Toyota Crown Signia to Launch as SUV Spinoff in 2024

When the Toyota Crown nameplate was brought back to the US for the 2023 model year, it replaced the Avalon as the brand’s top four-door sedan. The Crown has some SUV-like qualities, like the higher seating position and certain aspects of handling, as we discovered during our recent Road Test; but, it didn’t quite fully break into sport utility territory. In hindsight, that may have been because Toyota knew what was coming– this all-new Crown Signia, the model’s SUV spinoff.

The Crown Signia is certainly an SUV in appearance and versatility, but its underpinnings are shared with the likes of the Crown sedan. This starts with the TNGA-K platform, serving as the foundation for this “SUV-like-Sedan-turned-SUV.” The engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, combined with two electric motors for a total system output of 243 horsepower and a manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG. All-wheel drive is standard and, while we don’t expect to see many Signia owners towing, it is capable of towing up to 2,700 lbs.

Styling isn’t a total departure from the most recent Crown, but it does stand apart on its own with signature lighting and take on Toyota’s “Hammerhead” grille, paired to a geometric lower grille. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so we’ll let you draw your own conclusions. Something you can’t tell from the photos is the supposed level of noise prevention built into the design, starting with the TNGA-K underpinnings and working up to the acoustic glass, dash silencer and specially-made engine cover. Of course, we’re yet to experience this for ourselves either, but we imagine comfort would be at the top of the Crown Signia’s list.

That certainly seems to be the case when inspecting the cabin. The interior of both grades, the XLE and Limited, come with 8-way adjustable power front seats; however, it’s the higher Limited grade which receives the leather-trimmed, quilted seats, whereas the XLE features a mix of SofTex and fabric. Heated and ventilated seats are available on the Limited, which also sees heated seating in the second row; the XLE comes with a heated steering wheel. The bronze finishing on the dash, console and steering wheel is on both grades, drawing focus to key functional elements.

And speaking of functional elements, all models come with a 12.3-inch Multi Information Display (that’s the digital instrument panel) and an equally-sized infotainment head unit, putting technology right up there with luxury. Smartphone integration is standard, as is the 6-speaker sound system; though, an 11-speaker system from JBL can be optioned, should you require the extra “bump” of a subwoofer. The Limited will see a digital rearview mirror as well. Like the all-new Camry, the Crown Signia will come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, so things like Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and automatic high beams will come bundled in.

We’ll find out if the Crown Signia truly possesses sedan-like driving comfort when we head out to (insert name of scenic vista here) for a First Drive, but we can attest to the SUV versatility. The second row, a 60/40 split, can fold completely flat, with the seatbacks featuring a built-in extension panel. When flat and extended, there’s a 6.5-foot long cargo area. Not bad at all, and when you combine it with the aforementioned 2,700 lbs of towing, the “utility” side of the picture is pretty clear.

The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia is slated for arrival at US dealers sometime during summer 2024. We’ll have more on it as further details emerge, including an impending Road Test, so stay tuned!