2025 Toyota Crown Signia

Test Vehicle:

2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited

Powertrain: 2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid

Exterior Color: Storm Cloud

Interior Color: Saddle Tan Leather

Options: Advanced Technology Package ($1,865)

MSRP as tested: $51,305 (With Destination & Delivery)

Pros: Quality Materials, Efficient Powertrain, Standard Safety, Lexus Level Luxury

Cons: Niche Styling, Lacks Sportiness, Limited Headroom, High Price

The Toyota Crown Signia joins the Crown sedan for 2025 as a mid-size crossover offering more space and versatility to the Crown lineup. As the Crown Signia arrives in the Toyota lineup, the similarly sized Venza departs. Like the former Venza, the Crown Signia is exclusively equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain that delivers 243 combined horsepower and an estimated 36 combined MPG. It is available in two grades, either XLE or Limited and all models come standard with all-wheel drive. A 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0  are both standard. Prices start at $44,090 for the XLE and $48,490 for the Limited. The Crown Signia is assembled at the Tsutsumi Plant in Aichi Japan and uses the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TNGA-K) platform that also underpins the Crown sedan. Key competitors include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Outback, Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-50, and Acura RDX. I spent a week in a Limited with the Technology Package that checked in at $51,305 and here’s what stood out. 

Exterior Style:

The Crown Signia brings new styling elements to Toyota’s crossovers with a profile that resembles a raised wagon. It offers a ground clearance of 6.7 inches which positions the Crown Signia between traditional sedans and more rugged SUVs, providing a balance that supports light off-road use and improved visibility without compromising on-road comfort. Its clearance is slightly lower than that of the Subaru Outback, which offers a ground clearance of approximately 8.7 inches

It has a wide stance that prominently showcases Toyota’s new hammerhead front end style with signature daytime running light designs and compact headlights. The lower portion of the front fascia has a geometric design and  is the same color as the rest of the body. It looks luxurious and refined, almost more Lexus-like than Toyota. As you look at the side profile, you’ll notice its elongated hood and roofline that give it that wagon shape (which I like). However, it rides higher than a wagon would, hence the designation as a crossover. The Signia has crisp character lines and sculpted fenders, giving the flanks a sense of motion and precision. And depending on the trim, it can ride on up to 21-inch wheels, which further emphasizes its bold presence.

Around back a taillight bar spans across the tailgate connecting both sides of the car. The glass slopes to give it a more dynamic and less boxy look, while CROWN is spelled out across the center. It is available in five fashion-forward colors known as Storm Cloud, Finish Line Red, Oxygen White, Black, and Bronze Age. Seating in a choice of Saddle Tan or Black will be available on both grades.

Powertrain / Performance:

All Crown Signias are exclusively equipped with a 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motor generators. This Hybrid Electric powertrain comes standard with On-Demand All Wheel Drive and produces a combined 243 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque (gasoline portion only), the electric motors contribute to additional torque. This is the same hybrid system from the Crown sedan hybrid. There’s enough power to propel from 0-60 MPH in around 7 seconds. It’s not overly powerful, but it is adequate for everyday driving and highway passing. I wouldn’t call it a sporty vehicle, but it is responsive and the transitions between electric and engine power are smooth. 

Selectable NORMAL, ECO and SPORT driving modes let the driver tailor the Crown Signia’s performance personality. SPORT mode improves and sharpens throttle response. ECO mode changes the throttle and environmental logic to help the driver focus on maximizing mileage from the fuel and battery, while NORMAL mode is ideal for everyday driving. Additionally, EV mode allows electric-only driving at low speeds for short distances.

This is a crossover tuned for comfort, smoothness, and efficiency rather than performance. The powertrain is well aligned with the vehicle’s positioning: a refined, efficient, comfortable hybrid AWD crossover rather than a performance machine. It delivers solid numbers under favorable conditions and handles everyday driving smoothly.

Handling:

Much like the power and performance, this isn’t a vehicle meant for taking sharp corners or through an auto cross. It is well-composed on the road with a smooth suspension that absorbs bumps in the road. It has a lower center of gravity than many other crossovers which makes it feel relatively more nimble and less top-heavy than some competitors. In sweeping curves or moderate-speed corners, it handles adequately: it leans but doesn’t feel out of control. Steering is responsive enough to make direction changes confidently without feeling vague. If you push it too hard (high-speed turns, rapid direction changes), the limitations show with understeer, body roll, and less-than-tight responsiveness. 

The Crown Signia is a very comfortable and easy crossover to drive. It “feels smaller” in handling than its exterior dimensions might lead you to expect. It tends to ride more like a car than an SUV which should appeal to some buyers. The AWD setup is electric (rear motor) rather than mechanical via a driveshaft, so its influence in corners is more about traction than active handling dynamics. It kicks in when necessary to maintain traction without driver input needed. For buyers prioritizing ride smoothness, quietness, and comfort over performance, its handling is likely to feel well balanced. For those who expect sporty cornering or highly engaging steering, it may feel lacking.

