One of Toyota’s oldest nameplates is returning to the United States in a new form. The redesigned 2023 Toyota Crown is the first version of this full-size sedan to be sold in the U.S. since 1972. It makes its comeback as a hybrid with an unusual high-riding design that gives this sedan a bit of SUV DNA. Toyota will offer XLE, Limited, and Platinum trim levels, and expects to start deliveries this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

The 2023 Toyota Crown traces its heritage back to 1955 and the Toyopet Crown, Toyota’s first mass-produced passenger car. While it left the U.S. market 50 years ago, the Crown has remained on sale in other markets as one of Toyota’s most high-end models. The 2023 model represents the Crown’s 16th generation.

In the U.S., the Crown is a de facto replacement for the Toyota Avalon, which is being discontinued after the 2022 model year. Like the Avalon, the Crown is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TNGA-K) platform, and is pitched as a more premium alternative to the Toyota Camry midsize sedan. At 194 inches long, 72.4 inches wide, with a 112.2-inch wheelbase, the Crown is pretty close to the Camry in size, though, and slightly shorter than the outgoing Avalon.

The most crucial measurement may be height, however. At 60.6 inches tall, the Crown stands almost 4 inches taller than the Camry and Avalon. That’s because of what Toyota calls a “lift-up” design, which encompasses a raised ride height and some plastic body cladding for what is otherwise a fairly sleek sedan shape. It brings to mind previous raised sedans like the Subaru Outback SUS and Volvo S60 Cross Country. While those were niche models, Toyota’s approach seems sensible now given many new car buyers’ preference for the raised seating positions of crossover SUVs.

The Crown launches with an all-hybrid powertrain lineup, with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The base version combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with the Toyota Hybrid System used in the automaker’s other sedans. Crown Platinum models get a new Hybrid Max powertrain that aims for sportier driving dynamics than previous Toyota hybrids. Using a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, it produces an estimated 340 horsepower (Toyota hasn’t released a horsepower figure for the base powertrain).

In the all-important fuel economy category, Toyota estimates 38 mpg and 28 mpg for the base and Hybrid Max powertrains, respectively. Full official EPA ratings will be released closer to launch.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen running a new infotainment system is standard. Developed in North America, the Toyota Audio Multimedia system incorporates natural-language voice recognition, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Base XLE models get a six-speaker audio system, while the Limited and Platinum get an 11-speaker JBL system.

The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 group of driver aids is standard as well, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automated lane centering. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard as well, while an automated park-assist system is optional.

The Crown also gets the standard Toyota hybrid warranty, with eight-year, 100,000-mile, coverage for hybrid-system components (including the battery pack), plus the three-year, 36,000-mile, new-vehicle warranty and five-year, 60,000-mile, powertrain warranty of all Toyota models.

With its standard hybrid powertrain, fresh tech, and sport-utility sedan styling, the Crown should reinvigorate the withering full-size sedan segment. Its only rivals will likely be the Nissan Maxima and Volkswagen Arteon, as other automakers have exited the segment. Perhaps a new entry will convince more shoppers to give big sedans another look.