Toyota's Crown Signia Just Changed My Mind About Hybrids
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited challenges everything you thought you knew about hybrid crossovers. With 240 horsepower, standard AWD, and premium features that rival luxury brands, Toyota's newest Crown proves that efficiency and driving engagement can coexist. In this review, we explore how Toyota created their most ambitious crossover yet.
Key Specifications
• 2.5L Hybrid Powertrain
• 240 Combined Horsepower
• Electronic On-Demand AWD
• 38 MPG Combined
• 68.8 cu.ft Maximum Cargo Space
Features Tested
Advanced Technology Package
Traffic Jam Assist
Panoramic View Monitor
Lane Change Assist
Front Cross-Traffic Alert
11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition: A Crossover that Can Do It All
• The 2024 Toyota RAV4 H...
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#ToyotaCrown #CrownSignia #CarReview #Hybrid #Toyota #brianmakse
Being subscribed for years. Probably the only one from Chile. The reviews are so good that I watch cars we don't get in this market. Keep the analogies, now that you started with them, it is a trademark
I hate how wheels are getting bigger and bigger, losing the comfort just to look better.
yeah , I stuck with 18s on my '23
You’re absolutely right, but I don’t even think they look better!
@ I have the 2025 camry xse because I love how it looks, I downsized from the stock 19 inch wheels to 17 inch gloss black wheels for a more comfortable ride. 19's look good, but ride gets a bit rough at times.
Can one do that downsizing when purchasing the ‘25 Camry XSE? Or is that an aftermarket personal expense?
@ I went aftermarket wheels. I don't think dealer will do it, but you can check and see if they'll do the swap with another car that's in their lot.
We purchased a Limited Crown Signia in Finish Line Red about 3 months ago and love it. My only addition to your review is our data point on mileage. I drive it almost exclusively in "eco" mode. I have filled it twice, once at 481 miles and once at 895 miles with a total of 24 gallons. So that's 37.3 mpg or 6.3L/100km. And that's 80%+ highway driving.
Thanks for that info! Exactly what I was looking for!
@BrianMakse No worries. Should also mention I'm in the southern US, so mileage will suffer more in the summer when the AC has to run.
that's PHEV type range
Wow shoes and jacket to match.
Loved the video, thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
I wish they had a Toyota Camry station wagon in the US and Canada.
It's the Rav 4 😂
This is a Camry station wagon😆😆. Well there was the venza back in the day.
More similies per minute than any other crown signia review!
This is like the perfect car camper.
@@gianniclaud I have one and have been very tempted to try to find some kind of foldable mat to serve as a bed with the seats folded!
@ do it! I’ve done it several times with my prius to avoid hotel & resort fees while traveling
I use the heated seat and wheel button more than almost any other button, aside from maybe the start button. Thank You Toyota for giving us physical buttons instead of searching through the screen for it. It is even automatic too. Great!
Love the lumberjack humor. Finally a car reviewer with some soul!
I’ve been here for 14 years!
car is a gem
Nice review. While I do like the look of this, charging about 10 grand more for it above a Camry is too much, imo. Compared to the Camry, it's got no spare tire, the sunroof doesn't open, it has an older gen hybrid system, and gets worse gas mileage. It seems to be having an identity crisis, a Lexus wannabe, if you will. On the positive side, I do like the usability of the hatch, that it's built in Japan, and also the fit & finish of the interior looks more premium. Don't know if those things are worth the extra cash for basically a Camry crossover, though.
Good assessment.
I've been getting about 42 mpg driving around town and 37 mpg on the highway. Have put about 2000 miles on mine so far.
Do you live in hills? Flat ground?
@@ChrisParayno driving an even mix between hilly and flat I’d say
Really hoping Toyota comes out with a Crown Signia Platinum trim for 2026. Physical buttons for HVAC and no Lexus electric door handles are a huge selling point for me.
This is one of the best cars to buy from Toyota right now.
At a price of $45K to $53K, it sure as hell BETTER be, right? 😮
@ 43k Signia XLE is is best value for money compared to Rav4 or Venza.
You almost had me when you said VPN...LOL ! Great review Brian, as always.
Ha ha! Glad you enjoyed!
Hopefully Toyota brings the Crown Sport to North America
They’ve got to sell the NX somehow…
@@faheemabbas3965NX can still be sold with a Turbo, no hybrid
I’m an XC70 owner…I want to replace it with an equivalent version. This looks close, would be ideal with the right tires?
