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Toyota Should Bring Back the Avalon Instead of the Crown.

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A few months ago, I posted photos of an updated Toyota Avalon for the Chinese market. The images above show what a brand-new generation of the Avalon could look like. One that could, and should, even replace the Crown in North America.

Toyota doesn’t seem to be able to make up its mind about its large sedans in the US. At least regarding their names. It started with the Cressida for 2 generations. Then we had the Avalon for 5 generations until 2022. These days we have the Toyota Crown. A car no one knew about outside of Japan, something with zero name recognition. Most of us thought it was a big mistake, and it was.

In its last year, Toyota sold 12,215 Avalons in the US. A drop from 2021, with over 18,000 units. The Crown was going to save the day, and it didn’t. It just sold 12,309 units last year. Down from 19,648 the previous year.

And we could all see it coming, except for Toyota. The Crown just looks odd and is actually sold as a “Crossover”, which is ridiculous. Especially for a car without a hatchback and a very narrow trunk opening. Like if Toyota if had no idea of the meaning of the word “Crossover”. Sales numbers are not up from the Avalon, and the Crown is basically a failure. It also never got great reviews, and no one knows who it is for.

The images above show what a return to the Avalon could look like. Of course, Toyota will never admit the mistake, and whatever comes next will probably still be called “Crown”. But I really think a sleek, luxurious yet affordable large Toyota sedan could make some friends in North America. It could easily be based on the new Lexus ES. Without the “polarizing” design. A big, comfy Toyota sedan will still own the market in North America. Although we’ll have to see what Buick is coming up with next year, since they are getting their version of the 2nd generation Cadillac CT5.

The new weirdo Lexus ES starts at $49,000. That’s for the EV; the Hybrid is actually more expensive, starting at $51,000. The Toyota Crown Hybrid starts at $41,600. You would think Toyota could come up with a more affordable sedan based on the new ES pretty easily. They could even add an EV trim for the first time. Which would make the Avalon quieter and more powerful than it has ever been.

As I mentioned earlier, the Avalon is still produced and sold in China. (I don’t think the Crown is). That could mean a new one in a year or two?

Who knows…

Conversation 4 comments

  1. We finally agree on something! The Crown is probably the ugliest sedan they’ve ever made. Although I just got back from Japan and the Crown Sport is actually very nice looking. That would’ve done better than the equally ugly Signia

  2. I don’t mind that the Crown is somewhat lifted and taller. I actually like that. But the car looks bloated and large for its interior space and has a truly ugly front design made worse by its two-tone paint. I get tired of Youtubers all saying “its so luxurious, like a Lexus” like Toyota scripted that for them. When I sat in one, I thought it was bland and borderline cheap looking inside, like all Toyotas now.

  3. You guys don’t consider who actually buys new cars in 2026. And that’s primarily old white people over 55.

    The Crown is the definition of a crossover with a familiar sedan form factor.

    The reason it exists is step-in height. At a car dealership when these old people come in, now that they’re all used to SUVs, they won’t even look at car cars anymore. People are at times offended that you would suggest they get a 5 series instead of an X5.

    Ingress, egress, etc. People buying $50,000ish cars new at dealerships are generally older, less healthy, even overweight, so not exactly trendsetters—more practical and logical types. The Crown appeals to them better being elevated.

  4. My guess is that those who have the dough to buy expensive cars, they are probably more into conservative or sporty type designs, oddball designs won’t be good sellers.

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