The fifth-generation Crown sedan was placed on the market in October 1974, followed by other body variations in November. Having learned a lesson from the previous model that unique and innovative styling could be off-putting to conservative customers, Toyota took a more conventional approach in designing the fifth-generation Crown. Also, a 4-door hardtop model was newly added to the lineup as a high-grade personal sedan. Despite the "hardtop" name, it was technically a "pillared hardtop" because the center pillars were retained for reasons of structural safety, thus combining the practical convenience of a 4-door sedan with the sporty impression of a hardtop. In contrast, the 2-door hardtop model continued to be without center pillars, although opera windows were added in the quarter pillars to enhance rear visibility and give it a distinctive design feature.

The fifth-generation Crown inherited the mechanical components of its predecessor, with a choice of three inline 6-cylinder SOHC engines including 2,563 cc 140 PS (4M), 1,988 cc EFI 135 PS (M-E) and 1,988 cc 115 PS (M-C) units, which were progressively modified to meet the emission control standards. There were five available gearboxes, including a 3-speed manual transmission with a column shifter, 4- and 5-speed manual transmissions with a floor shifter, and two 3-speed automatic transmissions with either a column or floor shifter.