When the Toyota Crown sedan debuted in 2023, replacing the Toyota Avalon, I found it challenging to grasp its purpose. Arriving at a moment when traditional sedans were losing popularity, this higher-riding option didn’t offer the quiet smoothness typical of the Avalon and featured hybrid powertrains that fell short. My perplexity only deepened with the introduction of the Toyota Crown Signia this year.
Toyota positions it as a crossover SUV—a sort of successor to the Toyota Venza midsize crossover—yet its design and classification resemble that of a wagon. However, my confusion began to fade after experiencing a road trip from Chicago to Minneapolis in the top-tier 2025 Crown Signia Limited.
He wasn’t alone in taking notice. Its unique appearance is striking. Viewed from the side, it bears resemblance to many new electric crossovers, showcasing elongated grilles and sleek, flat-roofed silhouettes that taper into a rear hatch. However, Toyota opts for sharper angles over aerodynamic efficiency, giving it a more conventional wagon look, albeit elevated.
Crown Signia offers ease of entry and exit
I can appreciate the Crown Signia, at least in one regard—its accessibility. While the Avalon had 5.3 inches of ground clearance and the Crown sedan stands at 5.8 inches, the Crown Signia boasts 6.7 inches. A common grievance about sedans is their low seating position, which can be challenging for older individuals. The Crown Signia alleviates that concern, allowing for easier access without the awkward grunt.
What exactly is the Crown Signia?
This model serves as a taller, elevated version of the Crown sedan, functioning equally as a wagon and a crossover SUV based on EPA classifications versus Toyota’s marketing framework. The EPA utilizes interior volume to define its categories, encompassing various “small wagons” from the Nissan Ariya to the Kia Soul under the Crown Signia label. This situation might be an example where automotive marketing clarifies segments more effectively than actual classifications.
Although the Crown is relatively new to North America, it has been a staple in Japan, predominantly for fleet usage, since 1955. The Crown made its North American debut with the 2023 model year. Slightly longer than the Camry, it effectively took the place of the Avalon. Now, the Crown Signia is set to succeed the Venza, which was in production from 2021 to 2024. Initially, the Venza was a crossover with wagon-like characteristics that preceded its time from 2009 to 2015.
So, what is the Crown Signia, really?
It’s a two-row midsize crossover characterized by its wagon-like design. Measuring 194.1 inches in length, it’s 7.5 inches longer than the Venza, yet just 0.8 inches shorter than the Highlander. The wheelbase matches that of the Highlander three-row SUV. Should the rumors hold up, the Highlander will evolve into an EV for 2026, which clarifies Toyota’s motivation for introducing the larger, more spacious Grand Highlander for 2024 and expanding its trim options for 2025. The Crown Signia is designed to fill the vacancy left by the Venza and possibly the Highlander. At a height of 63.6 inches, it sits 2.3 inches and 4.5 inches shorter than the Venza and Highlander, respectively.
Crown Signia proves to be an accommodating road-trip vehicle
In terms of specifications: The Signia stands 3.4 inches taller than the Crown sedan but is two inches shorter in length. This design fosters a spacious environment for road trips without the bulk of a larger SUV, regardless of whether it includes a third row. We successfully loaded my daughter’s hockey goalie bag alongside our carry-on luggage and backpacks into the cargo area without folding the 60:40-split rear seats down. That’s good for 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and folding the seats increases it to 68.8 cubic feet.
Crown Signia offers a high seating position
The challenge with sedans is similar to the issue with opinions: it’s how others perceive them. Being seated at eye level with the door handles and fenders of taller SUVs and pickup trucks can make sedans feel more diminutive than their actual size. The Crown Signia addresses this with increased ground clearance and a higher seating position akin to other crossover SUVs. However, this design may come at the expense of headroom for taller individuals, and the windshield lacks the wide visibility afforded by vehicles like the Subaru Forester, which is known for its excellent outward clarity.
Hybrid powertrain of the Crown Signia lacks refinement
Toyota incorporates its reliable 2.5-liter inline-4, three-motor hybrid system, which operates via a planetary gear set familiar within its expansive hybrid lineup. While it’s a mainstay for Toyota, the limitations of this hybrid system become evident under more demanding conditions compared to emerging hybrids from other automakers. It can be notably noisy during hard acceleration, though it performs adequately at cruising speeds. The Atkinson cycle inline-4 and the planetary gearset are engineered for efficiency, but they can make their discomfort felt when power is urgently needed.
Crown Signia boasts 38 mpg in combined driving
During our road trip, we achieved an average of around 36 mpg with predominantly highway driving at an average speed of 68 mph over a distance of 350 miles. This fuel efficiency is outstanding for an AWD midsize crossover. Competing models like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, which also offer all-wheel drive and include a third row, achieve 34 mpg.
Pricey Crown Signia Limited at $51,305
That price feels excessive. The base model, however, is more reasonably priced starting at $44,000. This entry version includes AWD and comes well-equipped with a hands-free power liftgate, heated front seats with power adjustments, a heated steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless device charging and five USB ports. For my needs, that model would be sufficient.
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