Toyota
Avalon
Owner report available
Toyota
Crown
Owner report available
Toyota Avalon vs Toyota Crown
The short answer
Based on available data, the Toyota Crown comes out ahead of the Toyota Avalon on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Avalon
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, comfort, and value, particularly for used examples. The Avalon is consistently praised as a durable, spacious, and smooth-riding sedan capable of exceeding 200,000 and even 400,000 miles with routine maintenance. Owner feedback highlights exceptional comfort, quiet cabins, and strong V6 acceleration in older models.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim or model year. However, strong, repeated endorsements exist for the hybrid powertrain across multiple generations for its exceptional reliability, simplicity, and low maintenance costs (e.g., long-lasting brakes, no alternator/starter, electric water pump).
Known issues
- Transmission shifting behavior/concerns (2019+ models): Reports of sluggish acceleration, RPM flaring to 1500-2000 before shifting, delayed or non-smooth shifts, and owner concerns about long-term reliability of the UA80 8-speed automatic.…
- Electrical system failure (Hybrid models): Isolated but severe incidents of complete dashboard warning light illumination and system failure, leading to lengthy repair times and part delays. Frequency: isolated.
- Oil consumption (Older 4-cylinder Toyota engines referenced, not Avalon-specific): Mentioned as a known issue for some Toyota models, but not specifically cited for the Avalon's V6. Frequency: N/A for Avalon V6.
Crown
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment, with a clear generational divide. Feedback for the modern 2023+ Crown is generally positive, with owners praising its smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride, seamless hybrid acceleration, premium interior feel compared to other Toyotas, and strong combination of power and fuel efficiency in the Hybrid Max powertrain. It is frequently described as a unique, under-the-radar vehicle that offers a near-Lexus experience.
Best version to buy
Platinum trim with the Hybrid Max powertrain. This configuration is specifically recommended for its powerful yet efficient 340-horsepower hybrid system, which provides strong acceleration while maintaining good fuel economy (approximately 30-32 MPG).
Known issues
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) false warnings: recurring warnings for specific tires, attributed by dealers to temperature fluctuations but persisting after adjustment. Frequency: isolated.
- Driver-side wind noise: mentioned in forums as a potential issue, but at least one owner reports not experiencing it in 2024 models, suggesting it may have been addressed. Frequency: isolated.
- Interior material critiques: Platinum trim's rose gold accenting is noted as plastic and perceived as cheap; limited interior color options on top trim. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Toyota Crown is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Toyota Avalon, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Toyota Crown are a dealbreaker, the Toyota Avalon is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Toyota Avalon or the Toyota Crown?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Toyota Crown than the Toyota Avalon. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Toyota Avalon or the Toyota Crown?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Toyota Avalon is classed as a Sedan, the Toyota Crown as a Crossover, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Toyota Avalon or the Toyota Crown?
The EPA rates the 2022 Toyota Avalon at 25–44 mpg combined and the 2026 Toyota Crown at 30–41 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Toyota Avalon or the Toyota Crown?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Toyota Avalon than the Toyota Crown. See the known issues comparison above.