The Toyota Crown XIV Athlete (S210, facelifted in 2016) represents a significant iteration of Toyota’s flagship sedan, primarily aimed at the Japanese domestic market (JDM). This particular variant, equipped with the 8AR-FTS 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 horsepower, and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (Super ECT), occupied a middle-ground position within the Athlete lineup, offering a balance between performance and comfort. Production of this specific configuration ran from 2016 to 2018, building upon the foundation of the S210 series introduced in 2012 and benefitting from the mid-cycle refresh.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XIV Athlete (S210, facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 T 16V (235 Hp) ECT |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.9 kg/Hp, 146 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.6 kg/Nm, 150.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 235 Hp @ 5200-5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 117.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 243 Nm @ 4800 rpm (179.23 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 8AR-FTS |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1610 kg (3549.44 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1885 kg (4155.71 lbs.) |
| Max load | 275 kg (606.27 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4895 mm (192.72 in.) |
| Width | 1800 mm (70.87 in.) |
| Height | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm (112.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1545 mm (60.83 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1545 mm (60.83 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 135 mm (5.31 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Super ECT |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown Athlete 2.0T is the 8AR-FTS engine, a 1.998-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine utilizes direct injection and is coupled with a twin-scroll turbocharger and intercooler to boost output. The 8AR-FTS is part of Toyota’s ‘AR’ engine family, known for its balance of efficiency and performance. The engine features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for increased power. The Super ECT 8-speed automatic transmission is a crucial component, designed to provide smooth and responsive shifts while maximizing fuel efficiency. This transmission features torque converter lock-up across multiple gears, further enhancing efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The 235 hp and 243 Nm (179.23 lb-ft) of torque delivered by the 2.0T powertrain provided a noticeable step up in performance compared to the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine offered in other Crown Athlete trims. While not a sports sedan, the turbocharged engine offered brisk acceleration and confident highway cruising. The 8-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, offering quick downshifts for overtaking and maintaining optimal engine speed during spirited driving. Compared to the more economical trims, the 2.0T offered a more engaging driving experience, though it did come at the cost of slightly reduced fuel economy. The rear-wheel-drive configuration contributed to a balanced feel, although it wasn’t as dynamically focused as some European sports sedans.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crown Athlete 2.0T typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position as a premium trim level. Standard features included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate control, and a sophisticated infotainment system with navigation. Optional extras often included a premium sound system, advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, and various cosmetic enhancements. The interior design emphasized comfort and luxury, with high-quality materials and a refined aesthetic. The Athlete trim also featured unique exterior styling cues, such as a more aggressive front bumper, side skirts, and a rear spoiler.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown Athlete 2.0T utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension was tuned to balance ride quality with handling, offering a good compromise for everyday driving. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The steering system employed a rack and pinion setup, providing precise and responsive steering feel. The 215/55 R17 tires offered a good balance of grip and comfort.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown Athlete 2.0T was generally well-received in the Japanese market, praised for its blend of performance, luxury, and technology. Critics noted the responsive engine and smooth transmission, as well as the comfortable and well-appointed interior. Compared to the naturally aspirated Crown models, the 2.0T offered a more engaging driving experience, but fuel economy was slightly lower. Against competitors like the Nissan Cima and Honda Legend, the Crown Athlete 2.0T held its own, offering a compelling package of features and performance. Reliability was generally considered to be excellent, consistent with Toyota’s reputation.
Legacy
The Toyota Crown XIV Athlete 2.0T (S210) remains a desirable used car in Japan, appreciated for its reliability, comfort, and relatively strong performance. The 8AR-FTS engine, while not without its complexities due to the turbocharging system, has proven to be a durable and dependable unit when properly maintained. Parts availability is generally good, and the Crown’s reputation for longevity ensures that well-maintained examples continue to command reasonable prices in the used car market. This variant represents a significant step in the evolution of the Crown, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to innovation and refinement in the luxury sedan segment.
