Toyota has addressed a contentious design choice on the refreshed Crown sedan. The automaker eliminated the two-tone paint scheme that split the rear portion of the previous generation with a darker finish, a styling quirk that polarized enthusiasts and buyers alike.
The original Crown's blacked-out rear quarter panel created an awkward visual disconnect, making the rear end appear disconnected from the rest of the body. That unconventional approach drew criticism for breaking up the sedan's proportions and creating confusion about where the car's actual line ended. Toyota listened to feedback and opted for a more cohesive single-color approach on the updated model.
This change reflects broader automotive design philosophy. Two-tone paint schemes attempt to add visual interest and depth, but execution matters. When poorly integrated, they read as disjointed rather than sophisticated. The Crown's original application fell into that camp.
The refresh preserves most of what made the Crown distinctive while tidying up its most divisive element. Toyota positioned the Crown as a bridge between its domestic market and global aspirations, competing against the Lexus ES and Infiniti Q50. The sedan segment continues contracting in North America, but midsize luxury sedans remain relevant in Japan and Southeast Asia, where the Crown holds cultural significance as Toyota's flagship.
The elimination of that two-tone treatment won't transform the Crown into a sales juggernaut, but it removes a genuine aesthetic liability. The sedan retains its traditional strengths. Buyers shopping at this price point prioritize reliability, driving dynamics, and interior space over experimental styling. The refreshed Crown delivers all three without the visual awkwardness.