The Toyota Crown XIV Royal (S210, facelifted in 2016) represents a significant iteration of Toyota’s flagship sedan, primarily aimed at the Japanese domestic market (JDM). This generation, produced from 2012 to 2018, continued the Crown’s tradition of offering a luxurious and technologically advanced driving experience. The 2.5 D-4S Hybrid variant, introduced with the 2016 facelift, combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined system output of 221 horsepower. This model occupied a middle ground within the Crown XIV Royal lineup, positioned between the more basic 2.0-liter models and the higher-performance 3.5-liter variants. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a balance of fuel efficiency, refinement, and respectable performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XIV Royal (S210, facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 D-4S (178+143 Hp) Hybrid e-CVT |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | FHEV (Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp, 107.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm, 133.9 Nm/tonne |
| Battery technology | Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) |
| Battery location | Behind the back wall of the passenger cabin |
| Electric motor power | 143 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 300 Nm (221.27 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor model/code | 1KM |
| Electric motor location | Integrated into the transmission |
| Electric motor type | Synchronous |
| Power | 178 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 221 Nm @ 4200-4800 rpm (163 lb.-ft. @ 4200-4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 2AR-FSE |
| Engine displacement | 2493 cm3 (152.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 98 mm (3.86 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 13:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection and 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 | 8.2 l (8.66 US qt | 7.21 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1650 kg (3637.63 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1925 kg (4243.9 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 | 1460 mm (57.48 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) | 145 mm (5.71 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | automatic transmission e-CVT |
| 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 |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16; 215/55 R17; 225/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16; 7.5J x 17; 8J x 18 |
INTRODUCTION
The Toyota Crown XIV Royal (S210) facelift, launched in 2016, represented a refinement of the existing model, with updates to styling, technology, and powertrain options. The 2.5 D-4S Hybrid variant was a key offering, designed to appeal to a broad range of Japanese buyers who valued fuel economy and a smooth driving experience. The “Royal” designation signified a higher level of trim and luxury compared to the standard Crown models. Built on the Toyota New Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, the S210 aimed to improve body rigidity and handling characteristics. This particular variant was exclusively offered in the Japanese market, reflecting Toyota’s strategy of tailoring models to specific regional preferences.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 2.5 D-4S Hybrid system is the 2AR-FSE 2.5-liter inline-four engine. This engine utilizes Toyota’s D-4S technology, which combines direct injection and port injection to optimize combustion efficiency and power delivery. The direct injection system provides a precise fuel spray for improved power and reduced emissions, while the port injection system enhances fuel atomization during low-load conditions. The engine features a dual VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence by Electric motor) system, allowing for precise control of valve timing for optimal performance and fuel economy. Paired with the gasoline engine is a 1KM electric motor, a synchronous AC motor, integrated with the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). This e-CVT isn’t a traditional CVT with belts and pulleys; instead, it uses a planetary gearset to seamlessly blend the power from the engine and electric motor. The nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack, located behind the rear seats, provides energy storage for the electric motor, enabling electric-only driving at low speeds and assisting the gasoline engine during acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.5 D-4S Hybrid delivers a smooth and refined driving experience. The e-CVT provides seamless acceleration, without the stepped shifts of a conventional automatic transmission. The combined system output of 221 horsepower provides adequate performance for everyday driving, although it isn’t particularly sporty. The electric motor provides instant torque, which helps to fill in any gaps in the engine’s power delivery. Compared to the 3.5-liter V6 Crown models, the 2.5 Hybrid offers less outright power but significantly better fuel economy. Against the base 2.0-liter models, the hybrid provides a noticeable performance boost and a more sophisticated driving experience. The rear-wheel-drive configuration contributes to a balanced feel, although it doesn’t offer the all-wheel-drive stability of some competitors.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crown XIV Royal 2.5 D-4S Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive list of features, including leather upholstery, woodgrain interior trim, automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a suite of safety technologies such as Toyota Safety Sense P. Optional extras included a premium audio system, navigation system, adaptive cruise control, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The “Royal” trim level emphasized luxury and comfort, with attention paid to detail in the interior materials and design. Higher trim levels within the 2.5 Hybrid range offered additional features such as heated and ventilated seats, a power-adjustable steering column, and more advanced safety systems.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown XIV Royal features a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, designed to provide a comfortable ride and stable handling. The suspension is tuned for a balance of comfort and control, prioritizing a smooth ride over sporty handling. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard, along with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist. The steering is a rack-and-pinion system with electric power steering, providing light and precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Toyota Crown XIV Royal 2.5 D-4S Hybrid was well-received in the Japanese market, praised for its fuel efficiency, smooth ride, and luxurious interior. Critics noted that the hybrid system provided a significant improvement in fuel economy compared to the gasoline-only models, without sacrificing too much performance. Compared to competitors such as the Nissan Fuga and the Honda Legend, the Crown offered a compelling combination of luxury, technology, and reliability. However, some reviewers found the styling to be somewhat conservative and the driving experience to be less engaging than some of its rivals.
Legacy
The Toyota Crown XIV Royal 2.5 D-4S Hybrid remains a popular choice in the used car market in Japan. The hybrid powertrain is known for its reliability and longevity, and the Crown’s reputation for quality and durability ensures continued demand. While the Crown has undergone further evolution with subsequent generations, the S210 represents a significant milestone in Toyota’s hybrid technology development and continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts and buyers seeking a comfortable, efficient, and reliable luxury sedan.
