The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Is The Hybrid Outback Subaru Won't Build
Vložit
- čas přidán 13. 11. 2023
- Toyota is bringing America what Subaru won't: A high riding "SUV Wagon" with high fuel economy, Toyota reliability, and a snazzier interior. It's called the Crown Signa. Yep. I'm not kidding, the Crown Signa. Odd naming aside, the Signia will be replacing the Venza when it goes on sale and it makes more sense than the Venza ever did.
It'll be about the same size as the current Crown sedan (and the Subaru Outback) and it'll likely be around $42,000 starting. As you'd expect, it's in essence the Crown wagon (and is sold as the Crown Estate in other markets). Here however since "wagon" is a dirty word... Well, you get the picture.
About that Outback comparison, well it's not really a direct competitor since this will be more expensive, more premium, more comfortable, likely quieter and more reliable and solidly more efficient since the 2.5L hybrid system will be standard. For some reason Toyota won't be offering their 2.4L turbo hybrid in the Signa. AWD will be standard and the hybrid system will deliver 243 horsepower and 36 MPG. Sound familiar? That's basically the same as the Highlander hybrid which gives you the same HP and 1 less MPG in AWD form.
Speaking of Highlander. I was curious why Toyota didn't just hack a few inches off a Highlander like other companies do with their "premium" 2-row offering. Toyota said they wanted to target a different customer, one that was interested in a unique look, the practicality of a lower roofline (think about lifting bikes or kayaks up there), and of course the Crown Estate was already in the portfolio.
Interior roominess is certainly a win with the higher roofline. The back seats are roomier than in the Crown sedan or the Camry, but not as roomy as a boxy Passport, a vehicle Toyota says will be a competitor. Likewise the cargo area is roomier than the average sedan, but not quite as boxy as an Atlas Sport. Toyota does say you can squeeze 6.5-foot long items behind the front seats, but I'd love to see a fold-flat front passenger seat to make things even more practical.
Stay tuned for more details as the Crown Signa goes on sale in early spring 2024 and we'll have more info at that time.
Toyota USA #Crown #CrownWagon #CrownEstate #SubaruOutback #Hybrid #Hybrid
Join this channel to get access to perks! / @aautobuyersguide
Buy Merch! aoamerch.com
The Pod: / autobuyersguidepodcast
EV Buyers Guide: / evbuyersguide
The Mountain Garden: / themountaingarden
Follow us on Facebook: theautobuyersguide/ - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Looks nicer than the Crown sedan. This is a nice balanced design, whereas the sedan is oddly proportioned and has too much going on with outer surface shapes and colors. I also especially like that they are starting to tone down the “whale face” grills on their lineup by at least making them body-colored, sometimes.
I genuinely love this thing. The current Crown is about $3-$4k overpriced in my opinion so I expect this will be pretty pricey as well, but I'm strongly considering this.
The XLE Signia ought to be a reasonably priced.
Alex, What a pleasant surprise to see some reliable, fuel efficient competition for those premium European wagons as well as the overrated Outback.😉🥳 Let us hope this leads to a wagon renaissance that includes more AFFORDABLE options as well. 🤞🤞After all, Toyota has at least 3 distinct Corolla wagon variants (Touring, Touring Sports, Fielder) in production today
as well as their Scion-style Probox. 🤩
It's absolutely a pleasant surprise. This seems to be a very balanced way to handle utility with a dash of premium sprinkled in. -Travis
@@AAutoBuyersGuide We hope a spare tire appears by the time it is ready for production🤞🤞
A wagon camry would be even better.
@@federicoraffa801 Yes, cheaper would be better!
@@rightlanehog3151+1...and opening sunroof, instead of the Venza mistake.
I think it’s a beautiful design. It’s rather Volvoesk, and I like that. I’ve always loved wagon style, sport wagons and that sort of thing, over SUVs. I’m glad this style is making such a strong comeback.
Don't get your hopes up. Toyota owns part of Subaru that's why this product exists.
*Volvo-esque
You and I are aligned! I love the sport wagon body shape
This is the form factor that America needs. Corolla Cross is too small, and nobody wants an SUV unless they want HUGE without a truck platform (Grand Highlander). Major props to Toyota for bringing this and GH to address the issue. This Crown Signia shape is perfect for a weekend golf trip, bike hauling duty, or surfing-- I just wish they made one under 30-35k.
