The Toyota Crown XI Athlete (S170) 2.5 Four 24V, produced between 1999 and 2001, represented a sophisticated iteration of Toyota’s flagship sedan. Positioned as a premium trim within the S170 generation, which spanned 1999-2001, the Athlete variant aimed to blend luxury with performance. This particular configuration – the 2.5-liter inline-six engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive – was a key offering in the Japanese domestic market (JDM), catering to buyers seeking a refined driving experience with all-weather capability. The S170 series continued the Crown’s long tradition as a symbol of Japanese automotive engineering and quality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XI Athlete (S170) |
| Type | 2.5 Four 24V (200 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 | 8 kg/Hp, 125.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm, 160.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 200 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 255 Nm @ 4000 rpm (188.08 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 1JZ-GE |
| Engine displacement | 2491 cm3 (152.01 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 71.5 mm (2.81 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| 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 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1590 kg (3505.35 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) |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown XI Athlete 2.5 was the 1JZ-GE engine, a 2.5-liter inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine was a staple of Toyota’s performance offerings in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The 1JZ-GE featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its strong breathing and high-end power. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, ensuring precise fuel metering for optimal combustion. The engine produced 200 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. Paired with this engine was a four-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth and comfortable shifts. This transmission was not known for its sportiness, prioritizing refinement over aggressive gear changes. The full-time four-wheel drive system, a key feature of the Athlete trim, utilized a viscous coupling to distribute power between the front and rear axles, enhancing traction in various road conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.5-liter 1JZ-GE with the four-speed automatic delivered a comfortable and capable driving experience. While not a sports car, the Athlete trim offered a noticeable step up in performance compared to the base Crown models. Acceleration was respectable, though not particularly brisk, with the automatic transmission prioritizing smooth operation over rapid shifts. The four-wheel drive system provided enhanced stability and grip, particularly in wet or slippery conditions. Compared to the manual transmission options available on other Crown trims, the automatic version sacrificed some driver engagement. The gear ratios were tuned for cruising comfort, meaning the engine didn’t always feel as responsive as it could be. However, for buyers prioritizing a relaxed and refined driving experience, the 2.5L automatic was a compelling choice.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crown XI Athlete trim level was well-equipped, reflecting its position as a premium offering. Standard features typically included power-adjustable front seats, woodgrain interior trim, a high-quality audio system, and automatic climate control. The Athlete also featured unique exterior styling cues, such as alloy wheels and a more aggressive front fascia. Optional extras could include a navigation system, leather upholstery, and a sunroof. The interior generally featured a dark color scheme with a focus on comfort and luxury. The dashboard layout was typical of Japanese cars of the era, with a functional and user-friendly design.
Chassis & Braking
The S170 Crown utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The Athlete trim often featured slightly stiffer springs and dampers compared to the base models, enhancing body control. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, improving braking performance and stability. The chassis was designed for a balance of comfort and rigidity, providing a stable platform for the car’s weight and power.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown XI Athlete 2.5 4WD Automatic was well-received in the Japanese market. Critics praised its comfortable ride, refined interior, and all-weather capability. Compared to other Crown trims, the Athlete offered a more engaging driving experience thanks to its larger engine and four-wheel drive system. However, the automatic transmission was sometimes criticized for being less responsive than the available manual options. Fuel economy was reasonable for a vehicle of its size and class, but not exceptional. Reliability was generally excellent, as expected from a Toyota product.
Legacy
The Toyota Crown XI Athlete (S170) 2.5 Four 24V remains a respected vehicle in the used car market, particularly in Japan. The 1JZ-GE engine is known for its durability and relatively simple maintenance requirements. While finding parts outside of Japan can sometimes be challenging, the engine’s robust design ensures it can provide many years of reliable service. The Athlete trim is often sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate its blend of luxury, performance, and all-weather capability. Today, these Crowns represent a well-built and refined example of Japanese automotive engineering from the late 1990s.
