The Toyota Crown XI Wagon (S170) 2.5i 24V, produced between 1999 and 2001, represented a unique offering within the Crown lineage. This generation, the eleventh major iteration of the Crown, continued Toyota’s tradition of providing a comfortable and well-equipped vehicle, but with the added practicality of a station wagon body style. The 2.5i 24V variant, equipped with the 1JZ-GTE engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, occupied a performance-oriented niche within the XI Wagon range, appealing to buyers seeking a blend of luxury, space, and respectable power. It was primarily marketed in Japan, where large, comfortable sedans and wagons remained popular, and represented a step up in performance from the more common naturally aspirated Crown models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XI Wagon (S170) |
| Type | 2.5i 24V (280 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6 kg/Hp, 166.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.4 kg/Nm, 225 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 280 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 112.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 378 Nm @ 2400 rpm (278.8 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 1JZ-GTE |
| 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 | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1680 kg (3703.77 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1955 kg (4310.04 lbs.) |
| Max load | 275 kg (606.27 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4835 mm (190.35 in.) |
| Width | 1765 mm (69.49 in.) |
| Height | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm (109.45 in.) |
| Front track | 1495 mm (58.86 in.) |
| Rear track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 145 mm (5.71 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown XI Wagon 2.5i 24V was the 1JZ-GTE, a 2.5-liter inline-six engine. This engine was a significant departure from the naturally aspirated engines typically found in Crowns. The 1JZ-GTE featured sequential twin turbochargers, an intercooler, and a robust bottom end designed to handle the increased boost. The engine utilized a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its high specific output. The four-speed automatic transmission, while not as sporty as a manual, was chosen for its smoothness and ease of use, aligning with the Crown’s overall focus on comfort. This transmission was electronically controlled, offering adaptive shifting based on driving conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 280 horsepower and 278.8 lb-ft of torque delivered by the 1JZ-GTE transformed the Crown Wagon into a surprisingly capable performer. While not a sports car, the turbocharger boost provided strong acceleration, particularly in the mid-range. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did exhibit some of the characteristics common to older four-speed automatics – a slight delay in downshifts and a tendency to hunt for gears on inclines. Compared to the naturally aspirated Crown variants, the 2.5i 24V offered a significantly more engaging driving experience. However, it didn’t quite match the responsiveness of a manual transmission equipped model, had one been offered.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.5i 24V trim typically included a generous array of standard features. These often included power windows, power locks, power mirrors, air conditioning, a high-quality audio system, and comfortable cloth or leather upholstery. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and various convenience features. The interior design was typically conservative and focused on providing a comfortable and refined environment for both driver and passengers. The dashboard layout was functional and well-organized, with easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown XI Wagon utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable ride and predictable handling. The 2.5i 24V variant, due to its increased power and weight, often featured slightly stiffer springs and dampers compared to the lower-spec models. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. While adequate for normal driving conditions, the braking system wasn’t particularly sporty and could feel somewhat overwhelmed during aggressive driving. The 205/55 R16 tires provided a good balance of comfort and grip.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown XI Wagon 2.5i 24V was generally well-received by Japanese automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and strong performance. However, some critics noted that the automatic transmission held the engine back from reaching its full potential. Compared to other Crown variants, the 2.5i 24V offered a significant performance upgrade, but at a higher price point. Fuel economy was also slightly lower than the naturally aspirated models, due to the increased power and turbocharging. Reliability was generally good, as expected from a Toyota product, but the turbocharger system did require more diligent maintenance than a naturally aspirated engine.
Legacy
The Toyota Crown XI Wagon 2.5i 24V remains a relatively rare and sought-after vehicle in the used car market today. The 1JZ-GTE engine is known for its durability and tunability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. While maintenance costs can be higher than for simpler engines, the 1JZ-GTE is generally considered a reliable powerplant when properly maintained. The Crown Wagon’s combination of luxury, space, and performance has ensured its continued appeal to collectors and drivers who appreciate a unique and well-engineered vehicle. Finding one in good condition can be challenging, but the 2.5i 24V represents a compelling example of Toyota’s engineering prowess during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
