The New Toyota Crown Signia Finally Settles a Frustrating Debate
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia recently debuted as the second model to wear the “Crown” nameplate in the United States. It follows the Crown, a weird car that’s hard to slot into a segment because it has the characteristics of a large sedan and a crossover SUV. However, there will be no similar debate about the Crown Signia because it sports decidedly SUV styling.
The Toyota Crown Signia is a new 2-row midsize SUV
There’s no gray area in categorizing the 2025 Crown Signia. Toyota touts the model as an SUV, underscoring its “elevated ride” and “stylish crossover package.” The Crown Signia also has a higher ride height than the Crown. Other SUV characteristics include available 21-inch wheels and a towing capacity of up to 2,700 pounds. Additionally, the Crown Signia sports a hatchback liftgate, unlike the Crown’s traditional trunk lid. Viewed in profile, there’s no question the Crown Signia is an SUV.
The Crown Signia will likely replace the Venza two-row midsize crossover. Like the Venza, the new SUV has a hybrid powertrain — in this case, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors. It also boasts on-demand all-wheel drive as standard. Total output is 243 hp, and Toyota claims the Crown Signia can deliver 36 mpg combined.
In addition, the new model aims to be a more premium product. Available options include quilted leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and standard 12.3-inch displays.
Toyota hasn’t revealed specs for the Crown Signia’s cargo-hauling capabilities. However, the SUV will feature 60/40-split flat-folding rear seats with an “extension panel” the automaker claims will provide a 6.5-foot-long cargo space.
Is the Toyota Crown a sedan or a crossover?
“Crown” is the Japanese auto giant’s longest-running nameplate. Toyota says the new Crown Signia will be the nameplate’s first model in the SUV segment. However, the Crown that debuted for the 2023 model year tows the line between sedan and crossover.
Notably, the Crown has a high-riding appearance and is several inches taller than the Camry, though its ground clearance is only 5.8 inches. Adding to the confusion, the Crown’s styling aft of the C-pillar makes the car look like it has a hatch despite sporting a trunk. Available 21-inch wheels add to the Crown’s SUV-like appearance.
So, a common question is whether the Crown is a sedan or a crossover SUV. That’s despite Toyota outright calling the model a full-size sedan.
It’s just a tall, untraditionally styled sedan. And that’s almost assuredly purposeful. By blurring the line between the two body styles, the Crown can appeal to more buyers.
With the new SUV, Toyota will have 19 electrified models
When it arrives in 2024 for the 2025 model year, the Crown Signia will mark Toyota’s 19th electrified model in America. Here are all 19 models with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric powertrains:
- bZ4X
- Camry Hybrid
- Corolla Hybrid
- Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Crown
- Crown Signia
- Grand Highlander
- Highlander
- Land Cruiser i-Force Max
- Mirai
- Prius
- Prius Prime
- RAV4 Hybrid
- RAV4 Prime
- Sequoia
- Sienna
- Tacoma i-Force Max
- Tundra i-Force Max
- Venza
Although the Crown Signia will join Toyota’s lineup of electrified models, the automaker sells only one all-electric vehicle, the bZ4X. Despite most car companies concentrating on fully electric cars, trucks, and SUVs, Toyota continues to bank that hybrids are more attractive to consumers than all-electrics.
How this strategy will play out for the brand remains to be seen. However, eventually, Toyota must release more EVs to compete with automakers readily catering to EV-minded buyers.