Toyota has quite a range of vehicles at this point. -Travis
I don't understand your comment. This is far out of budget for those looking at the Corolla Cross. And people do want crossovers of all sizes. To deny that is to deny reality and thus embrace insanity.
Rav4 is biggest selling car…
SUVs sell like hot cakes, no matter what size they are.
@@terrytwo I know, it's sad.
Glad they didn't follow suit with the outback with the massive screen center console. Kudos to Toyota for keeping physical buttons for most of the controls.
👏👏👏👏
This is the best filmed video for this reveal event. Thank you for really showing the headroom and "drive shaft" hump. You can really tell what we're getting with your video. I wish Toyota and all manufacturers would offer a top trim without sunroofs/panoramic roof/etc option. I'm sure vast majority would gladly take the extra headroom vs these rarely used "premium" features.
Very well said!! My major concern with the Signia is headroom. Hopefully the XLE trim deletes the silly sunroof and adds headroom.
I MUCH prefer the size/look of this to the Venza. Nicely done, Toyota.
This is the luxury Venza that the Venza should have been.
Alex always gives us the best reviews. This vehicle makes a lot of sense since we can't find station wagons other than Subaru. I would get this in a heartbeat! Thank you Alex!
I wish we had a less pricey camry station wagon.
Your comments about the Outback are spot on. I've loved my Outback 3.6 and have been driving it for 9 years because I can't find anything comparable that I like more. I've always wanted better fuel economy... Keeping this in mind!
This should make a solid case for itself vs your Outback. - Travis
Subaru should have borrowed big brother Toyota's Hybrid system years ago. Now they will watch their Outback customers flock to Signias in droves.
@@rightlanehog3151Subaru does build a hybrid Forester for other markets. Called the e-Boxer. It’s a bit infuriating how manufacturers wine and moan about mpg requirements in the US yet already make more efficient variants for other markets.
Considering there axing the Venza for the second time, this feels like an upscale successor to the first gen Venza. Particularly in the area of interior space. I like it!
Precisely!!! Was calling the current Venza by its Japanese market name Harrier/Hairier ever an option?
I totally agree! I loved the original venza. When the second generation venza came out I was very disappointed. The Crown Signia definitely feels like the worthy successor to the original Venza
Folding down seats make this the perfect no-build camper for longer road trips. Just pack an air mattress and you can turn this into the a great national park getaway vehicle, especially with some all weather tires.
Out of all the crown exteriors this one is the best-looking imo. It's not in your face and just pretty all around. This is coming from a Honda fan.
Long time Toyota fan, current Outback owner... I'm interested in this new model, depending on price and ground clearance.
If Canadian price is any indication, it will be a few grand more than an Outback. We're getting one trim, which is likely the top trim globally, called Limited and will be $55,000. The highest trim Outback currently is around there, maybe a little more.
@@MisterMister5893 thank you!
The Crown this is based on is 5.8 inches ground clearance on the books (pretty good, considering). This version appears to have more front aero, so I guess 5.5 inches. The base Outback has 8.7 inches ground clearance. Also note that while good, the Toyota AWD implementation is different than the Subaru implementation. In short, those who really need an Outback for the clearance and soft-road performance, probably won't rush to buy this, but that takes nothing away from what is likely a very good Toyota wagonish CUV.
@@MisterMister5893 From Subaru Canada.
Premier XT
MSRP:$47,395.00
Added Accessories:$0.00
PDI & Freight:$2,195.00
Other Fees:$527.50Selling Price:
$50,117.50*
I love it! It has the best power train. I currently have a 21’ Sienna and the 2.5 hybrid is adequate and efficient. The room and versatility of a Sienna will spoil you very quickly but the Crown Signia seems to have adequate space and versatility. I’m looking forward to seeing more!
Hopefully they will be doing Signia test drives by April-May.
OMG you're the best for addressing the foot well space! This is another thing I hate about my current Toyota sedan. Glad to hear it's roomier than it at least one competitor.
I love the format of the vehicle but I am not looking for something more premium. I guess with all sorts of manufacturers cutting out base models, we shouldn’t be surprised a cheaper version is not available. I guess the Outback will keep that part of the market cornered.