How does it compare to a cx 50? I've looked up some figures and height and cargo capacity seem to be very similar, crown signia seems to actually have more cargo volume with seats folded down...
Hey, Brian, I know this has washers but do those headlights get impacted in the snow? How's night visibility?
Great questions and zero issues. They clearly tested this in snow. I had the same thought. Maybe in a worse snowstorm than the one I drove through, but that one was pretty nasty.
@@BrianMakse Thanks!
looks very good
some bags and aftermarket wheels would look good on these
great review
So the rear batteries keep up with slippery conditions no problem?
Brian, I have a serious question on getting in and getting out of the drivers seat..... I am getting older and the arthritis in my knees gives me some issues every once in awhile. i used to drive an Acura TL and switched up to the Acura RDX because getting in & out of the TL was becoming annoying to my knees. So is the Crown Signia too much like getting in & out of a sedan or is it a slide in & slide out like a SUV?
Seemed a bit low to me. Best to go check one out for yourself.
@@travelershe1 Yeah I agree, but I am trying to make my list of "YES & NO" cars that I will narrow my purchase down to before I have to meet with a salesperson who will afterwards blow up my emails and texts.
Great question. I’m 5’10” and this has a great hip point for me. You should give it a shot.
@2269tah Lexus rx350 felt a bit higher. Make it clear to the salespeople not to text much. All 4 dealers I went to, sent very few. Or have them email. Happy shopping.
Another great review. I have a Signia XLE. I didn't think I would like the e CVT but I don't notice it much and it blends into the background for the most part (maybe a bit noisy under acceleration). I like it so far but would have liked a spare tire and a heads up disslplay)
I'm with you, that CVT is surprisingly smooth.
@@BrianMakse And it's very seamless too unlike in the Rav4 hybrid.
I don't agree with the "...like a duck" statement. Toyota's eCVT has essentially nothing in common with a "regular" CVT. Normal CVTs use belts and are notoriously unreliable and terrible to drive. I had a Nissan rental with a CVT one time. It was the worse car I have ever driven. The only difference pushing further in the gas pedal made was how noisy the engine was. Pushing the pedal to the floor didn't make it accelerate any faster, it just made it rev higher and make more noise.
Toyota's eCVT uses planetary gear sets connected to the gas engine and two electric motor/generators. It is possibly the most reliable transmission ever made and while getting on the gas does make the engine rev higher, it also engages the electric motor/generator to increase torque and actually give acceleration.
@@NathanKrickbelieve it or not, that line is just for you!
@@BrianMakse 😂
If it wasn't for the high price, I'd buy one. I like a useful very efficient larger station wagon with AWD.
Tariffs coming get it before price goes up
Love this car! Looks fantastic. The price however ….
It seems to sit low, seat wise. My 2014 Venza is a bit higher. The C.S. kinda reminds me of my Solara seat height. 🤔🚗
It’s such a pity it isn’t coming to Australia 😢
Nice vid. But "e-vct is still a cvt" made me chuckle a little bit. Obvs u got no idea mechanically how its diff
I fully understand the differences. They drive identically which is my point.
Correct.
And the answer ("They drive identically") of this guy pretending to have the necessary mechanical knowledge to say such bs is filled with arrogance.
I enjoy your reviews of 'regular' vehicles from the point of view of those of us who like to drive. Reminds me of the perspective Car and Driver had back in its heyday of the '80s!
I think I took their 80s ethos to heart…perhaps a little too much.
Love the wagon looks but hate black rims why no silver options
The rims are actually a charcoal grey on the Limited. On the XLE (the only other trim level for 2025) they are black and silver.
Has anyone seen one on the road yet? I got to see one at the showroom. Really impressive specs. Height is lower than the Subaru Outback, and the sits lower than an Outback, too. So, it is definitely more Station Wagon, a forbidden class in North America, than a crossover. I just paid off a RAV4 Hybrid and paying a second car, so no new car for me, but if I need to replace the RAV4, I will definitely keep this on my top three, unless Toyota pulls it off the NA market before that.
I literally drove this around on the streets of Toronto for a week.
@ I meant if people are buying these things. It would be a shame if they didn’t.
