The shape of vehicles continues to evolve, often begging the question: What kind of car is this? The 2026 Toyota Crown Nightshade stylishly and efficiently blurs that line.
The 2026 Toyota Crown Nightshade is at the forefront of the “what is it” generation of vehicles.
My talented, gracious and ever-inquisitive spouse exists in a unique circumstance. Having been in more cars than most people will ever experience, her insights can be quite telling.
Riding in the 2026 Toyota Crown Nightshade, she asked, “Is this a car or an SUV?” I responded, “No.”
“But which is it,” she pressed,” a car or an SUV?”
To which I again replied, “No.”
“Well, whatever it is, people are going to like it or they’re going to hate it,” she stated. “There won’t be any in-between.”
Which is exactly why I value her input. Her assessments are usually spot on. Neither exactly a car, nor precisely a crossover SUV, the 2026 Toyota Crown does indeed occupy a nether region in which, for better or for worse, it is a specialized product.
This brings us to the 2026 Toyota Crown Nightshade trim, which supplants the other Crown models’ shiny exterior trim pieces with black ones. The “sporty” member of the Crown lineup, Crown Nightshade can be had in either the blue/grey finish pictured here, which is known as Storm Cloud — or black. A set of matte-finished 21-inch wheels (also black) completes the product planning team’s effort to make Toyota’s flagship sedan look somewhat menacing.
The “sporty” member of the Crown lineup, Crown Nightshade can be had in either the blue/grey finish pictured here, which is known as Storm Cloud.
Interior Accommodations
Adapting a quote attributed to Henry Ford, the Nightshade’s interior upholstery is offered in any color you’d like — as long as your preference is black leather. Bronze “metallic” plastic accents frame the HVAC vents and serve as contrasting trim pieces throughout the cabin. The overall effect is tasteful without blundering into ostentation.
Contemporary, yet conservative, the Crown Nightshade’s cabin is finished well, with nary a hint of corner-cutting. In fact, were it not for the Toyota logo on the steering wheel, one might be convinced the environment is that of an entry-level Lexus. It’s that nice.
Passenger comfort is a priority, as leg and shoulder room are more than ample at all five seating positions. Owing to the Crown’s elevated ride height, ingress and egress are readily accomplished, even for those who are getting on in years. Similarly, outward visibility is all but free of blind spots. This is a car older drivers can pilot confidently.
Comfort, Convenience & Safety Tech
Residing one rung beneath the top-of-the-line Crown Platinum package, the Crown Nightshade is nicely appointed. The package includes a fixed glass panoramic roof and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel are also included.
Contemporary, yet conservative, the Crown Nightshade’s cabin is finished well, with nary a hint of corner-cutting.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an upright wireless charging port and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display are also part of the package. An additional 12.3-inch monitor shares the instrumentation display’s frame to give the appearance of a 25-inch panel. Native Wi-Fi and a plethora of USB-C charging ports are incorporated as well.
Standard driver-assistance features include automatic emergency braking, smart cruise control, lane-keep assist and automatic high-beam headlamps. Pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane centering are also included at no additional cost.
Driving Impressions
The 2026 Toyota Crown Nightshade is powered by a 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4, teamed with a multiple drive mode hybrid system. Three electric motors are employed, the output of which, when combined with the internal combustion engine, is rated at 236 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission conducts power to all four wheels.
The black exterior trim pieces and the 21-inch wheels notwithstanding, the Crown, even in Nightshade guise, is tuned for comfort over performance. Pavement irregularities are absorbed in an almost spongelike fashion. The Crown is also admirably silent in operation, with next to no wind or tire noise apparent within the passenger compartment.
The Nightshade’s interior upholstery is offered in any color you’d like — as long as your preference is black leather.
Steering, acceleration and braking response are commensurate to its role as a comfortable cruiser. I saw zero to 60 times right around seven seconds and had no trouble merging into fast freeway traffic. Handling is competent, if not exactly sharp.
According to EPA estimates, the Crown Nightshade is capable of returning 42 mpg in the city, 41 on the highway and 41 combined. Much of this is owed to the fact the Crown’s powertrain operates in EV mode up to about 25 mph, assuming sufficient battery charge. I averaged 37.7 mpg, according to the trip computer in the car.
In Summary
A love it or hate it proposition, the 2026 Toyota Crown Nightshade is either a standout or an oddity, depending upon your personal taste. As pointed out by my dear companion in this thing we call life, Toyota’s current flagship model is a polarizing offering. People will either love it or hate it — there isn’t much ground in between.
MSRP for the 2026 Toyota Crown Nightshade is $48,675. The price totals $49,900 with shipping.
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