This walks a fine line between premium and luxury and I think it does so well. Yes, things are getting more expensive, but this does a good job of giving you a great experience without having to pay for a luxury badge. -Travis
I'd say "Subarue-esque. Possibly the predecessor to the long awaited Outback Hybrid. I would love to know how the dimensions compare to the Gen 6 Outback.
I applaud Toyota's commitment to their very practical hybrid systems which provide great mpg with reasonable power and are earth smart. But why oh why 21" wheels?
This does look like competition for the Outback (I've owned each of the last 3 generation OBs) and hopefully is a precursor to a long awaited hybrid Outback. It appears to be fairly similar size-wise to the OB and will capture OB owners who want more comfort, better MPGs. and don't "need" as robust an AWD system (which is most of us). Hopefully Toyota's factory can meet the demand for these. That might include me in 3-4 years.
Since Toyota has a stake in Subaru this makes sense.
Great frormula Subaru's all wheel drive system and Toyota's Hybrid system.
I am in heaven.
Beautiful looking vehicle. Definitely gives me Subaru Outback Touring vibes on the interior from the front seats back. Love it
Nice review. You absolutely nailed the kind of car buyer looking at this. I have an Outback that needs to be replaced and Subaru is always a day late (actually they are typically years late) and a buck short in offering products that keep up with the market. This Crown Signia is at the top of my list. Will likely cross shop it with the Mazda CX-70.
No cross-shop there, Mazda CX-70 is a flop, exact same body as CX-90, they just deleted 3rd row. There's even cup-holders still there where the 3rd row would be.
I’m digging it. The profile reminds me of a Volvo, and should sell better in the US than the Crown Sport.
Alex looks 10 years younger all of a sudden 😮. Looking good!
Thanks for touching on and very glad to hear of the 2700lb tow rating! Should be plenty for our little camper we currently tow with an Outback, and get us all the other same practicality we love with that vehicle while offering much better fuel efficiency. All comes down to price at this point, hoping it's not going to be too too much of a premium compared to the Subaru.
I suspect the premium will be reasonable, plenty to tempt some Outback shoppers. -Travis
I have a 21 Venza Limited and this is what the Venza should have been in the first place. Disappointed that the hybrid max and 6-speed auto isn’t offered as I can’t stand the constant drone of the ECVT in the Venza. No opening sunroof? Another disappointment. Looks like they moved the turn signals out of the rear bumper which is good. Interior is a major improvement in layout and materials over the Venza. It looks like a better vehicle than the Venza and because it’s a Crown, it will be priced higher than the Venza that hits 46K loaded. I expect low 50’s for this one.
Yeah costs more then a Lexus NX
I am a current 2023 Subaru Outback XT owner. I rather drive my Subie to the local champ site. This Signia is roughly 2" lower in ground clearance and will cost ~$20K more in MSRP!
I hope the Signia gets the hybrid max power train soon! It looks great!
What is your meaning of soon? How many years?
I hope so too!
Wonderful review. I love wagens. Dad had a 66 Plymouth Fury wagon. We had an 89 Volvo 240DL. Today we have 21 Outback. Maybe wagons will return to fashion?
Wagons rule and are overdue for a comeback. It is good to see the Outback finally has some Japanese competition in our market.
The interior looks very nice. Ford called that chestnut brown color “Russet”. I also liked the red interior in the other video. I have always liked 2 tone interior, and exterior. My Aunt had a 1957 Mercury in Salmon and Black. As a kid it was a favorite of mine.
This brown was lovely in person. -Travis
I’d strongly consider buying this. Love the look and it checks a lot of boxes for me.
Yay for hybrid wagons!!!
I love that. I had a Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited that was fun to drive. It had three rows but it only got 19 MPG so this is much better.
The styling looks very elegant unlike most Toyota and Lexus models.
I Just wish you would’ve picked up that piece of foam where the spare tire goes. I want to see if I can actually put one in there. I did manage to see the orange connector through the gap. Now I’m worried I won’t be able to fit a spare. Hopefully, they just did this for weight issues.
I think the cutouts in the rear seat cargo extensions are for access to the top tether anchors for child seats.