I own one and have only seen two others in the last 4 months. Loving the wagon 😊
@@wicked_smaaht Toyota is not advertising Crown much and also due to high price some people are hesitating but yeah fantastic car..people should buy this or else there are chances Toyota might discontinue this in future.
The dealer near me is selling every one they get. They are not being reserved the way the RAV4 HEV and Grand Highlander HEV are, so you can go down and test drive one. I bought one 2 weeks ago and they had 3 on the lot at the time. One of the other two was sold at the same time. I was back in the dealership yesterday (someone put the rubber cushion on the gas door in wrong and the door wouldn't open) and they had 1 CS on the lot and it was not the same one they had 2 weeks ago.
How does it compare to the 2025 Mazda CX-50 hybrid? Looking forward to some Pros/Cons and general thoughts. TY.
Mazda rides stiff compared to the Signia. The Signia feels more Lexus like. The Mazda rides far better than a Rav4 XSE though!
Check it out here th-cam.com/video/84WwkVDw3aQ/w-d-xo.html
Excellent review describing an interesting car in a saturated market of new cars and their assortments of features. You don't digress into complaining about things that the car is not intended to be, i.e. a one-ton pickup lacking leather seats and a sunroof, but make useful observations. Additionally, your colorful clichés are worth the thumbs up independently from your solid technical insights. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed. That’s exactly what you can expect here. Hope you stick around!
@@BrianMakse but you didn't explain those paddle shifters...lol. 😉
@@travelershe1 ha ha how about them sun visors?
You do realize that this “unique hybrid” powertrain is identical to that used in both Camry and RAV4… and also Lexus No as well as the former Venza? Right?
Don't whip this low tech-wise bummer, he is doing his best to make us laugh 😂
What would Lexus offer that is most similar to this?
Do you have anything that compares the Crown Signia Limited to the Crown Patinum sedan?
Is this the same engine that they put in a Lexus NX ????
If you mean the hybrids, they all share the same. RAV4, Camry, Lexus NX, Crown Signia. 4-cylinder Dynamic force 2.5L, D4S, VVT-I, Atkinson cycle, with an E-Cvt. If there is a power difference, it will be in the electric motor configuration.
does the mpg decrease in sport mode???
Nope, unless you accelerate too much.
@@Gopinathk17Exactly! Driving modes only change the responsiveness of the throttle, not the engine, so if you get into the throttle in any mode, MPG will go down. Go easy on throttle and you MPG goes up 😊
Sport mode allows you to get in the gas and decrease fuel economy, but doesn't automatically decrease economy. 29 is certainly on the low side compared to my experience. In mixed freeway and city driving in a suburban area (outside Phoenix, AZ), I am seeing 38.5 MPG.
@@NathanKrick Mpgs drastically decrease due to cold weather. In Phoenix I don't think you are using a lot of heating in the car.
@@Gopinathk17 yeah, we get opposite fuel economy down here. Good mileage in the winter and worse in the summer when we run the air conditioning full blast 100% of the time.
That's because it's actually a Camry Wagon.
Actually? Not.
Nothing like showing off a brand new car full of road salt
We have a job opening for a production coordinator.
By far the most enjoyable Test/review I've watched on YT. Perfect vehicle, just wish it had a normal, geared auto transmission.
Thanks! Same!
Look, another large SUV/Crossover! What a surprise!!!
And it’s crossover season, which isn’t helpful.
Good thing it is actually a wagon.... but don't tell anyone in US market 😊
Love your work.
I owed 2 E wagons, and for some reason, intreagued by this car!
Thanks!
Here's my only issue with Toyota, however it is bid one. Try finding them!!!
Cars are not big enough yet. I won't be happy untill a new car the size of a landcruiser is called a compact SUV😂
This is a midsize, not a compact. It has the exact same wheelbase as the Highlander, which no one would call a compact. When you fold the rear seats there is 6'6" of space, which is more than a 4Runnner.
I agree that the RAV4 has grown too large to really be called a compact crossover. The Corolla Cross is the only Toyota small enough, in my opinion, to really be a compact.
I was talking in jest about modern day car size in general and not specifically about this fine automobile.
Subaru is redesigning the Outback Wagon and oddly enough I think it looks like this machine 🤦♂️
🤔
Outback is also a Wagon but I don't think the new redesign looks exactly like this.
Nobody has seen it on the road without the camo disguise...
Good looking wagon. But 29 mpg for $60K hybrid? Come on, Toyota. Seems like little improvement vs plain ICE.
