Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Toyota Crown Signia
Last year, we had a chance encounter with the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally. It was more of an introduction to this new model for us. We actually liked some of the things on this new crossover.
Of course, we needed more time with it. A week’s worth of driving usually yields more impressions than just a 20-minute stint.
To refresh your memory, the Crown Signia is one of an extended family of the Toyota Crown. In the USA, we get what we call the sedan. Japan calls that model a crossover.
Huh?
For the Signia, this is also called the Estate – that is “wagon” in British-speak.
Confused? Well…if you consider that it looks more like a wagon than an SUV, they could be right. Which is why Toyota’s North American team called it something completely different not to draw any confusion.
It explains why the Crown Signia looks more wagon-esque than the Venza it replaces.
Considering the Venza was seen as more of a premium product than the rest of Toyota’s SUV lineup, it makes sense that the new crossover wagon fills that spot as a more premium offering. Yet, it slots in-between the RAV4 and Highlander in one respect.
As we noted before, there are plenty of cues that are carried over from the Crown sedan. The front end is taller as the lower grille is larger. It has a semblance of a much sleeker front end, while taking the latest design language Toyota is employing lately.
Where the Crown design language deviates is the roofline and anything aft of the B-pillar. The rear end is somewhere between upright and sleek. It is just right to fulfill its mission to be a wagon-esque crossover.
Our Limited tester came with a monochrome paint job called Storm Cloud. There is a debate as to what shade of blue that truly is. We’re thinking it is a form of slate blue. The finish off the exterior, it rides on a set of low-profile tires shod on dark-finished 21-inch alloy wheels.
Interior-wise looks familiar. It is the Crown sedan’s dashboard and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The center console is from the Crown sedan, as are a huge majority of controls and switches, including the shifter. Even the 12.3-inch infotainment screen is from the Crown sedan. Sound is emitted from an 11-speaker JBL system with wireless smartphone mirroring and device charging.
We found the seating to be comfortable across both rows. There is some support for the front occupants. We noted last May that one of the big selling points of the Crown Signia is its cargo space. While you get 24.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up, they do expand ti 68.1 cubic feet with them down. That volume yields a long cargo floor that measures a bit longer than my six-foot-one-inch frame.
Toyota dropped their 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid driveline for all Crown Signias. Twio electric motors, a continuously variable transmission, and all-wheel drive finish out the 240 combined net horsepower system.
We found the performance to be just fine. Around town is where this driveline truly shines. Just be mindful when you have to depress the accelerator on quick and hard passing or accelerating on the highway. You may not like the noise coming from the CVT and engine, as it yields that whine from the system. Transitions between the gas and electric power sources were seamless. For fuel economy, we averaged 32.1 MPG.
The ride quality was smooth. A better word to use is “pleasant.” We experienced no drama as it traversed our roads. Handling and maneuverability were controlled and very manageable.
The Crown Signia’s steering system began with a direct on-center feel. Steering action was good yielding some solid turns and acted sharp. Brakes were also good with pedal effort felt comfortable and linear. It also yielded a sensible regeneration back to the brakes.
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia is offered in just two trim levels, starting from $43,590. Our Limited tester came with a sticker price of $51,305.
Ten months ago, we had a chance to experience what Toyota was up to in the crossover/SUV space that was occupied at the time by the Venza. Instead of another tall SUV, they came up with a wagon-esque crossover with premium touches and feel. Thde result turned out to be quite good.
After a week’s time with the 2025 Crown Signia, a lot of the impressions we felt back last May were confirmed. It is a pleasant vehicle for families with those premium touches we mentioned. It accomplishes this without fanfare and false promises.
That is what we need right now. No drama. Especially in the vehicles we drive daily. Something that does the job without drawing too much attention to itself. Regardless of what you call it.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America – Our opinions are of our own
All photos by George Torline