Toyota is currently undergoing a significant model refresh, and within this transformation, they’ve introduced a new vehicle carrying a familiar name: the Crown. The initial Crown model presented a somewhat unconventional design, straddling the lines between car and crossover without fully committing to either. Building upon this unique approach, Toyota has expanded the Crown lineup with the Signia, a model that further explores the niche territory blending wagon and SUV characteristics. While the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia presents itself as a competent vehicle with its hybrid-exclusive powertrain and a well-appointed interior that stands out for Toyota, questions arise concerning its styling and pricing, positioning it in a competitive and somewhat ambiguous market segment. This 2025 Toyota Crown Signia review delves into whether this novel offering truly hits the mark.
Fuel efficiency is a significant draw for hybrid vehicles, and the Crown Signia boasts an impressive 37 MPG as advertised. Real-world testing, conducted over several hundred miles in diverse driving conditions, yielded a still commendable 33 MPG. However, a notable point of concern emerged with the vehicle’s range estimation system. Upon initial inspection with a full tank, the range was optimistically projected at 591 miles. Yet, a subsequent road trip to Donner Lake revealed a discrepancy, with the actual calculated range falling short of 400 miles by the end of the testing period. This significant variance of over 30% in range estimation raises questions about the reliability of this feature, especially for a modern vehicle where such calculations should be more precise. For potential buyers, understanding the real-world MPG is crucial, and while the Crown Signia performs adequately, the inaccurate range prediction is a notable drawback.
The hybrid powertrain, a staple of Toyota’s engineering, continues to impress with its seamless operation. The system operates with remarkable transparency, exhibiting none of the jarring transitions or hesitations sometimes associated with hybrid powertrains. Toyota’s expertise in hybrid technology is evident in the smooth power delivery and responsive nature of the system. However, the gasoline engine component, a four-cylinder unit, presents a less refined experience. The engine noise is prominent across various speeds, producing a noticeable moan and groan that detracts from the intended premium feel of the Crown line. This audible intrusion was even remarked upon by passengers, highlighting its obvious presence and unpleasant nature. While the combined output of 240 horsepower is adequate for daily driving, propelling the Crown Signia from 0 to 60 MPH in approximately seven seconds, the engine’s auditory characteristics undermine the sense of luxury that the vehicle aims to project, particularly considering its price point exceeding $50,000.
On a positive note, the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia incorporates Toyota’s well-regarded suite of safety systems, which generally function effectively. For drivers who prefer traditional control, the sometimes-intrusive radar cruise control system can be deactivated, allowing for manual operation. The interior technology is headlined by a large 12-inch display, praised for its user-friendliness and intuitive navigation, standing out as one of the more accessible systems in the market. The inclusion of physical buttons for climate controls is a welcome feature, particularly as many manufacturers increasingly transition to digital, capacitive interfaces. The cabin environment represents a high point for Toyota, featuring soft-touch, plush materials and exhibiting the brand’s renowned build quality, free from rattles or squeaks. The Limited trim level includes genuine leather seats, appealing to those who prefer leather upholstery. While road noise is present and not exceptionally muted, the Crown Signia offers a comfortable ride, especially for longer journeys, with ample rear legroom thanks to its substantial 194-inch length. Overall, the interior is a strong aspect of the Toyota Crown Signia reviews.
Despite its comfort-oriented design, the driving dynamics of the Crown Signia are characterized as uninspiring. The steering is muted, and the handling feels somewhat rubbery, resulting in a driving experience that lacks engagement. While it’s acknowledged that this vehicle is not engineered for spirited driving on winding roads, a greater sense of composure and responsiveness would be appreciated. Brands like Mazda and Genesis have demonstrated the ability to blend comfort with engaging driving dynamics in recent years, setting a benchmark in this regard. The Crown Signia leans towards prioritizing effortless, numb transportation over driver involvement. When cornering at higher speeds, the vehicle exhibits noticeable body roll and a diminished sense of road grip, behaving more akin to a less agile SUV than a nimble wagon, despite its wagon-like appearance. This aspect is a recurring theme in 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Reviews, with many noting the lack of driving excitement.
The pricing structure of the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia, starting at $52,565 for the Limited trim, raises fundamental questions about its market positioning and target demographic. When considering alternatives within Toyota’s own lineup, models like the Highlander and Grand Highlander SUVs offer the added practicality of three-row seating, potentially presenting more versatile options for buyers seeking a larger Toyota SUV. However, the most compelling challenge to the Crown Signia’s value proposition comes from within the Lexus family. The price range of the Crown Signia overlaps with the Lexus RX 350h, which shares the same powertrain but distinguishes itself with more appealing aesthetics and a more luxurious and upscale cabin environment. Given the price proximity, the rationale for choosing the Toyota Crown Signia over a Lexus RX 350h becomes less clear. Both vehicles share the same 194-inch length, yet the RX 350h offers a superior five cubic feet of additional cargo space behind the rear seats. Furthermore, Lexus presents the slightly smaller NX 350h, which is recognized for its more refined driving dynamics and tighter body control. The internal competition from Lexus models significantly impacts the perceived value of the Crown Signia.
While there might be a niche audience for whom the Crown Signia perfectly aligns with specific preferences, the extensive range of alternatives from both Toyota and Lexus, coupled with the broader crossover market, makes it challenging to identify a definitive reason to favor the Crown Signia. Unless the subjective appeal of its styling strongly resonates with a buyer, the Crown Signia faces an uphill battle in establishing a distinct market presence. The design, particularly the front end with its “squinty” headlight design, is described as sleepy and somewhat out of sync with the overall exterior aesthetic. While Toyota’s venture into this niche is considered bold, the Crown Signia may struggle to carve out a sustainable segment for itself given the strong competition and questions surrounding its value proposition.
Bottom Line
Consider the Toyota Crown Signia if you are drawn to its unique styling and desire a Toyota with an upgraded interior. However, with a price tag exceeding $50,000, there are more compelling options available that offer enhanced luxury and value for the investment. Potential buyers should carefully weigh the Crown Signia against alternatives, particularly within the Toyota and Lexus families, to determine if its distinctive wagon-SUV blend and hybrid powertrain justify its positioning in the competitive automotive landscape. Ultimately, 2025 Toyota Crown Signia reviews suggest a vehicle with merits, but one that requires careful consideration against its numerous rivals.
2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited
Price as-tested: $52,565
Pros:
- Elevated Toyota interior quality
- Wagon body style offers unique appeal
Cons:
- Noisy and unrefined engine sound
- Questionable and polarizing exterior design
- Price overlap with more luxurious Lexus RX 350h and other compelling SUVs
More Photos of the Toyota Crown Signia
