Toyota is on a roll with refreshing its lineup, and amidst the updates, the Crown Signia emerges, sporting a familiar name but venturing into uncharted territory. This vehicle attempts to blend the practicality of a wagon with the higher stance of an SUV, resulting in an intriguing, if somewhat perplexing, offering. While the Crown Signia boasts a hybrid powertrain and an upscale-for-Toyota interior, its unconventional styling and premium price tag place it in a competitive no man’s land. Let’s dive into a detailed review to see if this unique Toyota carves out its own niche or gets lost in the shuffle.
Fuel Economy and Range: A Hybrid Promise vs. Reality
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia makes a compelling case with its advertised 37 MPG fuel economy. During real-world testing, a still-respectable 33 MPG was achieved in mixed driving conditions. However, a significant discrepancy arose with the car’s range estimation. Initially, the range indicator displayed an optimistic 591 miles on a full tank. Yet, after a road trip, the actual calculated range fell considerably short, failing to even reach 400 miles. This 30% deviation raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the range estimation system, a crucial aspect for hybrid vehicle owners.
Powertrain and Performance: Seamless Hybrid, Noisy Engine
Toyota’s expertise in hybrid technology shines through in the Crown Signia’s powertrain. The hybrid system operates with remarkable smoothness, exhibiting none of the jerkiness sometimes associated with hybrids. Transitions between electric and gasoline power are virtually imperceptible. However, the gasoline engine itself, a four-cylinder unit, detracts from the overall refinement. It produces a noticeable and unpleasant moaning sound, particularly under acceleration. This engine noise is pervasive across various speeds and driving situations, undermining the intended premium feel of the Crown lineup. While the combined 240 horsepower enables a 0-60 MPH acceleration in a reasonable seven seconds, and passing maneuvers are readily executed thanks to the responsive powertrain and CVT, the unrefined engine note remains a significant drawback.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology: Toyota’s Upscale Attempt
Moving inside, the Crown Signia presents one of Toyota’s most refined cabins to date. The interior utilizes soft-touch, premium materials throughout, coupled with Toyota’s renowned build quality. The absence of rattles or squeaks contributes to a solid and well-constructed feel. The Limited trim features genuine leather seats, appealing to those who prefer traditional upholstery. The infotainment system is anchored by a large and user-friendly 12-inch display, lauded for its intuitive navigation. Crucially, Toyota retains physical buttons for climate controls, a welcome feature amidst the trend towards capacitive touch interfaces. Passenger comfort is well-addressed, with ample rear legroom thanks to the vehicle’s substantial 194-inch length, making it suitable for longer journeys. While road noise is present, it doesn’t overly detract from the overall comfortable ride.
Driving Experience: Comfort Over Engagement
Despite its comfortable nature, the Toyota Crown Signia lacks driving engagement. The steering is muted and handling feels somewhat rubbery, prioritizing ease of driving over driver involvement. While not intended for spirited driving on winding roads, the Crown Signia’s dynamics lean more towards a less agile SUV than a nimble wagon. Entering corners at higher speeds reveals noticeable body roll and a reduction in road grip. The emphasis is clearly on providing effortless transportation rather than an exciting driving experience. For drivers seeking a more composed and dynamically rewarding vehicle, brands like Mazda and Genesis offer compelling alternatives.
Pricing and Market Positioning: A Lexus Question Mark
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited starts at $52,565, a price point that raises questions about its target audience. For buyers seeking a spacious Toyota SUV, the Highlander or Grand Highlander offer the added practicality of three-row seating. However, the most significant challenge to the Crown Signia comes from within the Toyota family itself – Lexus. The Crown Signia’s pricing overlaps with the Lexus RX 350h, which shares the same powertrain but boasts more appealing aesthetics and a more luxurious interior. Given the price proximity, the RX 350h presents a compelling alternative, offering a step up in brand prestige and refinement without a significant price increase. Furthermore, the Lexus RX offers comparable dimensions and even greater cargo space behind the rear seats. Even the slightly smaller Lexus NX 350h presents a more engaging driving experience.
Conclusion: Niche Appeal at a Premium
The Toyota Crown Signia is undoubtedly a unique offering, blending wagon and SUV characteristics with a hybrid powertrain and a well-appointed interior. Its comfortable ride and spacious cabin are commendable. However, the unrefined engine, unconventional styling, and premium price place it in a challenging market position. Unless the distinctive looks resonate strongly, the Crown Signia faces stiff competition not only from other brands but also from within Toyota and Lexus’s own lineups. For those specifically seeking a distinctive Toyota wagon-like vehicle with a luxurious touch, the Crown Signia may hold appeal. However, for a broader range of buyers, more compelling options exist that offer greater value and refinement for the money.
Pros:
- One of the nicer Toyota interiors
- Wagon practicality
- Hybrid fuel efficiency
Cons:
- Noisy and unrefined engine
- Divisive styling
- Price overlaps with more luxurious Lexus RX 350h
