the Japanese domestic market (JDM). Positioned as a premium offering within the broader S210 Crown generation, this variant blended traditional luxury with modern technology. The XIV Royal designation signified a higher level of trim and refinement compared to the base Crown models. It served as a competitor to other large Japanese sedans, offering a comfortable and sophisticated driving experience. This particular configuration, pairing a 2.5-liter V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, was a popular choice for buyers seeking a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XIV Royal (S210) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 V6 24V (203 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.6 kg/Hp, 131.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm, 157.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 203 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 81.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 243 Nm @ 4800 rpm, 179.23 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 4GR-FSE |
| Engine displacement | 2499 cm3, 152.5 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm, 3.27 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 77 mm, 3.03 in. |
| Compression ratio | 12:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.4 l, 6.76 US qt | 5.63 UK qt |
| Coolant | 11 l, 11.62 US qt | 9.68 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1540 kg, 3395.12 lbs |
| Max. weight | 1815 kg, 4001.39 lbs |
| Max load | 275 kg, 606.27 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 71 l, 18.76 US gal | 15.62 UK gal |
| Length | 4895 mm, 192.72 in |
| Width | 1800 mm, 70.87 in |
| Height | 1460 mm, 57.48 in |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm, 112.2 in |
| Front track | 1545 mm, 60.83 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1545 mm, 60.83 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 145 mm, 5.71 in |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.4 m, 34.12 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 | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown XIV Royal 2.5 V6 was the 4GR-FSE engine, a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. This engine utilized Toyota’s D-4S direct injection system, combining direct and port injection to optimize combustion efficiency and power delivery. The 4GR-FSE featured a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its responsive nature. The engine produced 203 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 243 Nm (179.23 lb-ft) of torque at 4,800 rpm. Paired with this engine was a six-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth and refined shifts. This transmission was calibrated for comfort and efficiency, prioritizing a relaxed driving experience over aggressive performance. The longitudinal engine layout and rear-wheel drive configuration were traditional for the Crown, emphasizing driving dynamics and balance.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.5 V6 automatic Crown offered a comfortable and composed driving experience. While not overtly sporty, the engine provided adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t particularly quick to downshift, making spirited acceleration less immediate compared to models equipped with a manual transmission. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and relaxed cruising, rather than maximizing performance. Compared to the more powerful 3.5-liter V6 variants, the 2.5-liter offered a noticeable difference in acceleration and overall responsiveness. However, it provided a more economical option for buyers who didn’t prioritize outright performance. The rear-wheel drive setup contributed to balanced handling, although it wasn’t designed for aggressive cornering.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The XIV Royal trim level included a generous array of standard features. Interior appointments typically included leather upholstery, woodgrain trim, and power-adjustable front seats. Standard equipment also included automatic climate control, a premium audio system, and a multi-information display. Optional extras could include navigation systems, advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, and upgraded audio options. The interior design focused on creating a luxurious and comfortable environment, with attention paid to detail and material quality. The Crown XIV Royal aimed to provide a refined and sophisticated cabin experience.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown XIV Royal utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality. The suspension was tuned to absorb bumps and irregularities in the road, prioritizing passenger comfort. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and control during emergency braking situations. The chassis was designed to provide a stable and predictable driving experience, with a focus on minimizing body roll and maximizing ride comfort.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown XIV Royal 2.5 V6 Automatic was generally well-received in the Japanese market. Critics praised its comfortable ride, refined interior, and fuel efficiency. However, some noted that its performance was not as exhilarating as some of its competitors. Compared to the 3.5-liter V6 Crown models, the 2.5-liter offered better fuel economy but less power. It also represented a more affordable entry point into the Crown lineup. Against other large Japanese sedans, such as the Nissan Cima and the Honda Legend, the Crown XIV Royal offered a compelling combination of luxury, comfort, and reliability.
Legacy
The 4GR-FSE engine, in general, has proven to be a reliable and durable powerplant. The six-speed automatic transmission used in the Crown XIV Royal is also known for its dependability. However, like any vehicle, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure long-term reliability. In the used car market, the Crown XIV Royal 2.5 V6 remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a comfortable and well-equipped sedan. Its reputation for reliability and relatively low maintenance costs contribute to its continued appeal. While not a performance icon, the Crown XIV Royal 2.5 V6 represents a well-engineered and refined example of Japanese automotive engineering.