For some reason this reminds me of a previous gen Porsche wagon but with sharp lines everywhere instead of curves. To me it’s like the the same block of stone, but Porsche decided to chisel away the sharp edges to make it theirs, smooth and flowing. Toyota’s result has left many of those sharp edges.
Looks good. Just got a 24 OBW so not for me but nice to have more wagonish vehicles.
It’s good looking car Alex. I am a big fan of wagons, though I don’t know how I feel about the grill.
thanks for hitting another homer in audio and video.
PS what good is Toyota when a buyer of most of new high efficiency Toyota models has to wait 1-2 years for delivery?
I’m so happy to see this new model from Toyota. Subaru Outback has been on my shortlist for my next car but I’m not 100% sure. Two things that would make the Crown Signia even more appealing to me: more ground clearance and fog lights. Oh and Alex, that pop out rectangular hole in the backseat panel might be for skis? Just to keep more secure & stable?
Direct Outback competition from Toyota was overdue. I don't know what those inserts are intended to do but a 40-20-40 back seat should be included in this premium price range.
Great review Alex for the Signia. I think this is a great replacement for the Venza. I could never figure out where the Venza fit in. It was about the same size as a RAV4, but with less useable rear cargo room due to the "stylishly" sloped back. Too bad the Signia won't be able to be had for less than 60k. I am still very hopeful that some day Toyota will make a proper long roof squared off wagon version of the Camry, not a complete SUV redesign, but the current body in a wagon style. That would give us a more reasonably priced, fuel efficient, practical vehicle that the rest of might have a hope of affording. If they were to offer it in FWD hybrid form in LE trim, I think it could get MPG figures in the upper mid 40's. Far better than the bloated SUV/Crossover AWD version of the Signia that only gets 36 mpg.
Thank you so much for speaking on the seating position. I dislike the recliner like position of my newer sedan and was wondering if Crown Signa was the SUV for me with SUV seating type. Looks like it's middle of the pack. How is getting in and out of the vehicle? Does it feel like stepping into an SUV or falling to the ground like a sedan?
Saw this at the LA Auto Show. It looks great.
Love it,personally I have not seen a single Crown sedan on the road as of yet.
Amazing review Alex.
FWIW, I recently bought a low mileage 2020 Outback Touring XT that has a Napa brown leather interior that feels premium to me. In fact the interiors of both of these vehicles look very similar. I do wish it were a hybrid, but I will say that with my easy-going (but NOT slow, I'm not a "hyper-miler") driving style, I was easily able to get 33-35 mpg out of the "base" engine, and in my turbo, which has 260 hp, I can get 32 mpg on the highway pretty easily. A new Outback Touring XT goes for around 44k, and I look forward to your driving reviews/impression to see if the Insignia is indeed quieter and more luxurious riding. Bottom line, is I think a lot of folks are going to cross shop these vehicles. I know I will.
I'm sure we'll continue to compare the Outback and Crown Signia when we have it for longer testing. -Travis
Love it. I’m very interested in the sedan too and wish these interior and exterior colors were available for it.
The slim DRLs and the small “slots” above them, at the leading edge of the hood remind me of the Ferrari Purosangue. Nice design detail.
Very cool! I’d love for them to release the crown sport in USA!
To me, one of the main reasons to put mirrors on the doors is so you can open up the triangle in front for better visibility so you can see if some kid is running in front of your vehicle from the right side. But most vehicle manufacturers just block it off with a plastic triangle, negating any practical reason for the mirrors to be on the doors! I wonder if there is something about that that Subaru doesn't like
I appreciate a big third brake light like that
This looks more like what the Venza should've been
Better late than never!
Signia is a raised wagon vs Venza, a SUV. It is longer and lower than Venza.
5:30 Limited trim... Yes. Limited features like lacking at least 2 way lumbar. Thank you, Toyota for your decontent efforts.
At these prices, lumar should be 4-way. I mean really how much extra are we talking? My '20 Santa Fe Limted has 4-way, plus a thigh extender
Great looking, proven powertrain and outstanding mpg. I do wonder about headroom, esp in Ltd trim with the pano sunroof, and seat height/ground clearance, which looks to be a bit lower than competing SUVs.
