The Toyota Crown, a nameplate steeped in Japanese automotive history since 1955, has evolved into a flourishing sub-brand, offering four distinct body styles in Japan. After a long hiatus, the Crown made its return to North America for the first time in decades with a sedan-cum-crossover in 2022. And now, Toyota is further expanding the lineup with the debut of the 2025 Crown Signia in Los Angeles. The mid-size SUV is the production version of the Crown Estate prototype that Toyota teased in 2022, and it’s expected to retain the same name in Japan. However, for the North American market, they are pulling out the fancier Crown Signia moniker hoping to emphasize that it will provide a more luxurious experience compared to other Toyota models, while also avoiding the stigma that comes with wagons on this side of the Atlantic.

If you’re curious about where exactly the Crown Signia fits in Toyota’s lineup, the two-row SUV will effectively replace the Venza, which will be discontinued after the current 2024 model year. The Signia carries forward the design language that has come to define the entire Crown family, with EV-inspired styling cues, the signature “hammerhead” front fascia, gentle contours, and slender full-width LED taillights. Its relatively short overhangs and fairly low roofline give it a sportier presence compared to typical SUVs. In fact, if it weren’t for the heightened ride and some ruggedized trimmings, the Signia could have embraced the role of a sleek wagon, but alas, we can blame America’s unending obsession with trucks and SUVs for that missed opportunity.

 

While Toyota has not yet released the specific dimensions for the US-spec Crown Signia, it is anticipated that they will closely align with those of the original Crown Estate prototype, which measured 4,930 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height. This would make the Crown Signia ever so slightly smaller than the Highlander. Inside, the dashboard closely resembles that of the Crown Crossover, featuring a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. This system is compatible with over-the-air (OTA) updates and offers connected services. The five-seater layout ensures ample space for rear passengers, while the rear bench can be folded flat to create a cargo area that spans 6.5 feet (1,981 mm). You can select from two interior shades: saddle tan or black, both accentuated with bronze accents. In addition to the interior choices, the Crown Signia offers a range of five different exterior colors: Storm Cloud, Finish Line Red, Oxygen White, Black, and Bronze Age. Depending on the trim level, the SUV is available with either 19-inch or 21-inch wheels.

Toyota previously confirmed that 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 to dual electric motors. This configuration results in a combined output of 243 hp, transmitted to all four wheels via an eCVT (electronically controlled continuously variable transmission) with the help of the standard electronic on-demand AWD system. While Toyota hasn’t disclosed the battery pack’s exact capacity, the Crown Signia boasts an EV mode designed for emissions-free driving “at low speeds and short distances”, which complements the Normal, Eco, and Sport driving options. According to Toyota, the Crown Signia is estimated to achieve a combined fuel rating of 36 MPG (6.5 lt/100km) and is capable of towing up to 1,225 kg.

 

The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia will be available in two trims. The base XLE comes equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, a digital cockpit with dual 12.3-inch displays, power-adjustable heated front seats upholstered in fabric, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power liftgate, a six-speaker audio system, a wireless charger, and five USB ports. Meanwhile, the flagship Limited trim elevates the experience with 21-inch alloy wheels finished in dark gray, leather-wrapped seats that are both heated and ventilated in the front and heated in the rear, an upgraded 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, and more. Both versions come standard with eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 ADAS suite. Furthermore, the optional Advanced Technology package adds more sophisticated systems like Traffic Jam Assist and Lane Change Assist offering semi-autonomous driving, plus the Panoramic View Monitor for a better view of the surroundings.

The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia is set to arrive in US dealerships during the summer of 2024. Pricing details will be disclosed closer to the launch date, although we suspect that it will be positioned at a higher price point compared to the regular Crown (crossover), which starts at US$ 40,050. It’s worth noting that Toyota’s Crown lineup in Japan is even more extensive, featuring additional models such as the smaller and prettier Crown Sport SUV with the very Ferrari Purosangue-like aesthetics and the more traditional Crown Sedan, none of which have been confirmed for North America.