The Toyota Crown Saloon (XS10) 2.0 16V, producing 79 horsepower, was a variant of Toyota’s flagship sedan produced between 2001 and 2008. This particular model, often equipped with an LPG conversion, occupied an interesting position within the XS10 lineup, offering a more economical and accessible entry point into the Crown range. While the Crown traditionally represented Toyota’s commitment to luxury and refinement, this 2.0-liter version catered to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and lower running costs, particularly in markets where LPG was readily available and incentivized. It was primarily sold in Japan and select export markets, offering a blend of traditional Crown comfort with a more modest powertrain.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown Saloon (XS10) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 16V (79 Hp) LPG Automatic |
| Start of production | 2001 year |
| End of production | 2008 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / LPG |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 17.3 kg/Hp, 57.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.6 kg/Nm, 116.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 79 Hp @ 4400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 39.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 2400 rpm (118.01 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 3Y-PE |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1370 kg (3020.33 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1645 kg (3626.6 lbs) |
| Max load | 275 kg (606.27 lbs) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 96 l (25.36 US gal | 21.12 UK gal) |
| Length | 4695 mm (184.84 in) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in) |
| Height | 1515 mm (59.65 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2785 mm (109.65 in) |
| Front track | 1465 mm (57.68 in) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1410 mm (55.51 in) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.2 m (33.46 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 | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | dependent spring suspension, Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Crown variant was the 3Y-PE engine, a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to improved breathing and efficiency. The 3Y-PE utilized a multi-port fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly to each intake port for precise control over the combustion process. The engine was designed for reliability and smooth operation, rather than outright performance. Many examples were converted to run on LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), a common practice in markets with favorable LPG pricing and infrastructure. The automatic transmission was a conventional four-speed unit, chosen for its ease of use and comfort, aligning with the Crown’s overall character. It wasn’t known for particularly quick shifts, prioritizing smoothness over sporty responsiveness.
Driving Characteristics
The 79 horsepower output and four-speed automatic transmission resulted in a driving experience focused on comfort and economy. Acceleration was modest, and overtaking required careful planning. Compared to higher-spec Crown models equipped with the 2.5-liter or 3.0-liter engines, or even the diesel variants, this 2.0-liter automatic felt noticeably slower. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were geared towards fuel efficiency, meaning the engine often operated at higher RPMs during acceleration. However, in city driving and on level highways, the powertrain proved adequate for most drivers. The rear-wheel-drive configuration provided a balanced feel, though it wasn’t particularly engaging for enthusiastic drivers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0-liter Crown typically represented the entry-level trim within the XS10 range. Standard equipment generally included power windows, power steering, air conditioning, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, though leather options were sometimes available as an upgrade. Dashboard design was functional and straightforward, prioritizing usability over flashy aesthetics. Optional extras could include alloy wheels, upgraded audio systems, and a sunroof. The level of equipment varied depending on the specific market and package selected.
Chassis & Braking
The XS10 Crown utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension setup at the front, providing a comfortable ride and reasonable handling. The rear suspension employed a dependent trailing arm setup, which was a cost-effective solution but less sophisticated than independent rear suspension. Braking consisted of ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. While adequate for normal driving conditions, the braking system wasn’t particularly powerful, especially considering the vehicle’s weight. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2.0-liter Crown was generally well-received as a practical and affordable option within the Crown lineup. Critics acknowledged its comfortable ride and fuel efficiency, but often noted its lack of performance compared to higher-spec models. The LPG conversion option was particularly popular in markets where LPG was readily available and cheaper than gasoline. Compared to the 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter Crown variants, the 2.0-liter offered significantly lower running costs but at the expense of performance and refinement. The diesel variants offered better fuel economy and torque, but were often perceived as less refined.
Legacy
The Toyota Crown XS10 2.0 16V Automatic, particularly those converted to run on LPG, have proven to be remarkably durable vehicles. The 3Y-PE engine is known for its reliability, and with proper maintenance, can accumulate high mileage. In the used car market, these models are often sought after by buyers looking for a comfortable, reliable, and affordable sedan. While not a collector’s item like some of the higher-spec Crown variants, the 2.0-liter model remains a viable and practical transportation option, especially in regions where LPG infrastructure is well-developed. Its enduring appeal lies in its blend of Toyota’s renowned build quality, fuel efficiency, and relatively low maintenance costs.