That's winter mpg with lots of heating in use..in summers it touches 37-38mpg. some people are reporting even 40-42.
I am seeing 38.5 MPG combined in the Phoenix area right now.
False, the ECVT is not still a CVT.
It is completely different and it's claimed by statistics from likes of Consumer Reports to be the most reliable, helping hybrids to be the most reliable and with the lowest TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) segment.
Riddle me this: does it drive like a geared transmission or a dual clutch?
@@BrianMakse It does not matter how you feel it (professional drivers for sure can feel the difference), it matters that it works differently from a CVT, producing a far better result as well.
@@codincoman9019 My apologies. I thought this was a rational conversation.
@BrianMakse A rational conversation takes two smart people.
I have a long history of exquisite performance as a cars fleet manager and some racing and tracking history (therefore I can feel differences you seem to be unable to feel, tyres included - that's why I get invited to all kind of drive-tests - sorry, I lied, I guess the main point I am getting invitations is because they want me to buy those cars or consumables from them).
This (of course, stupid, argument from competence) is applied for not getting on the long explanation on how cones work on the ECVT for optimal use of power and torque instead of the belts for CVT etc.
Educate yourself and stop pretending to know about cars more than the best mechanics know, it's really not good for you or for your followers. The Savagegeese or The Car Care Nut are far better in this regard.
@@codincoman9019thanks so much for playing along. This is going exactly as planned, although I was hoping for more unfounded insults. Feel free to try again!
I believe there is an extra camera/tech upgrade beyond the “Limited”. Would you recommend spending the extra $2,000 CDN?
Definitely worth considering because you are spending huge money on this so extra $2k should be okay to get few extra features like panorama roof, traffic jam assist, automatic front and reverse braking etc..
360 camera and parking sensors are excellent and well worth the upgrade. I don't use all the tech safety, but front rear cross traffic alerts are nice feature.😊
I really want the higher end model with the smaller wheels and then slightly larger 3-peak AT tires to handle any condition you might ever meet.
ATs cannot handle any condition - like any all-seasons tyres, winter and summer conditions will affect your safety.
And the 3MPS is of such a low standard that even the cheap Chinese tyres have it.
I test drove a Signia, but we could not find a 12 vote outlet or a household outlet. That means my wufe cannot ride in a Signia, because she needs to run her portable oxygen generator for any trips. Can Toyota install a 12 volt outlet? I think this will be a problem for many senior citizens who are the target market.
The 12V outlet is in the center console
It’s there.
This model is not available in the UK, which is very annoying!
Then again, if they did they’d do the uk price hike and it wouldn’t sell anyway. 🗿
Gotta love the dress and shoes with matching the colors of the Crown Insignia
I think it was partly subconscious!
In my country, driving with something on your head is revealing you as an uneducated peasant.
The only big con that made me purchase the new Camry hybrid over this is the buzzy engine of the Signia. It doesn't use the 5th generation hybrid found in the Camry. It is a noticeable improvement in power and engine noise. Once the new Rav4 comes with the 5th gen hybrid, I feel the Signia will be forgotten fast.
Mine is very quiet except when you get on the throttle....then it sounds like a regular 4-cyl. 😊
The Crown Signia has an A25A-FXS engine, exactly the same as every Camry since MY2017.
@@jdmichal5th gen hybrid engine has been retuned.
Nice Fisker copy.
Seems like it would be great as a PHEV for those who want a bit more range than the rav 4 Phev.
Don’t forget if you compare this to Outback Subaru, Subaru screen freezes in cold days. No regular button for heated seats anymore
Okay - the latest word on the street is that Hybrids are hard on engine parts having to stop/start constantly like they are designed to do. Hybrids are NOT the answer. Either go all EV or ICE - just pick one. Hybrids are even more expensive to service since mechanics have to know EV and ICE tech. Let that sink in. Toyota is still stuck on stupid IMO. Their ship has sailed and probably sunk.
This is a big lie, so why are there still Honda and Toyota hybrids that have been on the road with no issues for 10+ years
Toyota mechanics are familiar with hybrids because so many of their cars are hybrid. Also Mazda added hybrid and Honda is using Toyota hybrid tech. EV is still years out with a bad return. ICE might still work for some, but the hybrids work for many. Ten years from now we might be in EVs that don't even need charged, but right now, for at least half the population, hybrids satisfy the need
50k for a Toyota though.