As the owner of a 2020 Avalon I am always looking to see what my next upgrade will be in the coming years. The Crown Sedan was really disappointing and polarizing. The Signia ( I hate the name) is much nicer with the perfect size. I have to say a part of me really still perfers the Venza though it is much smaller. That new Camry is just WoW! Amazing! I habe to say the appearance of the XSE and XLE Camry makes me question why even have the Crown sedan here.
The crown isn't a sedan there will be a crown sedan coming soon maybe next year that's what I'm interested in 4 crown in total gonna come out a crown crossover the one we have the crown segnia a wagon and crown sedan and crown suv so i guess stay tuned , by the way how is your avalon in term of comfort?
I have to respectfully disagree with your description of the Crown sedan as "polarizing". Rarely have I seen car fans of diverse backgrounds more UNITED in hating a car's design. 😉🤣
@@rightlanehog3151 Agreed! I was one of those people who defended designs like the Element and Honda Crosstour but there is no defense for the Crown sedan. The Camry now looks so good with only 4 less horsepower why would any one buy the Crown sedan.
@@robertwilliams6218 I hope the Crown Signia can save the day for the Crown brand in our market. There are two more great looking Crowns which have just made their debut in Japan and they would both be suitable additions to the Toyota lineup on this side of the Pacific.
Gonna be honest... the headlight/DLR design reminds me far too much of the refreshed versions of the Trax, Blazer, Trailblazer, etc. At least the curve like it is on the Prius would've distinguished it more!
great to see a new wagon entering the north america market. outside of mpg and a larger set of roof glass, i am struggling to find items that are better or provide more utility than a subaru outback touring xt and its 3k on the hood cash
If utility and off roadability are are your thing, the the OB still reigns. If comfort and mpg matter more, this is gonna steal some of the OB's future sales, potentially including mine when my 22 OB Touring gets replaced in 3-4 years.
I still would've highly preferred the Crown Sport instead. Hopefully that's gonna come to the States at some point...
As an Outback owner I am very interested. I’ve seen one crown in a parking lot and while nice it’s a legacy outback imo. Not worth the price. That said, I do love my Outback.
Looks good but I'd rather have a 2 row Highlander instead of a wagon. I like the Honda Passport more for the space.
Would buy this in a heartbeat. Finally a cool wagon
That pop out behind the seat is for baby seat anchor point
Looks good. Toyota avoided the awkward styling elements of the sedan. A couple of cost cutting cues with no heads up display nor lumbar for the passenger. Unfortunately this means that the US won’t get the Crown Sport. Why does every new vehicle need to be so long?
I hate the trend of having the largest diameter tires that will physically fit in the wheel well. So little tire wall on normal city streets will ride rougher, not to mention what it does to the tire and rim on any moderately bad pot holes.
The XLE will come with slightly more reasonable 19" rims.
We're gonna see these by the bucketload up here in the PNW
Most definitely! -Travis
I can't believe I'm actually going to say that I like a Toyota, but this wagon and the Prius are both rather nice. I wish Toyota would get over their fascination with piano black and I hope we see plug-in versions of the new Crown models.
Seriously, so sick of the piano black...I can't believe that they are still releasing cars with it!
@@ragweedmakesmesneezegloss black plastic is why piano black WOOD doesn’t exist in cars anymore.
But I think it’s still in new Mercedes-Benzes.
@@ragweedmakesmesneeze man,, even german maunfactures such as mercedes and audi still releasing cars with it but i thinks no one complain, idk its double standart or what because if those trend in japanese or korean cars always got complain but not for german cars
@@lightshunshine3861 I know everyone is doing it. But as far as I've seen though, every CarTuber I watch from Savage Geese, Throttle House, Straight Pipes, etc complain when it appears no matter what the country of origin.
I'm certainly the market for this (had 5 Outback) and always wanted more out of it. MSRP is probably going to be over top of my budget and then toyota now famous mark up. Outback owners probably won't be intrested.
Oh no, I like this. Brown interiors are my weakness. Been looking for something to replace my Alltrack…
Uh-oh, you might have just found it. -Travis
When Toyota killed off the last vesuon of the Venza, I was so disappointed. This is exactly what I want from Toyota
The Venza is dead, long live the Venza!
I would have naturally compared this to the Mazda CX-50, especially they might offer a hybrid variant.
As the current owner of two Volvos that need to be replaced this is a very appealing vehicle. Toyota's reliability and lower maintenance cost are most welcome!
