Toyota Crown Review
2018-2023
The Toyota Crown (15th Gen S220 Sedan: 2018–2022 & 16th Gen S235 Crossover: 2022–2023+) represents the absolute pinnacle of Japanese corporate luxury and prestige in Kenya. Engineered on Toyota's rigid TNGA-N (sedan) and TNGA-K (crossover) platforms, the Crown combines whisper-quiet cabin acoustics, Nappa leather executive seating, 360 Multi-Terrain Monitor, and advanced hybrid powertrains. Sourced heavily in 2.5L Hybrid (226 hp) and 2.0L Turbo (245 hp) configurations, it delivers executive presence while remaining tax-efficient in Kenya. Landed import prices range from KSh 3.8M to KSh 9.8M.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Sub-2,500 cc KRA tax advantage: 2.5L Hybrid (2,487 cc) and 2.0T (1,998 cc) qualify for the 25% excise tax bracket.
- Outstanding 20.0 km/L hybrid fuel economy: Ultra-low daily running costs for an executive flagship in Nairobi gridlock.
- Premier VIP ride isolation: TNGA-N chassis with double-wishbone suspension suppresses road vibration and cabin noise.
- Crown Crossover 170 mm ground clearance (S235): Raised ride height effortlessly handles estate speed bumps and unpaved roads.
What’s not so good
- Low 135 mm ground clearance on S220 sedan: Low front overhang requires care over tall estate speed bumps.
- Premium JDM infotainment conversion: Requires English software updates for navigation and media displays.
Most popular: Crown 2.5 Hybrid RS / G Executive / 2.0T RS / Crossover RS
45 doorsPetrol, HybridAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Toyota Crown (S220 Sedan & S235 Crossover)
- Production years
- 2018–2023+
- Body type
- 4-Door Luxury Sedan / 5-Door Liftback Crossover
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Full Hybrid (THS-II / Dual Boost), Turbo Petrol
- Engine sizes
- 1,998 cc (2.0T) / 2,393 cc (2.4T Hybrid) / 2,487 cc (2.5L Hybrid) / 3,456 cc (3.5L V6 Hybrid)
- Transmission
- e-CVT / 8-Speed Direct Shift / Multi-Stage Hybrid
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) / E-Four AWD
- Ground clearance
- 135 mm (S220 Sedan) / 170 mm (S235 Crossover)
- Source market
- Japan (RHD JDM Spec)
Trims & variants
B / G / RS / RS Advance / Executive Saloon
- Setup
2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid (226 hp combined), e-CVT / E-Four AWD, returning 20.0 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
The ultimate executive volume import in Kenya, combining luxury status with 20 km/L efficiency.
Fuel consumption
Figures for the Crown 2.5L Dynamic Force Hybrid (2,487 cc S220). Tank: 66 L (about 1320 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,227 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,056 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 11,348
- Full tank (66 L)
- KES 14,979
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Package tiers
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| B / G | Executive luxury | Nappa leather upholstery, dual screens, soft-close doors, power seats, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. |
| RS / RS Advance | Sport executive | Quad chrome exhaust, mesh sport grille, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), 18-inch smoked alloys, HUD. |
| Crossover RS | Flagship crossover | 340 hp 2.4T Dual Boost hybrid, 21-inch two-tone alloys, bi-tone paint options, 12.3-inch dual digital displays. |
About the Toyota Crown
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2018 to 2023 Crown models sit inside the legal direct import window.
By utilizing 2,487 cc (2.5L Hybrid), 1,998 cc (2.0L Turbo), and 2,393 cc (2.4L Turbo Hybrid) powertrains, all primary Crown variants stay strictly at or below 2,500 cc, qualifying for KRA's standard 25% excise duty tax bracket and saving over KSh 1,800,000 compared to 3.5L V6 models.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
