Toyota’s hybrid Crown Signia is a stylish, efficient wagon

Toyota is on a roll right now, largely thanks to a robust hybrid lineup and continued innovation in making fun, efficient and reliable vehicles. Where does the all-new 2025 Toyota Crown Signia fit in? As the wagon, hybrid version of Toyota’s luxury focused flagship, the Crown, it’s aimed at offering premium comfort, sleek design and efficiency.

How does it stack up? After a week behind the wheel of the Crown Signia Limited, we have a few thoughts. 

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Photo courtesy Toyota Newsroom

A bold new direction for Toyota

Let’s start with what Toyota is trying to do here. The Crown Signia replaces the Avalon in Toyota’s U.S. lineup and carries a strong legacy nameplate — especially in Japan, where the Crown badge has long represented the pinnacle of Toyota luxury.

This version comes in the form of a wagonesque SUV, with sleek lines, a sophisticated interior and Toyota’s tried-and-true hybrid technology.

Under the hood is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid setup producing 240 horsepower. On paper that sounds adequate, but in practice, we found it a bit underwhelming, especially given the Signia’s nearly $52,000 price tag.

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Photo courtesy Toyota Newsroom

Hybrid efficiency?

We’ll just say it — we think Toyota’s hybrid system in the Crown Signia feels a little lost. Power delivery is inconsistent, and the drivetrain often hunts for where it can, or should, make the most power — much like the old Tacoma used to with its confused transmission. These traits are somewhat unusual given the otherwise positive experiences with this powertrain in other Toyota products. 

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Acceleration is fine for city driving, but freeway passes or uphill climbs left us wanting more. Add to that the somewhat loud engine noises, and it’s not quite the refined experience we expected from a car bearing the Crown badge.

The regenerative braking is also overly aggressive and unpredictable. There were moments on the freeway and local roads where the car slowed itself down in a way that felt jerky and even a little unsafe.

Photo courtesy Toyota Newsroom

A classy and roomy interior

Inside, the Crown Signia feels upscale. The materials are soft touch and thoughtfully designed. The seats are comfortable with heating and ventilation. A heated steering wheel is also standard in the Limited trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, too, which are always great features.

The back seat is a real strong point. We were able to fit three kids back there comfortably, and there’s ample space for adult passengers too. However, the front seat experience didn’t feel exceptionally spacious.

For a 5-foot-9-inch driver, it still felt a bit cramped up front, especially in terms of headroom. The high beltline and sloping roof contribute to a slightly claustrophobic feel, not unlike what we experienced in the new Prius. Visibility also suffers a bit due to that sleek design.

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Photo courtesy Toyota Newsroom

Real-world fuel economy and value questions

Toyota estimates the Crown Signia at around 38 mpg combined, but in our week of mixed driving, we averaged just over 29 mpg. Not terrible, and still admirable for a vehicle of this size, but not even close to the advertised numbers. Most drivers should expect something in the low 30s.

And then there’s the price. The as-tested Limited trim we drove rang in at around $52,000. That’s a lot. While the styling, comfort and technology are on point, the drivetrain and cabin space left us wondering if this car fully justifies that price tag.

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Photo courtesy Toyota Newsroom

Final thoughts

There’s a lot to like about the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia. It’s stylish, comfortable, all-wheel-drive and has the versatility of a wagon with the efficiency of a hybrid. But there are quirks — especially in the powertrain — that keep it from being the home run it could have been.

If Toyota can refine the hybrid system and improve interior space, the Crown Signia could absolutely become a standout in a niche all its own. As it stands, it’s a good car, just not quite the flagship we were hoping for at this price point.

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