The Toyota Crown XI Royal (S170) 2.0 24V, produced between 1999 and 2001, represented a continuation of Toyota’s flagship sedan lineage. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the broader S170 generation, this variant catered to buyers seeking a balance of comfort, refinement, and reasonable performance. The Crown, historically a symbol of Japanese automotive excellence, held a prominent position in the domestic market, particularly favored by business professionals and government officials. This generation, the eleventh major iteration of the Crown, continued to emphasize rear-wheel drive, a characteristic that distinguished it from many contemporary Japanese sedans increasingly adopting front-wheel drive layouts. The 2.0-liter engine paired with an automatic transmission offered a more accessible entry point into the Crown family compared to the larger displacement engines available.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XI Royal (S170) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 24V (160 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1999 year |
| End of production | 2001 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.2 kg/Hp, 108.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 kg/Nm, 136.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 4400 rpm, 147.51 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 1G-FE |
| Engine displacement | 1988 cm3, 121.32 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm, 2.95 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 75 mm, 2.95 in. |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l, 4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7 l, 7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1470 kg, 3240.8 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 | 1465 mm, 57.68 in |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm, 109.45 in |
| Front track | 1495 mm, 58.86 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1470 mm, 57.87 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 165 mm, 6.5 in |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.6 m, 34.78 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 |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown XI Royal 2.0 was the 1G-FE engine, a 2.0-liter inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine was a staple in Toyota’s lineup for many years, known for its reliability and smooth operation. The 1G-FE featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, operating 24 valves (four per cylinder). Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, optimizing combustion efficiency. The engine produced 160 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque at 4400 rpm. Paired with this engine was a four-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth and comfortable shifts. This transmission, while not offering the sportiness of a manual, was well-suited to the Crown’s intended role as a luxury cruiser. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the engine bay, contributing to the rear-wheel-drive configuration.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0-liter automatic Crown offered a comfortable, albeit not particularly sporty, driving experience. Acceleration was adequate for everyday driving, but it wasn’t designed for rapid overtaking maneuvers. The automatic transmission, while smooth, could feel somewhat sluggish compared to the manual transmission options available on other Crown variants. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and relaxed cruising rather than outright performance. Compared to the more powerful 3.0-liter versions of the Crown, the 2.0 felt noticeably less responsive. However, the 2.0’s lighter weight and less stressed engine contributed to improved fuel economy and potentially greater long-term reliability.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crown XI Royal 2.0 typically came equipped with a respectable array of standard features. These included power windows, power locks, air conditioning, and a quality audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, although leather options were available as upgrades. Dashboard configuration was traditional for the era, featuring analog gauges and woodgrain trim. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and power-adjustable seats. The “Royal” designation indicated a higher level of trim and refinement compared to the base-model Crown.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown XI Royal 2.0 utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. Front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while rear brakes were solid discs. Power steering was standard, making maneuvering easy. The chassis was designed for stability and comfort, prioritizing a smooth ride over sharp handling. The 195/65 R15 tires provided a good balance of comfort and grip for typical driving conditions.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown XI Royal 2.0 was generally well-received in the Japanese market. Critics praised its comfortable ride, refined interior, and reputation for reliability. However, some reviewers noted that the 2.0-liter engine felt underpowered compared to the larger displacement options. In terms of fuel economy, the 2.0-liter variant offered a noticeable improvement over the 3.0-liter models. Compared to other Japanese sedans of the era, the Crown stood out for its rear-wheel-drive layout and its emphasis on luxury and refinement. The 2.0-liter automatic was often seen as a sensible choice for buyers who prioritized comfort and fuel efficiency over outright performance.
Legacy
The 1G-FE engine, found in the Crown XI Royal 2.0, is known for its durability and longevity. With proper maintenance, these engines can reliably exceed 200,000 miles. The automatic transmission, while not as robust as some other units, is also generally reliable. In the used car market today, the Crown XI Royal 2.0 represents a relatively affordable entry point into the world of classic Japanese luxury sedans. These cars are appreciated by enthusiasts for their build quality, comfortable ride, and distinctive styling. Finding well-maintained examples can be challenging, but they offer a unique and rewarding driving experience.
