The Toyota Crown XI Royal (S170 series, facelifted in 2001) represented a continuation of Toyota’s flagship sedan lineage, specifically tailored for the Japanese domestic market (JDM). Produced from 2001 to 2003, this iteration of the Crown aimed to blend luxury, technology, and a sophisticated driving experience. The 3.0 Four 24V (220 Hp) 4WD Automatic variant occupied a premium position within the XI Royal lineup, offering a balance of performance and all-weather capability. It was positioned above the lower-displacement models and served as a stepping stone to the even more luxurious and powerful trims available.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XI Royal (S170, facelift 2001) |
| Type | 3.0 Four 24V (220 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 | 7.4 kg/Hp, 135.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm, 181.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 220 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 294 Nm @ 3800 rpm (216.84 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 2JZ-FSE |
| 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 | 11.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1620 kg (3571.49 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 | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown XI Royal 3.0 was the 2JZ-FSE engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine was notable for its direct fuel injection system, a technology that improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to traditional port fuel injection. The 2JZ-FSE featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, optimizing airflow for increased power output. The engine produced 220 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 294 Nm (216.84 lb-ft) of torque at 3800 rpm. This engine was known for its smoothness and relatively quiet operation. The automatic transmission was a conventional four-speed unit, designed for comfortable cruising rather than aggressive performance. It was calibrated to provide smooth shifts and maximize fuel economy.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0L engine and four-speed automatic combination delivered a refined and comfortable driving experience. While not overtly sporty, the powertrain provided adequate acceleration for highway merging and overtaking. The all-wheel-drive system enhanced traction, particularly in inclement weather conditions, making it a practical choice for regions experiencing rain or snow. Compared to the lower-displacement engines in the Crown lineup, the 3.0 offered noticeably more power and responsiveness. However, it didn’t possess the sharper handling characteristics of some rear-wheel-drive competitors. The automatic transmission, while smooth, lacked the driver engagement of a manual gearbox, and its gear ratios were optimized for fuel efficiency rather than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crown XI Royal 3.0 4WD Automatic came standard with a comprehensive list of features reflecting its premium positioning. These typically included power-adjustable seats, woodgrain interior trim, a high-quality audio system, automatic climate control, and power windows and locks. Leather upholstery was a common feature, and many examples were equipped with optional extras such as a navigation system, sunroof, and upgraded sound systems. The interior design emphasized comfort and spaciousness, with a focus on providing a relaxing environment for both driver and passengers.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown XI Royal utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable ride quality. The suspension was tuned to prioritize smoothness and stability over sporty handling. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The steering system employed a rack and pinion setup, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown XI Royal 3.0 4WD Automatic was generally well-received in the Japanese market. Critics praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and refined powertrain. Compared to other trims in the Crown lineup, the 3.0 offered a significant performance upgrade over the 2.5-liter models, while remaining more affordable than the flagship 4.0-liter variants. Fuel economy was respectable for a vehicle of its size and class, although it wasn’t as efficient as some of the smaller, more fuel-conscious sedans available at the time. Reliability was a strong point, as with most Toyota products of this era.
Legacy
The Toyota Crown XI Royal 3.0 4WD Automatic has maintained a reputation for reliability and durability. Well-maintained examples are still found on the used car market today, often prized for their comfortable ride and spacious interiors. The 2JZ-FSE engine is known for its longevity, and with proper maintenance, can provide many years of reliable service. While not a particularly sought-after model among enthusiasts, the Crown XI Royal 3.0 represents a well-engineered and thoughtfully designed luxury sedan from a golden age of Japanese automotive manufacturing. Its blend of comfort, technology, and all-weather capability continues to appeal to buyers seeking a refined and dependable vehicle.
