The Toyota Crown XI Athlete (S170 series, post-facelift introduced in 2001) represented a significant evolution of Toyota’s flagship sedan. Produced between 2001 and 2003, this variant, specifically the 2.5 Four 24V (196 Hp) 4WD Automatic, occupied a premium position within the Crown lineup, blending luxury, performance, and all-weather capability. The S170 generation, launched in 1999, aimed to modernize the Crown’s image, attracting a younger demographic while retaining the traditional qualities of comfort and reliability expected from the nameplate. This facelifted version further refined the design and mechanicals, solidifying its appeal in the Japanese domestic market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XI Athlete (S170, facelift 2001) |
| Type | 2.5 Four 24V (196 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2001 |
| End of production | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp, 123.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm, 160.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 196 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 78.7 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 | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT-i |
| 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) |
| 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 track | 1470 mm (57.87 in) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
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 mainstay of Toyota’s performance offerings for many years, known for its smoothness and durability. The 1JZ-GE featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) cylinder head with Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) system, optimizing valve timing for improved performance and fuel efficiency across the rev range. Direct fuel injection further enhanced combustion efficiency. The engine produced 196 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. This power was delivered to all four wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. While not a cutting-edge number of gears by modern standards, this transmission was designed for smooth, comfortable shifts, prioritizing refinement over outright performance. The longitudinal engine layout contributed to a balanced weight distribution, enhancing handling characteristics.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.5L 4WD Automatic Crown Athlete offered a comfortable and composed driving experience. The automatic transmission, while lacking the responsiveness of a manual, provided seamless gear changes, making it ideal for city driving and long highway journeys. The all-wheel-drive system provided enhanced traction, particularly beneficial in inclement weather conditions, a key selling point in many parts of Japan. Compared to the base model Crown with smaller engines, the 2.5L offered noticeably more power and acceleration. However, it didn’t possess the sporty character of some rear-wheel-drive alternatives. The gear ratios were tuned for relaxed cruising rather than aggressive acceleration. The 1JZ-GE delivered a linear power delivery, making it predictable and easy to control. It wasn’t a particularly fuel-efficient engine, but it offered a good balance between performance and economy for its time.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Athlete trim level signified a more luxurious and well-equipped version of the Crown. Standard features included power-adjustable front seats, woodgrain interior trim, a premium sound system, and automatic climate control. Leather upholstery was common, and many examples were equipped with power moonroofs. Optional extras included navigation systems, upgraded audio, and electronically adjustable suspension. The interior design emphasized comfort and spaciousness, with ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard layout was functional and aesthetically pleasing, featuring clear instrumentation and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown XI Athlete utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort over outright sportiness, absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road surface effectively. Ventilated disc brakes were fitted on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and stability during emergency braking maneuvers. The chassis was designed for rigidity, contributing to a quiet and refined cabin experience. Stabilizer bars were incorporated to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown XI Athlete 2.5 4WD Automatic was well-received in the Japanese market, appealing to buyers who desired a luxurious, comfortable, and capable sedan. Critics praised the engine’s smoothness and refinement, as well as the all-wheel-drive system’s ability to provide confident traction in all conditions. Compared to other trims in the Crown lineup, the 2.5 Athlete offered a significant performance upgrade over the smaller-engined models, but at a higher price point. It competed with other Japanese luxury sedans, such as the Nissan Cima and the Honda Inspire. Fuel economy was considered average for its class, and some reviewers noted that the four-speed automatic transmission felt somewhat dated compared to newer transmissions with more gears.
Legacy
The 1JZ-GE engine, in general, has a reputation for being exceptionally reliable and durable, and the Crown XI Athlete is no exception. Well-maintained examples continue to be sought after by enthusiasts and collectors. The automatic transmission, while not known for being particularly sporty, is generally reliable if properly serviced. Today, the Crown XI Athlete 2.5 4WD Automatic represents a well-built and comfortable classic Japanese sedan. Its combination of luxury, performance, and all-weather capability makes it a desirable vehicle in the used car market, particularly for those seeking a refined and reliable driving experience. Parts availability remains reasonable, although some trim-specific components may be difficult to source.
