Toyota Crown Signia: New Spacious Crossover SUV
On the heels of the curious but innovative high-riding Crown sedan, Toyota has announced an SUV variant, the Crown Signia. More a high-riding wagon than an SUV, the Crown Signia is the second Crown model to be offered in the U.S.; in Japan, Crown models are Toyota’s flagships, carrying their best design and technology. Arriving in summer 2024, the sleek-looking Crown Signia will come exclusively as a hybrid, and is targeted at customers for whom a sedan might be too low and not flexible enough, but who don’t want to step up into something taller and boxier like a Highlander or Grand Highlander.
Hybrid Power and All-Wheel Drive Standard
The 2025 Crown Signia will only be available with hybrid power. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with two electric motor-generators to deliver 243 total system horsepower. The rear axle is powered exclusively by electricity for electronic on-demand all-wheel drive when extra traction is needed. Not relying on mechanical connections and differentials, the system works seamlessly, and can preemptively distribute up to 80 percent of the total power to the rear wheels.
Classified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) by the EPA for passenger car emissions, the Crown Signia uses Toyota’s latest tech to improve efficiency. Instead of an automatic transmission with conventional gears, there’s a continuously-variable transmission for optimal fuel economy, and drivers can switch between normal, economical, and sporty driving modes. AN EV switch allows electric-only driving at low speeds over short distances. Toyota estimates 36 combined MPG on the EPA’s testing cycle – an impressive number for a vehicle this big. Towing capacity is 2,700 pounds – enough for a small trailer.
2025 Crown Signia: Interior
Built on the same large, stable platform as the Crown sedan, we expect a plush, quiet interior experience from the Crown Signia. The seats are big and comfortable, with eight-way power adjustments for both front seats, and a combination of fabric and SofTex synthetic leather creating a modern feel. The luxurious Limited model ups the ante with real leather, seat ventilation, and an available fixed panoramic moonroof.
There’s plenty of practicality here, too. The front center console has a vertically-oriented wireless charger and three USB-C ports along with plenty of storage including large cupholders with a movable partition. Rear-seat passengers get dedicated air vents, cup and bottle holders, seatback pockets, and their own USB-C ports. The cargo area is abundant and conveniently shaped, with a removable tonneau cover and a practical aluminum scuff plate. When needed, the rear seats fold flat to create a space that’s six and a half feet long. A standard power liftgate makes accessing the space easy.
Latest Toyota Tech
Behind the wheel, drivers face a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which can be easily customized based on their preferences. Digital “dials” are easy to read, providing a choice of conventional displays, a drive mode monitor for those seeking maximum miles per gallon, or a navigation display. It’s supported by a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Toyota’s latest multimedia system, which offers Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless over-the-air updates and easy voice controls. Drivers simply have to say “hey, Toyota” to wake up the system.
Limited models add a couple of novel features: a digital rear-view mirror that basically eliminates blind spots, and a panoramic view monitor with overhead view that makes it easy to park this large vehicle, even in a tight parking space. Limited models also have a digital key function, which lets you use a smartphone as your car key.
The Crown Signia will also come equipped as standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of driver assistance systems, which includes:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Dynamic cruise control
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
- Lane tracing assist
- Road sign assist
- Automatic high beams
- Proactive driving assist
When the Limited model is equipped with the optional tech package, traffic jam assist helps ease the pain of stop-and-go driving. It can operate the steering, brakes, and accelerator hands-free at up to 25 mph under certain conditions on limited-access roadways.
The 2025 Crown Signia also has eight standard airbags, including side curtains. The Toyota Star Safety System includes vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, anti-lock brakes, and more.
Toyota Crown Signia: Availability
Expected to arrive in dealerships in the summer of 2024, the new Crown Signia will be available in XLE and Limited trims. XLE models are distinguished by 19-inch wheels, while Limited models have larger 21-inch dark grey metallic wheels and distinctive exterior trim.
The hybrid Crown Signia shares its distinctive “hammerhead” front end with the hybrid-only 2025 Camry and the latest Prius, and will be available in five colors, and with two interior colors. It will be the 19th electrified Toyota model available for sale in the U.S. While Toyota may only have one pure EV in its lineup so far, it leads the industry in the number of hybrid models it offers; from Tundra and Tacoma to Prius and Corolla, there’s truly one for every need, and the Crown Signia hopes to continue that trend.
