The Toyota Crown XVI Sport (S236) 2.5 D-4S Plug-in Hybrid E-Four e-CVT, launched in December 2023, represents a significant evolution of Toyota’s flagship sedan. Positioned as a premium offering within the sixteenth generation of the Crown, the S236 blends the traditional Crown elegance with a more contemporary, crossover-inspired SUV body style. This variant specifically caters to markets seeking a sophisticated, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced vehicle with all-wheel drive capability. It’s a key model in Toyota’s push towards electrification and represents a departure from the traditional rear-wheel-drive Crown configurations of the past, embracing a more globally appealing format.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XVI Sport (S236) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 D-4S (306 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid E-Four e-CVT |
| Start of production | December, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (WLTC) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (WLTC) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (WLTC) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.6 kg/Hp, 150.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.3 kg/Nm, 107.9 Nm/tonne |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTC) | 90 km (55.92 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTC) | 16.5 kWh/100 km (26.55 kWh/100 mi, 127 MPGe, 6.1 km/kWh, 3.8 mi/kWh) |
| Electric motor power (1) | 182 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque (1) | 270 Nm (199.14 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor model/code (1) | 5NM |
| Electric motor location (1) | Integrated into the transmission |
| Electric motor type (1) | Synchronous |
| Electric motor power (2) | 54 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque (2) | 121 Nm (89.25 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor model/code (2) | 4NM |
| Electric motor location (2) | Rear axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor type (2) | Synchronous |
| System power | 306 Hp |
| Power | 177 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 219 Nm @ 3600 rpm (161.53 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A25A-FXS |
| Engine displacement | 2487 cm3 (151.77 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 87.5 mm (3.44 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 103.4 mm (4.07 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection and Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT-iE |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2030-2040 kg (4475.38 – 4497.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2305-2315 kg (5081.66 – 5103.7 lbs.) |
| Max load | 275 kg (606.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 397 l (14.02 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4720 mm (185.83 in.) |
| Width | 1880 mm (74.02 in.) |
| Height | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2770 mm (109.06 in.) |
| Front track | 1605 mm (63.19 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1615 mm (63.58 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 165 mm (6.5 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | An Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels, one electric motor drives the front wheels, one electric motor drives the rear wheels. There is an ability for running in full electric or mixed mode. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | automatic transmission e-CVT |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/45 R21; 235/45 R21 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 21 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Crown XVI Sport 2.5 D-4S utilizes a sophisticated plug-in hybrid powertrain. The core of the system is the A25A-FXS 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 219 Nm (161.53 lb-ft) of torque. This engine employs Toyota’s D-4S fuel injection system, combining direct injection with port injection for optimized combustion efficiency and power delivery. The engine also features a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Electric (VVT-iE) technology, further enhancing efficiency and responsiveness.
Complementing the engine are two electric motors. A primary motor, designated 5NM, integrated with the e-CVT, delivers 182 horsepower and 270 Nm (199.14 lb-ft) of torque. A secondary motor, 4NM, located on the rear axle, contributes 54 horsepower and 121 Nm (89.25 lb-ft) of torque, enabling an electric all-wheel-drive system (E-Four). The combined system output reaches 306 horsepower. Power is managed through an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT), optimized for smooth and efficient power delivery. The 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, positioned under the floor, provides a WLTC-rated all-electric range of 90 km (55.92 miles).
Driving Characteristics
The 2.5 D-4S Plug-in Hybrid offers a refined and comfortable driving experience. The e-CVT provides seamless acceleration, and the electric motors deliver instant torque, resulting in brisk performance. In electric mode, the vehicle operates silently and efficiently, ideal for urban commuting. When the engine engages, the transition is nearly imperceptible. The E-Four system provides enhanced traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions. While not a sports car, the 306 hp combined output provides ample power for highway merging and overtaking. Compared to non-hybrid Crown variants, the plug-in hybrid offers significantly improved fuel economy and the ability to operate in zero-emission mode.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crown XVI Sport 2.5 D-4S typically comes well-equipped as a premium trim level. Standard features generally include leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a large touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a premium sound system, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional extras may include upgraded interior trim materials, a head-up display, and more sophisticated ADAS features.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown XVI Sport features an independent suspension system, with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and stable handling. Stabilizer bars are included on both axles to reduce body roll. The braking system consists of ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and other electronic braking aids are standard. The vehicle also incorporates 4-wheel steering (4WS) for improved maneuverability at low speeds and enhanced stability at high speeds.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Toyota Crown XVI Sport 2.5 D-4S has been generally well-received by automotive critics, praised for its fuel efficiency, refined driving experience, and luxurious interior. Compared to other plug-in hybrid SUVs in its class, the Crown offers a compelling combination of performance, efficiency, and value. Its all-electric range is competitive, and its sophisticated powertrain delivers a smooth and quiet driving experience. Some critics have noted that the styling may not appeal to all tastes, but the overall package is considered a strong contender in the premium SUV segment.
Legacy
The Toyota Crown XVI Sport 2.5 D-4S represents a significant step forward in Toyota’s electrification strategy. The powertrain, while relatively new, is expected to be reliable, building on Toyota’s reputation for durability. The plug-in hybrid system offers a practical and efficient alternative to traditional gasoline engines, and the E-Four all-wheel-drive system provides added versatility. As the used car market matures, this variant is likely to hold its value well, appealing to buyers seeking a technologically advanced and fuel-efficient SUV.