Efficiency:

When it arrived with a full 14.5-gallon fuel tank it offered a driving range of around 550 miles. EPA estimates are 39 MPG City, 37 MPG Highway, and 38 MPG Combined. In real world testing after a week of driving, I averaged 37 MPG in Chicagoland during late summer months. Some research indicated that owners have reported higher efficiency, even reaching the 40 MPG range in mixed driving. Regardless, efficiency is a stronger asset of the Crown Signia. Beyond its range and fuel economy, it runs on regular grade fuel making it a little easier on the wallet at the gas pump. 

Interior:

Hopping inside, you’ll be treated to a luxury-level interior worthy of a Lexus badge instead of Toyota. The modern interior includes a broad and horizontal dashboard that emphasizes its width and openness. Toyota uses a mix of soft-touch, premium materials, stitched surfaces, and higher-end finishes to elevate the feel. There’s a tasteful use of contrast via two-tone color schemes and accent trims (bronze or metallic highlights) to break up expanses of upholstery and plastic. The design avoids overly busy styling with controls  well grouped and physical buttons below the main display to make common functions like climate and audio easier to access. One call out is that Toyota mixes in a piano black gloss finish into its dash which looks good when clean but will show off fingerprints much more than a matte-based finish, especially if you have kids. 

Drivers will face dual 12.3-inch displays that are standard with one serving as the digital gauge cluster and the other as the infotainment touchscreen. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which works seamlessly without any issues or glitchiness. The interface is very user-friendly and among the slickest out there. Toyota offers over-the-air updates saving owners a trip to the dealership as well. Beyond the standard audio system in the XLE, an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system with a subwoofer and amplifier is available in the Limited. There’s a vertical wireless phone charger / Qi pad built into the center console that snuggly holds your device in place and is appropriately located.  There are also two USB-C  ports in the front and rear, one USB-A up front, plus a 12V auxiliary outlet.

A digital rearview mirror with HomeLink universal transceiver is standard on the Limited grade and helps the driver see what’s behind the vehicle with the flip of a switch to instantly provide the driver with a wide, unobstructed view from a rear camera rather than a traditional mirror. This takes some getting used to but ultimately is a pretty cool feature. To further aid outward visibility, the Limited grade has an available panoramic view monitor with 360-degree overhead view and curb view that operates in low-speed drive and reverse.

Limited models come with a fixed panoramic glass fixed roof with a power sunshade. While I wish there was an opening function for fresh air, it does provide an abundance of natural light into the cabin.  

Seats:

The Crown Signia offers seating for five passengers. Seats are comfortable and stylish with moderate bolsters that cradle the front seat passengers. On the Limited grade, smooth, high-quality leather-trimmed seats with double stitching, quilting, and fillet piping that flows up to the headrest provide a lux look. The XLE’s combination of fabric and SofTex-trimmed seats create a modern, but still luxurious feel. The seats are comfortable in all positions, though headroom is on the tighter side compared to others in the segment.  There is ample leg and shoulder room all around with good visibility. It comes with standard 8-way driver and 8-way passenger power seats making it easier to adjust positions to personal comfort. The power driver’s seat on the Limited grade also features an auto slide-away with memory function. Standard features include leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel, along with heated and ventilated front seats. The Crown Signia’s heated and ventilated front seats can be adjusted to three levels for added comfort. The heated rear seats are a welcome addition, and not often a feature found in vehicles in this class. Rear seat space offers good legroom, but it will feel tighter in the shoulder and head room for three adults. 

Cargo:

Open the power hatch of the Crown Signia and you’ll find 25.8 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats. Fold the rear seats down and you’ll open cargo space to 68.8 cubic feet.  Note that Limited models reduce those figures to 24.8 and 66.1 cubic feet respectively due to the addtion of the panoramic glass roof. Folding the standard 60/40-split rear backrest makes the extended cargo area 6.6 feet long. Rear seats can fold via handles at the top of each backrest, making it easier to lower them from the cargo area. Cargo volume is average for the class, but the low stance of the Crown Signia makes it easier to load and unload. CRown Signia also has a hands-free liftgate via a kicking motion under the rear bumper which helps when your hands are full. 

Safety / Driver Assistance:

The Crown Signia comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 that includes the following:

* Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection

* Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

* Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.

* Lane Tracing Assist

* Road Sign Assist

* Automatic High Beams

* Proactive Driving Assist

Additionally, standard convenience features include Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Safe Exit Assist and Rear Seat Reminder. Toyota's Advanced Technology Package is also available on the Limited grade and includes features like Panoramic View Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist, Front-Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist. 

Final Statement:

The Toyota Crown Signia offers a luxury-level crossover to Toyota buyers that slots above the RAV4 in size and below the Highlander.  Its design is unique with a long wagon-like profile, large wheels, and higher ride height. It shines inside with high-quality materials and luxury level comfort and design aesthetics. While it’s not a vehicle focused on performance numbers, it is exceptionally smooth on road. It’s quiet, confident, and efficient with a single hybrid powertrain offering. The Crown Signia is worth a test drive if you’re looking for something different from your neighbor with luxury in mind.