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Toyota Avalon.

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As we all know, the Toyota Avalon sedan has been replaced in North America by the Toyota Crown. A weird, high-riding sedan that tries really hard to pass for some sort of SUV or crossover. Even with a small rear truck opening, without the expected convenience of a rear hatch.

I guess they were pretty desperate when sales of the Avalon went south and tried to have it both ways. A large sedan that some SUV buyers would actually like.

In its last full year, the Toyota Avalon sold over 12,000 units. The Crown was a bit more popular the next year, with over 19,000 units. Which is probably what a brand-new and more attractive Avalon would have gotten anyway. Well… I say bring the Avalon back for the next generation.

The Crown was for decades a Japan-only product. For some reason, Toyota decided to offer the new generation Crown in many other countries and body styles. Like that high sedan we have over here, as well as the wagon called Crown Signia. They also offer an SUV and a more conventional sedan overseas.

The Avalon had become a well-known nameplate in North America, and replacing it with “Crown” is just an odd move prompted by Mr.Toyoda himself.

If they can sell over 19,000 units of the odd-looking Crown in the US, I truly think a much more modern-looking new Avalon could do even better. Just let the current Prius designers handle the job.

It could also be based on the same platform as the new Lexus ES. I saw the new ES in person a few days ago, and it is quite a large car. And yes, it looks goofy and heavy-handed in person. However, that platform would be great for a new large Toyota Avalon. And would allow the big Toyota to be offered with either a Hybrid or EV powertrains, just like the new ES.

Conversation 11 comments

  1. The idea of a higher, taller sedan is a good one. The execution of the Crown sedan however is disappointing and odd = Not Attractive. They drive floaty-boaty and with an interior that tries to be expensive but comes off plasticky and plain. No thanks.

  2. Crown as the name, clown as the marketing, Big clown as the management who gave the go-ahead.

  3. People don’t talk about it, but there will be a collective sigh of relief in Japan when Akio Toyoda finally bites it. When you refer to yourself by another name in the 3rd person, you know they’re a POS.

  4. I totally subscribe to this article. Bring back the Avalon to North America!!!

  5. The Crown was a resounding disappointment. You can’t put lipstick”Crown” on a pig “ugly styling”. Awkward styling for America where in Japan the Crown was considered a presidential vehicle. Try being suited for high end clientele in America.

  9. I have an older Avalon & love it . Very peppy six cylinder, longer body , plenty of leg room , large trunk storage& bring back those older high comfortable seats !!

  10. I was very disappointed when the Avalon was discontinued. Because there wasn’t anything that could take it’s place short of having to buy a luxury sedan. Bring back the Avalon with a six cylinder engine and not those whimsy 4 cylinders.

  11. We were at a point that we needed to trade our old Avalon for a new one, but Toyota discontinued the Avalon. We hate the looks of Crown. I guess we have to forget about Toyota and start looking for a different make and model.

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