The Toyota Crown Signia is a modern SUV based on the legendary station wagon that is a big improvement over the Venza
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia was unveiled at a media test drive event in San Diego, California.
Toyota Venza gives way – better cars are coming. While many Canadians may not remember it anymore, it's a car that reminds people of the past. The Toyota Crown was one of the first models to be introduced to Canada sixty years ago.
"When Toyota began its Canadian tour in 1964, the Crown Station Wagon was the utility vehicle of its time," Scott MacKenzie, director of corporate and external affairs at Toyota Canada, said at a North American test drive event in San Diego, California. "Now, 60 years after the first Crown car entered Canada, we are very excited to welcome a brand new addition to the Canadian Crown family – the 2025 Crown Signia."
The Crown Signia has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and all-wheel drive, delivering 240 horsepower.
The new Crown Signia is a modern version of this legendary station wagon. It replaces the soon-to-be-discontinued Venza and is only available as an all-wheel drive hybrid model. It shares the same platform as its sibling, the Crown sedan, which will be launched in Canada in 2023. But the 2025 Crown Signia adds more features and versatility than its sibling model.
The Crown Signia two-row midsize SUV is available in only one style, Limited, and is priced at $57,450 (plus shipping and pre-delivery inspection fees). That's nearly $20,000 more expensive than the 2024 Toyota RAV4 hybrid AWD.
But the Crown Signia is more upscale than other Toyota vehicles, with a fixed-glass panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, rain-sensing wiper blades, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. You can choose from an advanced technology package that includes lane change assist, traffic jam assist, front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, and more. Priced at $59,525 (plus shipping and PDI).
Compared to the Venza, which is about to be discontinued, the Crown Signia is longer, wider, and lower.
The rear outboard seats of the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia are equipped with heating.
Compared to the soon-to-be-discontinued Venza, the Crown Signia has a longer body, a longer wheelbase, and a wider, lower body. The Crown Signia has a ground clearance of 17 cm, a width of 1.88 metres and a wheelbase of 2.85 metres. The Crown Signia has a higher floor and a higher seat position with a hip point of 65.5 cm, so the driver can have a better view of the road; The Crown Signia's excellent entry and exit design makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle compared to the Crown sedan – no need to lift or lower your hips.
The car is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, Toyota hybrid powertrain, and a nickel-metal hydride battery that is stored under the rear seats, so it doesn't take up space in the trunk. The car is equipped with only two electric motors and all-wheel drive, with a combined power of 240 horsepower. Of course, it's not a speed demon, but it's suitable for the road conditions here, with fuel consumption of 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway and in urban combined. I was driving to the Mexican border in San Diego and the average fuel consumption was slightly higher. It consumes 6.5 liters of fuel per 100 km, which is still staggering for a 1,909 kg vehicle. In addition, another benefit is that there is no need for high-grade gas. Regular 87-octane gasoline is sufficient.
Driving the Crown Signia Limited with an advanced technology package is smooth and comfortable, absorbing bumps well. It is softer than the sporty type, and the road performance is pleasant. The hybrid powertrain works well - the transition between gasoline and electric motor is smooth and easy. Sometimes, when pushing, the engine can be a little strained. Other than that, the cabin is quiet. From the driver's seat, the all-round visibility is excellent, especially since the seat position is slightly higher.
Outwardly, the car looks more modern and cool compared to the soon-to-be-discontinued Venza. It's sleek, sleek, and functional. The monochrome grille, wide front and rear fenders, and dark grey metal 21-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels give it a more textured feel; And from the side, the long roofline gives a sporty and muscular look.
The interior is spacious, with plush leather seats and bronze metal finishes giving it an upscale, modern feel. The car can accommodate up to five passengers. Even tall passengers will be comfortable in the rear seats – head, leg, and shoulder room are enough for three people. They also have access to heated outboard rear seats, which is nice. The fixed panoramic sunroof also makes the cabin feel well ventilated.
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia will be produced at Toyota's Tsutsami plant in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It will be available in a few weeks.
Technical Specifications:
The Crown Signia features a monochrome grille, wide front and rear fenders, and dark gray metal 21-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels.
2025 丰田皇冠 Signia
- Base price: $57,450 (plus $1,860 destination and shipping)
- Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with Toyota hybrid system with 240 horsepower
- Transmission/Drive: CVT/All-wheel drive
- Fuel consumption (liters per 100 km in cities / highways): 6.0 / 6.4
- Alternatives: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Kia Smart Sports Hybrid
appearance
Compared to the Venza it replaced, the car was a big step up in styling. The lines are clean and eye-catching, with a high roofline and more interior space. The "Finish Line Red" has a better exterior color than the drab gray or silver.
inside
内部配备12.3英寸触摸屏。 PETRINA GENTILE/环球邮报
Upscale, intuitive, and familiar interiors with traditional volume and climate control buttons. It is equipped with a fixed glass panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, and heated rear outboard seats.
manifestation
For a hybrid of this size, it has a smooth, comfortable ride and decent fuel consumption. But when pushed, the engine struggled a bit. It can also tow weights of up to 2,700 pounds.
technology
Standard features include a number of safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a package of safety features that includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams.
The boot space is 702 litres, and the second-row seats can be folded flat to create a boot space of up to 1,870 litres.
The trunk space is 702 liters, which is deep and low off the ground. Drop down the second row of seats and you've got a 6.5-foot-long flat cargo area and 1,870 liters of space. The hands-free electric lift gate provides easy access to the cargo area.
verdict
Compared to its replacement, the Venza, the car has been greatly improved in terms of design, styling, and fuel efficiency. If you want versatility, then this car is a smarter choice than the Crown sedan.