I’m going to up grade my 2022 Toyota Venza XLE to a 2024 Toyota Venza Limited because it cost 8,000-10,000 dollars less with all the same features a the Venza has the same power train same engine and Hybrid system. Plus the Venza looks like a SUV doesn’t look like a sports wagon like the Crown
No, the engine has 20 less HP 220 vs 240 I bought a Crown for $2500 more than a Venza I paid $41,800 for the Crown Signia XLE
Temu Purosangue
Why buy this when you can either get a Lexus or a RAV4 Prime/PHEV?
This is a much nicer car/wagon than Rav4. And Lexus, maybe you can get a base model for this price but this is a fully loaded trim. Also, insurance and maintenance costs for Lexus are much higher than this.
And Regular 87 Octane gas
@@Gopinathk17 ok. Personally I have no desire to have a luxury interior utility vehicle id have to baby. Why bother using the cargo area side from luggage
Lol, bro bssicaly drives with the wheel pressed against his chest.
the biggest car company in the world offers this car with only 1 engine and transm. because they have no more on the shelf 😞. Thanks.
It’s all right if you don’t understand the car industry. It can be fairly complicated and involve understanding of various other things.
I have had mine for about 6 weeks now and I find it very loud and really not that smooth.
There must be something wrong with yours - mine is very quiet and smooth. Surprised you didn't discover this when you test drove before purchase?
@@mj8495 city driving ok just loud on the highway. thought it might be break in period but nothing has changed.
@@michaelhoapili4688 it's loud only when hard pressed gas pedal and then it becomes very quiet while cruising..highway rides are really smooth and quiet for me. I don't know what you are saying.
@@Gopinathk17 maybe your deaf
@@Gopinathk17it is much louder than a 2025 Camry, however it is not loud compared to most cars
If it’s made in America I’m not buying it. 🇺🇸 👎🏼
If it’s made in Canada I’m buying it. 🇨🇦 👍
$60,000 is nuts! 🤪 Subaru Outback here I come.
It’s made in Japan. Starting price is ~$44k USD.
@
Japan 🇯🇵 👍
$60,000 Canadian
America haters gonna hate. It's crazy how many people don't appreciate the gift of life in America...
@
We like normal Americans. We hate their idiot leader they elected and fascism. That’s no gift. 🤮
@@Marcus_Wulfhart
We hate Trump. If Trump is the “gift of America” no wonder the world hates fascist America now.
Nice niche vehicle, but way too expensive. They need to bring in lower entry models to make this more appealing.
XLE
@ Only the Limited is offered by Toyota in Canada. Price with taxes $68,392 on a cash deal. Lots of options out there for that price. It is a nice car but I don’t see the value there.
@@Gopinathk17 The XLE is 45K in the US, plus dealer installed options - 47K - about 7-8K more then this car worth imo.
@@nataaya7794 Don't know where you live, But here in MA, most of the dealers are selling XLE for $42-43k and Limited for $48k. It's definitely worth that price. I bought XLE for $41.2k, that's the same price of Rav4 hybrid XSE and Signia is much better in quality than Rav4.
@ Dallas TX. ok. A base XLE - maybe. A few options + BTD - TTL- no. It doesn't worth to me. See my other post above.
4 cylinder engine with either hybrid or hybrid/ turbo along w the notorious Continuous
Variable trans - I’ll take a pass
Educate yourself.
The ECVT is very different from a CVT and is the most reliable according to Consumer Reports statistics.
And your choice of ICE (I agree with the turbo being an issue for the future) or hybrid is your thing, even though you might research and find out that the hybrids are a financially better expense, being the most reliable and with the lowest TCO, according to CR).
Extremely overpriced car, probably the most overpriced one I've ever drove. Pretty cheaply built, a lot of plastic and other cheap interior materials for the price tag of 45K+, not comfy ingress and egress due to sharply angled A-pillar and low roof line, even thought the car seats pretty high, very low light low beam cut off line cuz the headlights are mounted in the bumper, noisy and bumpy ride and extremely noisy acceleration. And it's underpowered. Sound like there is no engine compartment insulation at all. And Toyota call this "raised Camry" the successor to the Toyota Avalon.... Not even close... The Signia feels like a a little nicer Camry, but 45K+ msrp is a HUGE deal breaker here...
This car sks ass boriing cp