The Toyota Crown is a Japanese car model that has been around since 1955. Over time, it has expanded into four different types of cars in Japan. Recently, after being gone for many years, the Crown has come back to North America, this time as a sedan-SUV hybrid that replaces the Avalon. And today in Los Angeles, Toyota unveiled their newest car, the 2025 Crown Signia.
The mid-size SUV with two rows is the finalized model of the Crown Estate prototype which Toyota previewed in 2022. It will keep the same name in Japan, but for the North American market, they are introducing the fancier Crown Signia nameplate to highlight its luxurious experience, and to prevent the negative label that comes with wagons in this region.
If you're curious about where the Crown Signia fits in Toyota's lineup, it will take the place of the Venza SUV, which will no longer be produced after this year's model. Its short front and rear ends and low roofline provide a sportier look than regular SUVs. The Signia could have even passed for a streamlined wagon with its ruggedized features and higher ride height.
Toyota has not yet provided the exact measurements for the Crown Signia tailored for the US market. However, it is expected that they will be similar to the dimensions of the original Crown Estate prototype. The prototype's length was 194.1 inches (4,930 mm), width was 74 inches (1,880 mm), and height was 63.8 inches (1,620 mm). This means that the Crown Signia will be just slightly smaller than the Highlander.
The dashboard looks like the one in the Crown Crossover with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment display. The system can get over-the-air (OTA) updates and offers connected services. There is lots of space in the back for five passengers, and the back bench can flatten to make a 6.5-foot (1,981 mm) cargo area.
Choose from two interior colors: saddle tan or black, both with bronze accents. The Crown Signia also offers a choice of five exterior colors: Storm Cloud, Finish Line Red, Oxygen White, Black, and Bronze Age. Depending on the trim level, the SUV comes with either 19-inch or 21-inch wheels.
The Japanese version of the SUV will be available in both hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants, but only the former will reach North American shores. As with many other Toyota models, the self-charging hybrid system features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a dual electric motor. This configuration results in a combined output of 243 hp (181 kW / 246 PS), which is transmitted to all four wheels via an eCVT (electronically controlled continuously variable transmission) with the help of the standard electronic on-demand AWD system.
Toyota hasn't revealed the exact capacity of the battery pack, but the Crown Signia has an EV mode designed for "low-speed, short-distance, zero-emission driving". This mode complements the normal, eco and sport driving modes. According to the company, the Crown Signia is estimated to achieve a combined fuel rating of 36 MPG (6.5 l/100km) and is capable of towing up to 2,700 pounds (1,225 kg).
Two trims are offered: XLE and Limited. The XLE comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, power front seats, cloth and leatherette upholstery, a six-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital rearview mirror. The Limited adds 21-inch wheels, a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, an 11-speaker JBL sound system and compatibility with a digital phone key. And all Crown Signias come standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, forward collision warning, automatic headlights and Proactive Driving Assist. The latter can apply light braking and steering when entering a curve and to maintain space between the vehicle and other road users.
The Crown Signia will go on sale next summer. Pricing has not been announced, but with the sedan starting around $40,000, we'd expect the Signia to start a little above that.
Source: Toyota