This makes a compelling (though different) competitor to some Volvo models. - Travis
I don't see this as a direct competitor to the Outback. It's way too nice to take offroad. Also, the wheels and tires don't really acommodate a sensible sidewall height for decent all-terrains. If we were comparing against a Legacy wagon, then sure, the comparison is valid. But comparing against the Outback and especially in the Wilderness trim for the same starting price range of the Signia, we're talking apples and oranges.
We live in the world of posers: sport cars are never used for sports, pickup trucks mostly haul air, and off-road vehicles never leave the road.
As I say, in the video, it's not a direct competitor because it's more expensive. Think of it as a more premium outback alternative.
I haven’t been a fan of Toyota’s styling lately, but I like that front look…
That is one attractive vehicle. It really reminds me of those Audi sports wagons back in the day. Does it a CVT?
I would cross shop this with the Mazda CX-50 hybrid when it comes out. They both look very good to me and the CX-50 might even have a Toyota hybrid system. There's no pricing for the Signia yet but I suspect it will be pricier than the Mazda here in Canada.
The USA will have a XLE version of the Signia which will be closer in price to the top CX-50. As things stand, Toyota Canada has no intention to sell us the more affordable grade of Signia.
Great review as always! I am disappointed that the glass moonroof does not open... That is a deal breaker for me..
Very stylish Camry station wagon 👍😎
the little pop-outs look like ski holders to me
That’s a good thought, I’m still waiting on Toyota to get back to me to me LOL the guys I spoke with had no idea. 😅
Love it. Hope this will be as quiet and comfortable as a Lexus ES.
The 19" wheels on the XLE may be more comfortable than the 21s on the Premium.
Good review
That is an absolutely beautiful car. "Car" is the right term, even "station wagon." Those aren't bad things...
Nice! Hope Subaru follows with Outback SPORT !
If they are getting rid of the Venza that’s too bad. They need to bring over the Crown Sport because it would be on the top of my list since I’m shopping right now
I just don't understand why Toyota is thinking this car is to replace the Venza. With the $5k-10k higher price point, they're pricing out the mid point buyer. That only leaves me with a noisy, rough riding rav 4 or jumping to a over priced luxury car. No in-between. Being that I've always bought American made cars, i compare the Venza like to a person that wants a luxury car but only can afford a Chevrolet Impalla but would actually like a top line Oldsmobile or Buick.
I don’t know how this could possibly compete with the Outback or Passport. The ground clearance of the Signia appears to be the same as the Crown sedan...meaning essentially zero. The Outback and Passport actually have some front and rear clearance.
You think maybe that little slot comes out of the fold over part of the back seat in order to hook in a forward facing child seat ?
I am Mazda owner and I would trade my cx5 for this. This is exactly what I want.
I definitely like the styling. Call me 'Old School" but I think hideaway headlights would be awesome on this.
Nobody is doing that anymore. Too problematic in many ways.
@@MisterMister5893 valid point
I don't think they're able to do hidden headlights because of European pedestrian safety standards. I'm also a big fan of the old school hidden headlights, and one of the styling designs that I especially like is the daytime running light with the black strip above it, it almost looks like the covers for a couple of pop-up headlights
That looks awesome
You showed in the video, trunk region where the tire flat kit, is the space big enough to put a spare tire in (remove the foam) ? I refuse to drive a car without a spare.
If you cant do a trunk comfort index. Do a full laid out in the back comfort index 😁
6'5" of space back there! -Travis
That is a pretty design. Hoping they have a offroad trim, raised ride height off road tires and skidplates
The 3/4 rear view and the honches remind me of a Mazda or even a Macan a bit. I like the design mostly just not the front so much those cuts really cut into its elegance.
this looks pretty nice but.. are those *piano black wheel well accents*?? o_O
Interesting and chic vehicle from Toyota.
Would the upcoming Mazda CX 70 be a competitor to this vehicle? This is very nice but, I'd like to see the Mazda phev version first.
Just wow, Toyota nailed this one... Great looking. Perfect form (cross/wagon).
The station-wagon is back. A very Brady vehicle.
Oh my God this is coming to the United States I'm so excited I'm a huge fan of the Outback so this is absolutely beautiful and gorgeous