2025 Toyota Crown Signia Blends Luxury and Efficiency: Review

Jun 07, 2024 03:45 AM EDT

Toyota's latest addition to the American market is the Crown Signia, a sophisticated two-row vehicle designed for five passengers. With a focus on hybrid and all-wheel drive configurations, the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia exemplifies the brand's commitment to delivering a premium driving experience in the U.S.

Toyota Crown Signia

The latest crossover model shares a connection with the distinctive Crown sedan, marking a shift towards a premium, elevated sedan that has taken the place of the Avalon in Toyota's range. By embracing the renowned and upscale Crown name, previously synonymous with the Japanese market, this crossover embodies a fresh direction for Toyota.

According to insights from Autoblog, Toyota's latest hybrid "crossover" boasts a sleek and elongated design, featuring a slight inch-heightened ground clearance compared to conventional sedans.

Despite initial impressions, the vehicle's body maintains a taller profile akin to a wagon; however, a closer examination of its specifications places it in line with models like the Subaru Outback or Volvo V60 Cross Country rather than the Lexus NX or its predecessor, the Toyota Venza. Notably, the absence of tinted rear windows sets it apart in style and functionality.

With the mentioned ground clearance and a significant height increase of 4 inches along with a 2-inch reduction in overall length, the Signia presents distinctive dimensional shifts. Favoring passenger space, the Crown "sedan" excels in accommodating occupants comfortably.

Sharing the platform - a commonality among various Toyota models outside of trucks - underscores consistency in interior layout and the inclusion of a standard hybrid powertrain across the lineup.

Signia: The Cabin, Other Features

Offered exclusively in the premium XLE and Limited trim levels, the Signia features standard leather seating following feedback from prospective buyers who hesitated due to the initial inclusion of cloth seats in the $44,985 XLE variant.

Despite the range of features, the design and materials mirror the understated style found in the U.S. Crown sedan. Comparably, it falls short of the elevated interior of the 2025 Toyota Camry XLE, lacking in notable refinement and luxury elements.

Equipped with a range of standard features, the Crown Signia XLE offers dual-zone automatic climate control, luxurious full leather upholstery, a modern 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster paired with a central touchscreen of the same size, 19-inch wheels for a refined look, heated rear seats for added comfort, and front seats that are heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable.

The interior aesthetic, reminiscent of the Crown sedan, presents a sense of familiarity, albeit with the option to choose from various color schemes to tailor the look to individual preferences.

Forbes reported that the Crown Signia offers 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which expands to a range of 66 to 69 cubic feet when the second row is folded down - the variation depends on whether the model includes a panoramic sunroof. Despite being lower, longer, and wider than the RAV4, the interior space of the Crown Signia falls short in comparison.

The distinction between SUVs and station wagons becomes apparent when considering factors such as interior volume, height, ground clearance, and overall shape; in this light, the Crown Signia leans more towards the characteristics of a station wagon rather than an SUV.

As per Forbes, the Crown Signia falls short in practicality compared to Toyota's compact SUV. Despite boasting 240 horsepower to manage its 4,200-pound curb weight, it doesn't deliver the sporty performance akin to European sportwagens.

The combination of horsepower and weight stands out as a potential drawback for the Crown Signia, particularly exacerbated by its continuously variable transmission (CVT) that diminishes throttle response and acceleration.

During a test drive in the hills east of San Diego, the strain on the Crown Signia's drivetrain was noticeable, even with the assistance of an electric motor paired with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.