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YARMOUTH PORT, Mass. – Toyota grew its all-encompassing sport-utility family with the 2025 addition of the two-row Crown Signia to its lineup of mid-size SUVs.
Like virtually all new Toyota models, the Crown Signia is built around a hybrid-electric powertrain which results in excellent fuel economy (39.9 miles per gallon for my extended time with a top-of-the-range Limited model) and sprightly performance (0-60 miles per hour in 7 seconds according to Car and Driver testing). This all comes in a very comfortable, modern package for five passengers and their stuff.
Powertrain with four motors
A hybrid-electric powertrain and all-wheel drive are the standard – and lone powertrain setup – for the new Crown Signia range of SUVs. Biased towards front-wheel-drive in most situations, the SUV features three of the motors in that section of the vehicle.
A 2.5-liter, 16-valves (four-valve/cylinder), dual overhead camshaft, (DOHC) with variable valve timing-intelligent system by electric motor (VVT-iE) and VVT-I internal-combustion engine (ICE) is supplemented by a pair of electric motors for added power.
The ICE produces 188 horsepower and 178 pounds-feet of torque. When the Crown Signia’s electronic control units determine the need for AWD and/or a performance boost, the rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor ups the overall output to 243 horsepower. The ECUs can vary the power front-to-rear depending upon surface conditions and vehicle traction.
An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission moves the power to the wheels and, according to testing by Car and Driver as well as Toyota’s, can result in a 0-60 miles-per-hour time of 7 seconds. Not a barn burner, but more than enough oomph to merge onto highways and then pass those dawdling up ahead. I never felt like I was lacking in power, regardless of the type of driving – highway, congested suburban areas or open, rural roads.
And I saw a excellent fuel economy during my time behind the Crown Signia’s multi-function steering wheel – 39.9 mpg which was virtually spot on the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s rating of 38 overall (39 urban/37 highway). I thought this was a great number for a 4,210-pound, 194.1-inch-long SUV.
Crown platform provides solid base
Like its Crown sedan sibling, the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TNGA-K) platform provides the basis for the Crown Signia. As such, its driving and ride characteristics mimic the four-door for comfort and maneuverability while the five-door SUV body gives it added versatility.
The basic chassis components include an Independent MacPherson-type strut front suspension with a 26.5mm hollow stabilizer bar and a multi-link setup with 21mm hollow stabilizer bar in the rear.
Power-assisted ventilated rotors are featured on all four corners of the Crown Signia with the fronts 12.9 inches in diameter, the rears 12.5. The anti-lock (ABS) brake system has an electronic parking brake as part of its complement.
The Limited trim I drove included 21-inch alloy wheels wearing 225/45R21 all-season tires.
The ride/handling combination of the Crown Signia was indicative of the engineering prowess which went into its development. I put a lot of miles on the SUV, fighting weekend traffic along the busy Northeast 1-95 corridor and the Crown Signia delivered a terrific driver and passenger experience – it proved a relaxing place despite the activity out the windows.
ADAS roster very complete
The Crown name means the Signia is part of renowned Toyota heritage, historically flagship of the brand. As such, the SUV carries top-of-the range features including its suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
The group begins with the umbrella Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 (TSS 3.0) — pre-collision system w/pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert w/steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams and road sign assist.
In addition, the SUV features blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The optional ($1,865) Advanced Technology Package my review Limited included brought additional ADAS features: traffic jam assist, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, and panoramic surround-view monitor.
Technology, amenities and conveniences fill the interior
One automotive enthusiast publication called the Crown Signia a “penny-pinching Lexus” paying homage to the SUV’s premium interior fittings, especially in Limited trim.
Power assists the movements of the front seats and steering wheel; the seats are heated and ventilated (the rear ones simply heated), while the wheel is heated. All are covered in leather. A dual-zone automatic climate-control system keeps the cabin environment at a pleasant temperature, even with the afternoon sun beating down on the Crown Signia as it plodded its way through the Connecticut traffic.
The infotainment system revolves around the 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia color LCD touchscreen with 11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio including subwoofer and amplifier, with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® satellite radio and wireless-device charging pad.
Competitively priced range
There are two well-equipped models within the Crown Signia range, both featuring the same hybrid powertrain and AWD. The XLE model carries a base price of $44,090 while the Limited’s is $48,490.
As reviewed, the Crown Signia Limited had a single option, the Advanced Technology Package ($1,865). The total price of this vehicle came to $51,850 when the $1,495 destination & handling charge is included.
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited fits nicely into the highly competitive mid-size premium SUV segment, maintaining Toyota’s position as a brand which knows SUVs and offers its customers one of the most diverse lineups of these versatile vehicles.
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