
Crown is the English name of the vehicle, while Royal is one of the models under the Crown series. Therefore, there is essentially no difference between them. Here is more information about the Crown series: 1. Starting from the eleventh generation, the Crown series was divided into two regular versions: Royal and Athlete. Subsequent generations of the Crown have generally maintained this division between Royal and Athlete. 2. The Royal model is characterized by comfort and high-end features, while the Athlete model combines sportiness with practicality. 3. In the domestic market, this naming convention was discontinued starting with the 2015 model. The 2015 Crown is the third-generation model in the domestic market and the fourteenth-generation model in the entire Crown series. 4. The domestic Crown is based on the fourteenth-generation Crown MAJESTA platform. This generation of the domestically produced Crown differs significantly from the original version, with both the exterior and interior being extensively redesigned to cater to the preferences of Chinese consumers.

Last time I was browsing the used car market, I overheard an experienced mechanic talking about this. The Toyota Crown is essentially the flagship product line of Toyota's classic sedan series, with a long history dating back to the 1950s. The Crown Royal, on the other hand, was a premium variant introduced during specific periods, mainly between the 12th to 14th generations. The biggest difference lies in their positioning: the Royal version features more luxurious interiors with semi-aniline leather seats and a softer suspension tuning, making it ride like a moving sofa. The standard Crown leans towards business-oriented stability, while the Royal version prioritizes rear-seat comfort for executives. Nowadays, Toyota has elevated Crown to a standalone premium brand, with new models named Crown Crossover or Crown Sport, making the Royal designation a nostalgic memory.

When studying Japanese car models, I paid special attention to this distinction. Simply put, the Crown is the base model name, while Royal represents its top-tier variant. The most noticeable difference lies in the drivetrain: standard Crown models are predominantly front-wheel drive, whereas the Royal version emphasizes rear-wheel drive for more stable handling. There's also a variation in space configuration, with the Royal version featuring a wheelbase extended by approximately 10 cm, offering ample legroom in the rear seats. In terms of interior, the Royal stands out with signature wood trim and a quartz clock, exuding a premium feel, while the standard version is more modest. Currently, Toyota has elevated the entire Crown lineup to a standalone brand, with all new models being hybrid, and the Royal series has been discontinued.

I carefully compared these two models when changing cars before. The core difference lies in the trim levels: the Crown Royal is equivalent to the top-tier version, featuring additional configurations like ventilated seats and rear window sunshades compared to the standard Crown. The most crucial distinction is the noticeably different chassis tuning—the Royal version has exceptionally soft vibration filtration, making speed bumps barely noticeable, which offers excellent comfort for family use. In the current used car market, a Crown Royal from the same year typically costs 20,000 to 30,000 yuan more than the standard version, with slightly higher resale value. However, Toyota began upgrading the Crown into an independent brand last year, and new models no longer use the Royal naming.

My friend works at a Toyota 4S dealership and often shares insights with me. The Crown Crown serves as the base model, akin to the standard version in smartphones, while the Crown Royal represents the Pro version, with the most significant differences observed during the twelfth generation. The Royal version comes equipped with additional features such as Mark Levinson audio systems and leg rest adjustments, along with a steering wheel crafted from genuine wood. In terms of dynamic performance, the Royal version specifically incorporates increased soundproofing materials, significantly reducing wind noise at high speeds. Currently, the entire Crown lineup is transitioning into a premium brand, with the newly introduced Crown Sport directly inheriting the sporty attributes of the Royal.

During my last trip to Japan, I rented an old Crown and finally understood the difference. The Crown is the main model series, while the Royal is like a specially customized flagship variant. The most obvious distinction lies in the design language: the Royal version features a dense horizontal grille on the front fascia, appearing more stately than the standard mesh grille. There's also a significant gap in interior materials—the Royal comes standard with genuine leather seats, whereas the base model mostly uses synthetic leather. Mechanically, the Royal typically packs a 3.5L V6 engine with more abundant power reserves. However, Toyota has now developed Crown into a standalone brand, and the newly released crossover models no longer include the Royal series.


