The Toyota Crown XI Royal (S170) 2.5 24V, produced between 1999 and 2001, represented a significant iteration of Toyota’s flagship sedan. Positioned as a premium offering within the broader S170 Crown lineup, this variant featured a 2.5-liter inline-six engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. It aimed to deliver a balance of performance and comfort, catering to buyers seeking a refined driving experience. The S170 generation, built on the Toyota 1HX0 platform, continued the Crown’s long tradition as a symbol of Japanese automotive excellence, primarily marketed towards a domestic audience valuing luxury and reliability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XI Royal (S170) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 24V (200 Hp) 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 | 7.6 kg/Hp, 132.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 168.9 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 | 9.6:1 |
| 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 | 1510 kg, 3328.98 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 | 1455 mm, 57.28 in |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm, 109.45 in |
| Front track | 1495 mm, 58.86 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1475 mm, 58.07 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm, 5.91 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 |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown XI Royal 2.5 was the 1JZ-GE engine, a 2.5-liter inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine utilized a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and multi-port fuel injection, contributing to its smooth power delivery and relatively efficient operation. The 1JZ-GE was known for its durability and refinement, characteristics highly valued in the Japanese luxury car market. The engine produced 200 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain prioritized comfortable cruising over outright acceleration. This automatic transmission, while not offering the latest technology, was known for its reliability and smooth shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.5-liter automatic Crown offered a comfortable and composed driving experience. While not a sports sedan, the 200 horsepower engine provided adequate power for everyday driving and highway passing. The automatic transmission, with its four gears, was geared towards fuel efficiency and smooth operation. Compared to the more powerful Crown variants (often featuring turbocharged engines), the 2.5L felt less urgent in its acceleration. However, it offered a more relaxed and refined driving experience, particularly appealing to drivers prioritizing comfort over performance. The rear-wheel-drive configuration contributed to balanced handling, though it wasn’t particularly sporty.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crown XI Royal trim level signified a higher level of equipment compared to base models. Standard features typically included power windows, power locks, air conditioning, a high-quality audio system, and comfortable cloth or leather upholstery. The interior was designed with a focus on luxury and spaciousness. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and power-adjustable seats. The dashboard layout was typically conservative and functional, emphasizing ease of use and a sense of quality. Woodgrain trim was often used to enhance the interior’s luxurious feel.
Chassis & Braking
The S170 Crown utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable ride and predictable handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The steering was rack and pinion, providing precise control. The Crown’s chassis was designed for comfort and refinement, rather than aggressive cornering. Stabilizer bars were included to reduce body roll, but the overall focus was on providing a smooth and stable ride.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown XI Royal 2.5 24V Automatic was generally well-received in the Japanese market. Critics praised its comfortable ride, refined engine, and luxurious interior. However, some noted that its performance was not as exciting as some of its turbocharged competitors. Compared to other Crown variants, such as those equipped with the 3.0-liter engine or turbocharging, the 2.5L offered a more affordable entry point into the Crown lineup. It appealed to buyers who prioritized comfort, reliability, and fuel economy over outright performance. Fuel economy was respectable for a vehicle of its size and class, and the 1JZ-GE engine was known for its long-term reliability.
Legacy
The Toyota Crown XI Royal 2.5 24V Automatic, while not the most powerful or technologically advanced variant of the S170 generation, remains a respected and reliable vehicle. The 1JZ-GE engine is known for its durability and relatively simple maintenance requirements. In the used car market, these Crowns are often sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their classic styling, comfortable ride, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability. Parts availability remains good, and the vehicles are generally well-maintained, contributing to their continued presence on the road today. The S170 Crown, and this variant in particular, represents a high point in Japanese luxury car design and engineering.
