Unless they're Baby Boomers, Americans might not remember the Toyota Crown. But the nameplate is making a comeback as a Toyota sub-brand. It debuted on the high-riding Crown sedan, and now Toyota affixes it to a new 5-passenger crossover SUV called the 2025 Crown Signia.
Based on the Crown sedan's platform, the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia initially comes in XLE and Limited trim levels with a 243-horsepower hybrid powertrain and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It's not a stretch of the imagination to predict a range-topping Platinum version later on, a counterpart to the Crown Platinum sedan with its Hybrid Max drivetrain producing 340 hp.
Toyota says the new Crown Signia will go on sale in the summer of 2024. Expect prices to range from the mid-$40,000s to the high $50,000s, overlapping Lexus's NX and RX hybrid SUVs.
- Upscale SUV with 5-passenger seating
- Based on the same platform as the existing Crown sedan
- Hybrid powertrain with standard AWD
- Standard 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) is standard
- Assembled in Aichi, Japan
- The release date is summer 2024
The new Crown Signia demonstrates design restraint and a cohesive look that frequently eludes Toyota. Narrow lighting elements and a monochromatic Lexus-adjacent grille decorate what Toyota calls a "hammerhead" front styling theme. Sharp front fender edges lead into a character line running above gentle body swells to define the lower part of the greenhouse. The dark gray lower perimeter cladding signals the Signia's status as an SUV.
When the hybrid SUV debuts, the Crown Signia XLE will have 19-inch wheels, while the Crown Signia Limited will get 21-inch wheels. Five paint colors will be available: Storm Cloud, Oxygen White, Black, Bronze Age, and Finish Line Red.
The new Toyota Crown Signia seats five people in an upscale, tech-rich cabin fitted with soft-touch surfaces and bronze-finish trim.
Both trim levels feature 8-way power-adjustable heated front seats and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The XLE comes with artificial leather and cloth upholstery, while the Limited has quilted, double-stitched leather with piping and ventilated front seats. Color choices include Black and Saddle Tan.
Toyota claims it expended significant effort to quell noise, vibration, and harshness in the Crown Signia, which features acoustic noise-reducing front window glass. In addition, the Limited trim adds a fixed panoramic glass roof.
Around the back, the Crown Signia offers a standard hands-free power-operated liftgate. Toyota hasn't confirmed cargo space specifications but says when you fold the 60/40 split rear seats down, the cargo floor measures 6.5 feet in length.
When they go on sale in the summer of 2024, the XLE and Limited will have a standard hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors. A rear-axle motor creates a standard AWD system, and Toyota says up to 80 percent of system torque can flow to the rear wheels when necessary.
This drivetrain produces 243 hp, returns an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving, and tows up to 2,700 pounds. Four driving modes are available: Eco, Normal, Sport, and EV. The EV mode operates only at low speeds and for short distances, such as in traffic or a parking lot.
Toyota hasn't confirmed a Platinum trim level equipped with the Crown sedan's 340-hp Hybrid Max powertrain, but it seems perfect for a crossover SUV.
Toyota equips the Crown Signia with a robust collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). They're bundled into TSS 3.0, which is standard.
The safety feature list includes:
In addition, the Crown Signia has Proactive Driving Assist. This technology operates under typical driving conditions, autonomously adding braking and steering to provide an added measure of safety. It can also slow the SUV in curves.
Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are also standard, as well as a safe-exit system. The Limited trim adds rain-sensing windshield wipers and front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.
An Advanced Technology package is available for the Limited. It includes:
- Surround-view camera
- Traffic-jam assistance
- Front cross-traffic warning
- Lane-change assistance
- Exterior puddle lighting
With an active Drive Connect subscription, the traffic-jam assistance system can provide hands-free driving at speeds under 25 mph on approved, limited-access roads.
The Crown Signia pairs a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display with a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen infotainment system. The highlights include:
- Dual-phone Bluetooth connectivity
- SiriusXM satellite radio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Five USB-C ports (three in front and two in back)
In addition, several connected service plans are available with variable complimentary trial subscriptions. They include:
- Service Connect provides vehicle health reports and maintenance reminders
- Safety Connect features automatic collision notification, SOS emergency calling, and a stolen-vehicle locator
- Remote Connect supplies remote access to vehicle data and functions, including a new smartphone digital key for unlocking and starting the Crown Signia
- Drive Connect has a cloud-based navigation system and a natural voice-recognition system with a digital assistant that responds to "Hey, Toyota."
- Wi-Fi Connect with access to an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot
If you want an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system, you'll need the Crown Signia Limited.
With the 2025 Crown Signia, Toyota enters a sliver of white space in the SUV market. Five-passenger rivals could include the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet R/T, each plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). You might also consider 3-row alternatives such as the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Kia Sorento Hybrid, and Mazda CX-90 PHEV.
Toyota is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of November 14, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Christian Wardlaw is a veteran digital automotive journalist with nearly 30 years of experience in test-driving vehicles. In addition to JDPower.com, his work has appeared in numerous new- and used-car buying guides, newspapers, and automotive industry trade journals. Google him to learn more.
