Preview (Plus Video): 2025 Toyota Crown Signia
It would be natural that the Crown Signia would be a crossover. Well, more crossover than SUV.
Back at the 2024 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally, we were introduced to an all-new model from Toyota that will be a great addition to its lineup.
It is called the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia.
As the name implies, this is part of a growing family of premium vehicles with a name that has not surfaced in this country for 50 years. However, we did not know that the introduction of the sedan a couple of years ago was just the beginning of a related family of vehicles.
It would be natural that the Crown Signia would be a crossover. Well, more crossover than SUV.
The Crown Signia is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TNGA-K), sharing this platform with the sedan. It retains the handsome styling as the sedan in front and center sections. However, the roof continues towards the rear of the vehicle to accommodate the added rear cargo area which then slopes downward by its powered rear liftgate.
At the rear of the vehicle when you open the liftgate, you will notice how large the opening is for the size of the vehicle. The base of the liftgate is the same height as the cargo floor, meaning no lift over when loading the cargo area. A retractable tonneau cover covers the cargo when desired which can also be removed. The 60-40 split rear seats can be folded down flat creating a continuous cargo floor that is just over six-and-a-half feet in length. This creates up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down on vehicles not equipped with the panoramic roof.
Everything forward from the rear seats in the Crown Signia is the same as the Crown sedan. The ergonomics are straightforward with nothing fancy or out of place. Expect a fully 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with an equally sized 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. All of the controls and switchgear are pretty much the same as in the sedan.
The larger roof area can be outfitted with cargo racks to add to the Crown Signia’s versatility. Because it is not a tall SUV, reaching the roof area is easier. You might say that it is almost resembles a wagon. Or, should we even say that?
Under the hood is the same 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors producing 243 horsepower. It is paired with Toyota’s E-CVT. This transmission is not a belt-driven continuously variable transmission, but it uses mechanical gearing. Power can be sent to the rear wheels via an electric motor to help with extra traction when needed.
In our initial short drive in the Crown Signia, we found it to have similar driving characteristics as the Crown sedan. The ride quality and powertrain were smooth. Handling is controlled and the entire driving experience is more than pleasant enough for a family of four to enjoy a long journey.
As for safety, the Crown Signia will come with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance features. Features included in this suite are Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beam, and Proactive Driving Assist. All of which have been proven to work well on the latest Toyota and Lexus models.
When the Crown Signia arrives at showrooms this summer, you have a choice of two trim levels – XLE and Limited. Pricing starts from $43,590.
We believe that you will find the Crown Signia a friendlier choice for an electrified crossover that is easier to get into with more space to load your stuff.
Oh, by the way, we have a little video for you to watch to see how we felt about the new 2025 Crown Signia.
DISCLAIMER: All travel was by Victory & Reseda. All logistics were provided by the Midwest Automotive Media Association and their sponsors. Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America.
All photos by Randy Stern and George Torline