The Toyota Crown X Royal (S150, facelifted in 1997) 3.0i 24V represents a refined iteration of Toyota’s flagship sedan, produced between 1997 and 1999. This variant occupied a premium position within the S150 generation, known for its blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology for its time. The facelift brought subtle styling updates and continued the Crown’s tradition as a symbol of Japanese automotive excellence, primarily aimed at the domestic market where large, comfortable sedans were highly valued. It was positioned above the more basic Crown models, offering a more powerful engine and a higher level of equipment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown X Royal (S150, facelift 1997) |
| Type | 3.0i 24V (220 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1997 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.9 kg/Hp, 144.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm, 193.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 220 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 294 Nm @ 4000 rpm, 216.84 lb.-ft. @ 4000 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 | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l, 4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7.2 l, 7.61 US qt | 6.34 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1520 kg, 3351.03 lbs |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l, 18.72 cu. ft |
| Fuel tank capacity | 73 l, 19.28 US gal | 16.06 UK gal |
| Length | 4820 mm, 189.76 in |
| Width | 1760 mm, 69.29 in |
| Height | 1425 mm, 56.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm, 109.45 in |
| Front track | 1485 mm, 58.46 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1495 mm, 58.86 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm, 5.91 in |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.0 m, 36.09 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 | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown X Royal 3.0i is the 2JZ-GE, a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. This engine is renowned for its smoothness and durability. The 2JZ-GE utilizes a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its strong performance across the rev range. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system, ensuring precise fuel metering for optimal combustion. The engine produces 220 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 294 Nm (216.84 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. This power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. While not the most modern transmission by today’s standards, it was well-suited to the Crown’s intended purpose of providing comfortable and effortless cruising.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0i automatic configuration of the Crown X Royal offered a smooth and refined driving experience. The automatic transmission, while lacking the responsiveness of a manual, provided seamless gear changes and made the car exceptionally easy to drive in urban environments. The 2JZ-GE engine delivered ample power for confident overtaking and highway cruising. Compared to the base engine options, the 3.0i provided a noticeable performance boost. However, it wasn’t designed for sporty driving; the focus was on comfort and quiet operation. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for relaxed acceleration rather than outright speed. The rear-wheel-drive layout contributed to balanced handling, although it wasn’t particularly engaging for enthusiastic drivers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The X Royal trim level was generously equipped. 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 cruise control. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and advanced safety features for the time, such as ABS brakes. The interior design emphasized luxury and spaciousness, with comfortable seating for five adults. The dashboard layout was functional and well-organized, with easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown X Royal utilized a double wishbone suspension system at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The suspension was tuned for smoothness rather than outright sportiness, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. While adequate for the car’s weight and performance, the braking system wasn’t particularly powerful by modern standards. The car rode on 15-inch wheels with 205/65 R15 tires, providing a good balance of ride comfort and grip.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Toyota Crown X Royal 3.0i was well-received in the Japanese market as a luxurious and reliable sedan. Critics praised its smooth engine, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. Compared to other trims in the Crown lineup, the 3.0i offered a significant performance advantage, but at a higher price point. Fuel economy was reasonable for a car of its size and engine displacement, but it wasn’t as fuel-efficient as the smaller-engined models. Reliability was a strong point, as with most Toyota products of this era. The Crown competed with other large Japanese sedans, such as the Nissan Cima and the Honda Legend, offering a similar blend of luxury and reliability.
Legacy
The Toyota Crown X Royal 3.0i 24V (S150) has maintained a reputation for long-term reliability. The 2JZ-GE engine is known to be exceptionally durable, and many examples have exceeded 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. In the used car market, these Crowns are sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their classic styling, comfortable ride, and robust engineering. While not as popular as some other Japanese classics, the Crown X Royal remains a respected and well-regarded vehicle, representing a high point in Toyota’s long history of producing quality automobiles. Parts availability can be a challenge, but the engine’s durability often means that major repairs are infrequent.
